Round Lake school board approves Pleviak lease
Round Lake Area Unit District 116 has approved its end of a lease for Joseph J. Pleviak Elementary School in Lake Villa.
Lake Villa Elementary District 41 intended to close the school after this school year, but District 116's interest in renting it would give Pleviak new life.
District 116 Superintendent Constance Collins said the tentative 10-year agreement to rent Pleviak is the best option - financially and educationally - for her school system to upgrade kindergarten instruction.
"Kindergarten students will now have access to larger learning spaces and will benefit from the use of a library, gymnasium and cafeteria," Collins said in a statement before District 116 board members approved the deal Monday night. "This lease will allow the instructional day to be increased, which will provide for additional learning opportunities such as art, music, (physical education) and library."
Lake Villa Elementary District 41 board members are expected to vote on the Pleviak agreement June 9. If the District 41 board approves, the deal for the Grand Avenue school would start July 15.
District 41 cites declining enrollment for no longer using Pleviak after classes there end next week. Neighboring District 116 wants to use the school because its student population is rising.
State law allows districts to go beyond their boundaries to lease property for school purposes. The proposed agreement calls for District 116 to rent Pleviak for $175,000 in the first year, topping out at $209,141 after gradual increases over 10 years.
Collins said discussions between districts 116 and 41 regarding Pleviak began last November. District 116 officials said they've been attempting to create more space for younger pupils since 2010.
Under the plan, kindergarten students no longer would attend classes at District 116's early education center or Village Elementary School, both in Round Lake. Those classes would shift to Pleviak.
In turn, the early education center on Nippersink Road in Round Lake would get District 116's preschool pupils. Such classes have been held at a Round Lake Area Park District facility, Village Elementary and St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Round Lake.
Collins said having all preschool students in one building would afford them more time with teachers and should enhance their academic achievement.
"Preschool students will now be educated in spaces specifically designed for their grade level and their specific needs," she said.
Built in 1910, Pleviak originally was called Lake Villa School. District 41 will go from four elementary schools to three in 2014-15.