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Galena board hears construction update, warns of tight opening and biology teacher shortage
Summary
Board staff reported a construction schedule that leaves parts of the new high school unfinished at opening (temporary occupancy inspection set for Aug. 5) and warned of an acute shortage of certified secondary biology teachers; trustees discussed contingency plans including college partnerships and virtual instruction.
At its recent meeting, the Galena City School District board heard a detailed construction update and a staffing report that together underscore potential disruptions at the start of the school year.
The district’s staff member told trustees that scoreboard installation in the gym 'started yesterday' and should finish within the week, bleacher installation will begin next week and track surfacing is scheduled for the 27th. "The terrazzo in the commons has been... poured concrete in different colors," the staff member said, adding crews will polish it next week. Special abatement work was pushed back one week and is expected to start the following Monday, with demolition likely to begin in mid‑August. The staff member said those timelines mean parking and other logistics will be “tricky” during the first weeks of school but that the district expects to operate under temporary occupancy.
Why it matters: the staff member said the district has a temporary occupancy inspection on the calendar with the regional office for Aug. 5 but cautioned that the overall project will not be complete until next spring. That timing could create short‑term disruptions for students and families during move‑in and the opening week.
Trustees also heard that hiring for a secondary biology teacher has been difficult. The staff member said a promising candidate withdrew this week and noted neighboring East Dubuque also has an open biology posting with no applicants. The district is exploring several contingency steps: recruiting candidates who can enroll in expedited teacher‑certification programs, contracting with Highland Community College to provide ecology coursework, and, as a last resort, using Illinois Virtual School for sections the district cannot staff in person. "It's tough right now," the staff member said. "We're turning over every stone."
Board members asked about the first day and occupancy: the staff member confirmed teacher orientation is set for Aug. 17 and the first student day for Aug. 19, and reiterated the district expects most teaching spaces to be functional even if the larger construction project remains incomplete. The board agreed to monitor progress and to work with staff on communications to families.
The board received the update for information; no formal action was taken on construction scheduling or teacher recruitment at the meeting. The district will return construction updates and any related action items to a future meeting agenda.
