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Joliet Elem board reviews $73,000 ACE Electric proposal to replace football lights with LEDs
Summary
At a Joliet Elem school board meeting trustees reviewed bids to replace aging football field lights with LED fixtures; ACE Electric quoted $73,000. Staff will test wiring and insulation and is expected to bring a recommendation to the board for approval.
The Joliet Elem school board discussed a plan to replace the football field lighting with all-LED fixtures after receiving a proposal from ACE Electric.
The chair said the district received an ACE Electric proposal and quoted the price: "It's going to be $73,000," the chair said. Staff emphasized the need to test existing wiring and insulation before any contractor work begins.
Why it matters: Board members said the LED conversion could reduce energy costs and lower electrical draw, while also upgrading antiquated equipment. With the existing lighting more than several decades old, trustees described the work as a long-term investment in facilities.
Details from the meeting: Staff described a two-step process: first, ACE Electric performed a lighting test to document coverage and needs; second, a contractor will test the conduit and insulation to determine whether new wiring is required. If new wiring is needed, the contractor warned that additional work could increase costs; the transcript included a separate, less-clear estimate described as a "worst case" that the meeting did not state unambiguously.
Levi, cited by staff, was scheduled to attend a follow-up before the next board meeting to review test results and supplier options. Participants also discussed seeking donated materials or sponsor contributions — for example, local energy suppliers placing banners in the gym in exchange for support — as a way to offset costs.
Budget context: Speakers said levy and project funds have already covered many planned capital items this year and that the lighting proposal would likely be brought to the board for formal consideration once wiring tests are complete.
Next steps: Staff will arrange insulation and wiring tests and report back; the district expects to place the LED lighting recommendation before the board for a vote pending the test results.
