Oak Park–River Forest board approves Act Three design scope; trustees stress scope-only vote

The Oak Park–River Forest Board of Education on June 25 voted to approve the scope of the district’s "Act Three" facilities project, a motion trustees described as a vote to lock in the design scope rather than to approve construction funding.

Trustees moved and seconded the motion to approve "the scope of Act Three with an estimated budget of 84,64,977" (as written in the agenda materials). During the discussion several trustees and administrators emphasized the narrow nature of the action: the vote authorizes the scope for design services and does not itself release construction money or constitute a financial commitment for referendum funding.

Why it matters: The Act Three project is a major capital undertaking referenced repeatedly during public comment and the superintendent’s announcements. Approving the scope for design development advances planning and allows the administration to complete design documents that could be needed if the board later approves a referendum or construction appropriation.

Vote and procedural detail: The motion was moved, seconded and passed by roll call (transcript records the chair saying "the action has passed"). Several trustees then noted that additional actions and votes will be required if and when the board is presented with construction funding decisions or a referendum measure.

What’s next: Administration will proceed with the design-development phase consistent with the approved scope, report back to the board as designs proceed, and bring any future funding or referendum decisions to the board for separate votes.