Architects presented a $145 million proposal to renovate Park Ridge-Niles District 64 schools to the Board of Education at its Feb. 22 meeting. The changes would update the district’s two middle and six elementary schools, some of which are close to the 100-year mark.
A representative from Wight Architects, hired by the Board of Education to update the Master Facility Plan, said the renovations would cost an estimated $145 million if the board accepted all of the proposals. The proposed renovations include structural and safety improvements like HVAC and plumbing, fixing flooding issues and building additions to accommodate special needs education and classrooms for career and technical education.
Some board members indicated they were happy to see the ambitious plan that would overhaul the district’s schools but were concerned that the heavy cost of the renovations would be burdensome on residents, who, along with businesses, pay property taxes to fund the district. Board Member Rachel Georgakis said the proposal was a “dream list. I love all of it. I don’t love the price tag.”
The district’s Chief School Business Official, Adam Parisi, said the board doesn’t have to approve all of the proposals.
“The goal here for tonight is to just put it all out there and kind of have a little bit of discussion so we know where to go next,” said Parisi.
At $55 million, Lincoln Middle School would receive the most funds under the current proposal. The highlights of the renovations would include:
● Build a one-story addition for multipurpose room/cafeteria and student commons.
● Relocate the band, orchestra, choir area with practice rooms.
● Renovate the gymnasium locker rooms, new bathrooms, lockers, and health classroom.
● Renovate the Science labs and add prep rooms.
● Renovate the classrooms throughout building including flooring, lighting, and ceilings.
● Upgrade the HVAC system.
● Replace the plumbing and fire alarm systems.
● Replace the electrical system throughout the building.
● Fix foundation and flooding issues.
● Repair and replace parking lots and maintenance ramp.
● Replace fencing outside building.
● Replace outdoor fields with artificial turf.
Emerson Middle School would receive the second most funding at $30 million. The highlights of that school’s renovations would include:
● Expanded band room to accommodate larger group of students.
● HVAC replacement including controls, fire alarm.
● Career and Technical Education classroom suite with offices and storage.
● Life Skills classroom with ADA toilet.
● Added student waiting area near main office.
● Upgraded science labs throughout building.
● Added areas to accommodate small group testing.
● Added additional offices for collaboration amongst staff.
● Added mother’s room near main offices.
● Renovated broadcasting space.
● Replace fencing outside building.
● Replace outdoor fields with artificial turf.
The district’s six elementary schools will receive a combined $60.4 million. Jefferson School would receive the least funding, at $2.06 million. The elementary schools would get a combination of new flooring, lighting, and doors with replacements to the buildings’ HVAC, plumbing water lines, building automation system, fire alarm systems and roofs.
Parisi said that if the Board decided to wait to make the renovations, it would have to pay 4% more on average every two years it waits, due to inflation.
The upgrades to LED lights and water-conserving flush valves would save the district an estimate of $839,000 over 10 years, according to Parisi.
Parisi also presented four options on how the district could issue bonds through voter referendums. On a home worth $500,000 the $100 million referendum would make a monthly impact of $37.33. On a $175 million referendum, the monthly impact on the same home would be $65.33.
District 64 has schools in Park Ridge and Niles. Maine Township High School District 207 includes the same area, and it just spent $240 million to renovate its three high schools, paid for by residents’ and businesses’ property taxes. Those included Maine South High School and Maine East High School in Park Ridge and Maine West High School in Des Plaines.
The board will meet again at a special board meeting on March 6 to discuss the Master Facilities Plan.