Roselle SD 12 board approves up to $1.5 million for accelerated school facilities work

The Roselle School District 12 Board of Education voted March 16 to approve an accelerated capital projects plan that would allow the district to spend up to $1.5 million in fiscal year 2026 to address prioritized facilities and accessibility needs.

Superintendent Dr. Henderson presented the proposal, saying the estimate would cover about 85–90% of the items identified in the district facilities plan and would let the district lock in project management and subcontractor pricing now rather than spreading the work over five years. She highlighted a middle-school project to add single-use, accessible bathrooms and to relocate the nurse’s office so the school has three bathrooms in that area.

The district’s operating fund balance was reported at 62.03% at the start of FY26; the administration’s projection showed the fund balance declining to an estimated 55.61% if the board approved the full $1.5 million package. Dr. Henderson told trustees that even after the spending the district would remain well above the board’s 25% policy minimum.

Board members asked detailed questions about scope and costs, including architect fees and the role of the construction manager. Administration said bringing the construction manager in early produced more reliable subcontractor pricing and reduced the risk of later change orders.

Board members expressed broad support for accelerating the work to avoid higher future costs and to address student-accessibility concerns that are affecting daily operations. The board moved and seconded the measure and approved the capital funding by roll call vote.

The district said the spending is focused on maintenance, accessibility and long-deferred upkeep and will allow future conversations about larger projects (for example, a full-size gym or district preschool options) once the maintenance list is completed and costs are known.