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U-46 board hears progress reports on Unite U46 projects and budget outlook
Summary
District staff told the board that multiple Unite U46 construction projects are on track and that program-level costs remain within the voter-approved $380 million referendum framework, though some sites show modest increases while others came in under estimates.
The U-46 Board of Education received a districtwide facilities update on June 15, 2026, reporting progress at multiple school projects and an overall financial snapshot of the Unite U46 capital program.
Brian Lindholm, chief of staff, and Dr. Anne Williams, deputy superintendent of operations, reviewed work at Kimble Middle School, Canyon Woods, Legacy Middle, Century Oaks Elementary, Glen Brook Elementary, Illinois Park Elementary and the new Elgin elementary school site. Lindholm highlighted milestones including a planned substantial completion at Kimble on July 31 and geothermal well completion at Century Oaks; crews were mobilized for demolition and additions at several sites and ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking events were planned for late summer and fall.
Dr. Williams summarized program finances, noting that projects are at different stages and “some projects are tracking slightly above their original planned estimate while others are tracking below,” and that the district remains aligned with the voter-approved $380 million referendum framework. She told the board that projects underway represent roughly $330 million of the program and cited specific drivers: approximately $1.9 million of previously approved additional scope at Kimell to integrate an addition, modest cost increases at Century Oaks tied to site work and temporary mobile classrooms, and HVAC and stormwater scope growth at Illinois Park. By contrast, competitive bids for the new Elgin elementary came in several million dollars below planned estimates.
Board members asked how individual project overruns would be managed at the program level. Dr. Williams said the district monitors pluses and minuses across the portfolio and that intentional scope decisions (for improved long-term value) account for some of the upward movement.
The board heard schedule details for school openings and transitional arrangements: Century Oaks crews aimed to substantially complete a classroom addition by early August, while Glen Brook will remain closed for a full year with students relocated for the 2026–27 school year. The presentation also previewed plans for ribbon-cutting ceremonies and a September groundbreaking for the Elgin elementary site following demolition of the former David C. Cook facility.
The session closed with recognition of project staff and no formal action beyond updates; the Board will receive future cost and schedule updates as the district moves toward the next construction season.
