Lake County schools to decide on funding special ed construction plan

Representatives of 36 Lake County school districts will decide today whether to fund the Special Education District of Lake County's request for a $26.5 million construction plan.

The governing board meets at 7 p.m. in the Laremont School gym on SEDOL's Gages Lake campus.

SEDOL educates about 550 students with learning disabilities in programs at its Gages Lake campus. It provides services to 800 more students enrolled in special education classes at Lake County public schools.

Officials have said the three-year project is needed to address rapid growth. Enrollment has increased by more than 200 kids in the past 10 years.

The plan includes a new $18 million school for students with severe behavioral disorders and emotional disabilities, and renovation of two existing facilities.

SEDOL needs approval from at least half its 36 public member districts to go ahead with the proposal.

If approved, most school districts would pay $40,000 to $50,000 annually for the construction project.

However, several districts, including Lake Zurich Unit District 95, are concerned the vote is being rushed through.

SEDOL administrators visited several of the 36 public member school districts, including District 95, this month to garner support for the plan.