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District outlines Perry Elementary’s physical constraints and multi‑million dollar repair options
Summary
Belvidere CUSD 100 staff described Perry Elementary’s age, accessibility needs and estimated repair costs (Phase One ~$6.8M with a possible additional $7–9M) and said design work is scheduled for July 2026; the board signaled it is considering closure amid capacity and demographic projections.
At the start of an April 6 public hearing Belvidere CUSD 100 staff summarized the district’s facilities master plan and the work included in Phase One, and laid out figures for Perry Elementary’s repair needs.
Dr. Shug said the district began a long‑range facilities planning process in 2022 to assess building conditions, enrollment trends and program needs, and that Phase One — approved by the board in September 2024 — focuses on urgent safety, security, roofs, HVAC and accessibility upgrades. He said Phase One’s scope across the district is roughly $6.8 million and that Perry is included for some Phase One upgrades (secure entry, office remodel, ADA work including an elevator and restroom and roof restoration), while a potential additional investment of $7–9 million would be required to address other work items such as LED lighting, sprinklers, a PA system and emergency generator.
Dr. Shug described Perry as built in 1897 with additions in 1954; he said the building is multi‑story, not ADA accessible, and has an estimated replacement value of $17.5–18.5 million. Enrollment at Perry was described in the presentation as about 175 students, with roughly 275 students in the school boundary. He said the district scheduled detailed design for Perry in July 2026 and that the scope and complexity of work are reasons the board is considering closure alongside demographic projections showing limited growth and available capacity at other elementary schools.
Speakers during the public comment period challenged the district’s procurement and cost information and asked the board to explain changes in earlier cost estimates. The district’s presentation provided the Phase One baseline numbers and programmatic priorities but did not settle several community questions about procurement costs, Polk building expenditures and outside‑contractor hiring that were raised by commenters.
Next procedural steps were not recorded as a formal board vote in the hearing; the meeting closed after public comment with an adjournment at 6:45 p.m.
