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Skokie SD 68 facilities director details Highland Elementary renovations and geothermal HVAC work
Summary
Director of Operations Ernie Nelson gave a summer capital-projects update describing HVAC replacement with geothermal systems, new library casework and gym air conditioning at Highland Elementary, plus storm-detention work under a new parking lot for the early childhood center.
Ernie Nelson, Skokie SD 68's director of operations, told the board the district completed major renovation work over the summer at several elementary schools, highlighted by a near-complete renovation at Highland Elementary and installation of a geothermal HVAC system.
Nelson described removing an entire old HVAC system and installing ground-loop geothermal piping that extends down approximately 500 feet to take advantage of a consistent ground temperature. "One of the bigger ones was the HVAC system, so we had to go in entirely remove the entire HVAC system... installation of the geothermal systems, which is a field of pipe that leads into our building..." he said. He also noted new cabinetry and bookshelves, gym air conditioning at Highland, and concrete saw-cutting and new sewer lines in the main hall.
Nelson showed recent photos and renderings of the early childhood center parking-lot work and playground plans and said the front parking lot had just been installed and lined for staff use on the first day of school. He reported that the district's 10-year life/safety audit urgent items have been addressed across elementary schools, with a few nonurgent items remaining at Old Orchard.
Board members and administrators thanked facilities staff for the summer work and noted custodial teams were temporarily redeployed to help ready Highland for students. The update did not request board action; it served as an informational briefing ahead of the school year start.
