Facilities assessment warns of $92M–$190M 10‑year needs for Geneva CUSD 304

The Geneva School Board heard on Jan. 12 that the district faces extensive deferred maintenance across its buildings, with a facilities conditions assessment recommending prioritized work over the next decade.

Brian, the district’s facilities presenter, told the board the assessment (started June 2025) included walkthroughs by architects and engineers and catalogued interior, exterior and mechanical needs. He said about 20% of roof surface is already past useful life, 50% of roofs will reach end of useful life within the 10‑year plan and another 29% fall outside that window. “We do have an immense amount of deferred maintenance on our mechanical side of things,” he said.

The assessment groups needs into high‑priority items—mechanical systems (boilers, chillers, condensing units), major electrical upgrades, plumbing and roofing—along with site work such as parking lots and playground replacements. Brian said districtwide LED upgrades and preventative maintenance are ongoing efforts, but added the district will need larger investments for aging systems and failing components.

His estimate for a 10‑year program ranged from a minimum of $92 million to a maximum near $190 million in today’s dollars, with escalation expected over time. The presentation included photos of aging boilers, delaminating roofing and older finishes, and a breakdown showing a roughly yearly cadence of roof work if current rates continue.

Board members asked whether upgrades would use different fixtures by space; Brian said the district plans to move to LED fixtures across buildings but will choose fixture types appropriate to each space (gyms vs. classrooms). The board praised the clarity of the assessment and emphasized public engagement and transparency as the district develops a living 10‑year plan.

The district will continue refining priorities and costs and incorporate the assessment into capital planning and community outreach.