Board approves notice to proceed for restroom renovation, asks for lifecycle costs and mock-up

The Lake County Schools Board voted April 13 to issue a notice to proceed to final design for a restroom renovation project after reviewing four budget/option tiers and discussing maintenance and longevity tradeoffs.

A project presenter (S3) asked trustees to approve the notice to proceed and to provide guidance on finish and maintenance preferences so the design team can refine costs and return May 11 with firm fixed numbers. The team detailed four price ranges and said the major cost drivers are partition material, wall finish (tile vs. FRP), window replacement and floor selection. "We're asking for tonight are two things. One, we're asking you to approve the notice to proceed to final design," the presenter said, and asked for board direction on quality and maintenance expectations.

Trustees questioned lifecycle differences between poly (epoxy/resin) flooring and tile, and asked for a mock‑up and maintenance recommendations, including approved cleaners. The project team agreed to provide lifecycle cost estimates and to mock up a poly floor with a tile wall to help trustees weigh upfront costs against long‑term maintenance savings. One board member suggested targeting a budget closer to $400,000 for the scope under consideration.

A motion to move forward with the notice to proceed was made, seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote. With board direction, the design team will seek firm bids and return May 11 so construction can proceed in the summer window if approved.

Next steps: staff will deliver lifecycle cost comparisons for polymer vs. tile floors, specify cleaning products and present a mock‑up of the proposed finish combination ahead of the May 11 meeting.