Glenbard plans $5 million in facility improvements
Glenbard High School District 87 officials are planning $5 million in facility improvements at their four high schools and administration center next year as part of the district’s annual capital projects program.
The proposed projects, announced this week, include life-safety items, energy saving measures, projects from the district’s facilities survey, and building needs determined from routine inspections and curriculum changes, according to Bob Verisario, director of facilities and transportation services.
He told school board members Monday that the proposed work “scratches the surface” of the district’s long-term facility needs, which amount to more than $100 million in proposed projects officials hope to implement in 2014.
“We don’t always use the word ‘want.’ We always use the word ‘need.’ And there’s a lot of needs here,” Verisario said.
The list of improvements, developed by district and building administrators, Legat Architects and Amsco Engineering, includes:
Glenbard North: Resurfacing of the interior field house floor, including the running track and infield ($278,367), and renovation of a pair of student bathrooms ($201,375).
Glenbard South: Removal and replacement of asphalt paving at Raider Lane, the west entry drive ($231,581) and replacement of mechanical variable air volume boxes on one floor of the classroom tower, including replacement of the suspended acoustical tile ceiling system and lights in some corridors ($194,663).
Glenbard East: Removal and replacement of the four east-side tennis courts ($395,835) and removal and replacement of asphalt paving and curbs in a portion of the south parking lot ($241,650).
Glenbard West: Renovation of the existing boys athletic locker rooms to provide additional locker space and providing ADA compliant toilet and shower facilities and space for supervisors ($444,703), and removal and replacement of the exterior running track at Duchon Field, including grinding down and installing a new asphalt base ($232,931).
“That track is in very poor condition,” Verisario said. “We’re going to rip it up to the base, see what’s under there, and resurface it if needed.”
More than half of the proposed projects are classified as safety improvements, officials said.
Verisario said the costs are just estimates; more precise numbers will be known after the bid process is complete.
The school board is expected to formally approve the projects Dec. 17, after which specifications will be completed over winter break. Projects will go out to bid in February and the board will grant final approval in April.
The work is expected to take place over the summer when school is not in session.