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Wilmette SD 39 outlines summer PTA projects and five‑year capital planning ahead of 10‑year life‑safety survey
Summary
District staff briefed the committee on two PTA‑funded projects (Central auditorium lighting and Harper playground requiring a village variance) and updated the board on an ongoing junior high window replacement. A 10‑year life‑safety survey slated for 2027 will guide capital prioritization and possible bond timing tied to 2028 tax capacity.
District staff told the Committee of the Whole on June 8 that two PTA/PTO donation projects will be brought forward for board approval next week: Central's auditorium lighting renovation (paid for by the Central PTO and expected before the school year) and a Harper playground replacement funded by a PTA that will require a zoning variance for a canopy exceeding village height rules.
"The village code's 15 ft and kind of the umbrella or covering over the main part is around 20," a presenter said, noting the district will pursue the typical village variance process with the zoning board and village board before installation.
Staff also updated the board on a multi‑building five‑year capital summary: a major junior high window and door replacement project is underway with materials on site; apart from that project, staff said few large projects are scheduled until the district completes a 10‑year life‑safety survey (ISBE submission expected later in 2027). The life‑safety study will catalog issues across each building, assign A/B/C priority classifications (A = address within one year) and provide estimated costs, helping the board prioritize projects and decide whether to issue bonds. District staff explained funding sources historically include operating fund surpluses and periodic bond issuances, and said the next realistic window to issue bonds would be tied to tax year 2028 collections in 2029.
Board members asked about an earlier, costly proposal to rework junior high drop‑off/parking; staff said that project remains under consideration but will be reprioritized and possibly scaled back given cost and other urgent needs.
Next steps: donation agreements will be placed on the Monday board agenda for approval; the district will complete and file the life‑safety survey in 2027 and use its findings to populate future capital priorities and bond planning.
