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Lake County board approves variance to begin consolidation of Oak Park and Carver middle schools
Summary
The Lake County School Board voted to approve a variance allowing the district to use continuing contracts and spend up to $7.5 million to begin design, pre-construction, demolition and renovation work to combine Oak Park Middle School and Carver Middle School; design work will be led by Little Diversified and DNA Construction Group will provide pre-construction services.
The Lake County School Board voted to approve a variance and related contracts to begin consolidating Oak Park Middle School and Carver Middle School, the board said at its regular meeting. Superintendent recommended approval of agenda items 11.02 through 11.05, and the motion passed by voice vote (three ayes).
Chad Farnsworth, deputy superintendent, told the board the variance in item 11.02 "puts us in line with state statute for continuing contracts allowing us to spend up to 7.5 million," a change he said is needed so the district can proceed with design and early construction work. Farnsworth summarized two community listening sessions held June 2 at Oak Park and June 4 at Carver, saying attendance and reaction were enthusiastic and that parents, students and staff attended.
A principal representing both schools, speaking at the meeting, said the staff and community "stand in solidarity and unity" behind the project and that "we are stronger together," framing the consolidation as an opportunity to expand programs and give middle-school students earlier access to educational and extracurricular resources now concentrated at Leesburg High School.
The board approved a design agreement with Little Diversified (listed in the meeting as the design professional) and pre-construction services with DNA Construction Group under continuing contract. The approved work includes demolition of the Carver Middle area that will become a new media center in July 2026, capital renovations at Carver, and a planned classroom addition at Leesburg to be included in the 2027—2031 capital improvements plan. The board also authorized a guaranteed maximum price agreement with DNA Construction Group for finishing work related to the project.
Board members who attended the listening sessions voiced support. One board member, identifying himself as a product of Carver Middle School and Leesburg High School, said bringing students together earlier could reduce routine middle-school conflicts and better position students for high-school opportunities. Board members thanked staff and district leaders for moving the process forward quickly.
The superintendent also noted a condolence letter sent to transportation trainer Kathy Yasko and her family on the death of her husband, Alan, and the board recognized risk-management staff for successful property and casualty insurance renewals included on the consent agenda.
Next steps: the district plans to begin demolition work on the Carver media area in July 2026 and proceed with the design and pre-construction services authorized by the board. The meeting adjourned without further action.
