Mundelein High School moves forward on construction plans

One week after voters approved a plan to raise $10 million to pay for campus improvements, the Mundelein High School board on Tuesday hired a construction manager for the projects.

IHC Construction Companies, an Elgin firm that already had been working with the district to develop cost estimates and engineering services, will oversee the construction work to be funded under the proposal. Plans call for roofing repairs, a new running track, the installation of artificial turf on the football field, upgraded bathrooms and other changes.

A contract with IHC has not yet been prepared and will require a separate vote at a future meeting, according to a district memo.

The plan voters approved April 5 will raise $10 million over three years by extending the district’s debt. Administrators have three years to use the money.

Officials say the move will not increase taxes. In seven years, the district’s tax rate will decrease once the loans are paid off, officials have said.

At the same board meeting Tuesday, representatives from IHC and Legat Architects gave school officials a sheet of updated cost estimates for the eight projects officials had targeted ahead of Election Day.

Four of the estimates increased from the previously publicized estimates, which were developed in 2007. Four others decreased.

For example, installing artificial turf and replacing the running track could cost about $2.6 million, up from $1.6 million. Conversely, the roofing work now is expected to cost $948,519, down from $1.1 million.

Overall, officials now think the projects will cost $9.4 million, down from $10 million. The actual costs won’t be known until construction companies submit bids.

The board will hold a special meeting next Tuesday, April 19, to select projects for planning and construction, among other business.