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North School permit delays push district to explore contingency classroom plans
Summary
Officials told the CCSD 62 board that North School construction is awaiting final approval from the water-reclamation district and may not be ready for the first day of school; district staff described contingency plans including off-site classrooms and in-house alternatives.
District staff told the CCSD 62 Board on March 16 that construction at North School is close but still awaiting final permit approval from the water-reclamation district, and officials said that, if the permit is delayed, the school may not be ready for the first day of classes.
Mr. Berliozzi (speaker 15), who provided the construction update, said city staff concurred the district is "very close" to final approval but that the multi-stage permitting process is lengthy and out of the district's direct control. Superintendent (speaker 1) and project staff said the district has been planning multiple contingencies: temporarily housing up to five kindergarten classrooms off-site, modifying in-house layouts or delaying occupancy for parts of the project.
Berliozzi described the foundation and site work constraints at North and said issues such as weather, resources and outstanding permits remain the principal risks to opening. Central School and other sites were reported as progressing on schedule; furniture deliveries and occupancy inspections were anticipated after spring break for some projects.
Why it matters: A delayed North School opening would directly affect incoming kindergarten families, daily operations, transportation and meal service logistics. Planning alternatives could be disruptive to students and staff.
What's next: District staff said they expect to hear about final approvals soon and will brief the board on contingency plans; no formal vote was taken at the meeting.
Quote: "Once we get approval, can you guys give it your blessing shortly thereafter... I'm really hoping for this week," Berliozzi said of the North School permit status.
