Mundelein High sees wish list of upgrades

A community group has developed a wish list of improvements for the Mundelein High School campus.

Extending the life of the plumbing system and improving traffic flow in the parking lots were among the priorities the Mundelein Parents and Community Together group developed.

The group also came up with a list of issues that should be addressed when district leaders next look at the school's space needs. For example, it said the school should investigate creating 20 additional classrooms, increasing the size of science labs and enlarging the cafeteria.

The community group developed the priorities following a presentation from Legat Architects about the current state of school facilities.

The group came up with a list of 10 recommended improvements:

• Extend the useful life of the plumbing system.

• Replace 87 percent of the roof.

• Update electrical systems.

• Improve energy efficiency and air quality of the heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

• Add synthetic turf to the football field and replace the track.

• Repair or replace auditorium seating and examine auditorium acoustics and stage improvements.

• Deepen the pool to address code changes and improve conditions for competitions.

• Upgrade automated systems such as the clocks and intercom.

• Improve traffic flow in the parking lots.

• Update walls, doors, floors and other elements that are in disrepair.

As for the district's space needs, the committee prioritized improvements but also established several conditions. According to the group, officials should avoid:

• Reducing graduation requirements.

• Using mobile classrooms.

• Increasing class sizes.

• Adopting a split-shift schedule.

• Cutting programs.

• A year-round schedule.

• Losing green space.

• Losing parking spaces.

• Selling the nearby Village Green Golf Club, which it purchased a few years ago, as long as possible.

The committee's next meeting is set for Jan. 24 in the school cafeteria. Academic programs will be the focus of the discussion.

Although open to the public, registration is required. To register, call (847) 949-2200, ext. 1210, or send an e-mail to m-pact@mhs.k12.il.us.