Board approves Hersey High abatement and student‑services renovation; administration outlines phased timeline

The Township High School District 214 board voted Oct. 10 to approve abatement and renovation work for John Hersey High School’s student services/main office area, receiving a presentation that outlined a phased schedule and a projected completion target of next June.

Administration ran a 3‑D rendering and described the scope: a new secured main entrance and reception, a College and Career center, student services pods for counselors, deans and social workers, lounge spaces and a coffee/concession area that will serve the gym. The presenter said abatement for the main office and student services would occur over winter break, with additional abatement and construction work staged during summer to complete the full scope.

Timeline given to the board: mobilize after Thanksgiving; complete winter‑break abatement for the main office and student services; continue remaining work the following summer with a June target for punch‑list completion. Administration said they will phase the work to limit classroom disruption and will use secured barriers to separate construction zones.

Parents at a Hersey PTC meeting had raised concerns about the loss of parking for staff during construction; administration told the board contractors will observe walk‑distance provisions and limit parking impacts. The board approved the abatement motion on roll call during the operations agenda.

Board members thanked the presenters for the detailed walk‑through and noted the pod layout is intended to centralize student supports (deans, counselors, social workers) to foster quicker access to services.