Mundelein area school repairs underway

First up was work on the 57,000-square-foot roof at Mechanics Grove Elementary School. Crews removed the gravel and sandwiched a polyester sheet between layers of asphalt as a pre-emptive strike at bigger problems down the line.

"They haven't had many leaks but this is the time to do it," said Douglas Pekkarinen, of RRP Inc., the architectural firm overseeing the projects.

At $1.6 million, resaturation or replacement of roofs on the district's four schools and the administration building represent the majority of work to be done this summer.

It's the start of about $10 million in repairs to take place over three consecutive summer. The repairs and renovations, as well as the installation of air conditioning in the buildings, were made possible in February when voters approved two separate requests by the district.

Since old bonds were being paid off, taxpayers would have paid less on their annual property tax bills. Instead, voters agreed to accept a smaller reduction to allow the district to issue new bonds to pay for the improvements.

"This year is not bad," said Luann Mathis, the district's director of finance and operations. "New year, we'll be orchestrating quite a few" projects, including the installation of air conditioning in the schools.

Roof repairs are being done first, so leaks or other problems won't affect future work. Those improvements aren't the most exciting for students, parents and staff.

At some schools, however, more noticeable improvements are being made.

The north gym floor at Carl Sandberg Middle School has been removed and will be replaced. The free throw areas of the basketball court will be orange and a "walking tiger" will be installed as a logo at center court. Those extra touches were made possible by donations. Lighting also will be upgraded to be nearly three times brighter.

At Lincoln School, the asphalt circle drive will be replaced and gates installed so vehicles can't enter while children are present. Carpeted floors also will be replaced with tile there and at Sandburg.

The district has approved contracts in the following categories: roofing, $1.7 million; gym lighting, $49,000; flooring, $147,000; asphalt repair/replacement, $126,000; asbestos abatement, $44,000; and replacement of broken lunch tables, $58,000.

"Things are on schedule so far but it's very early," said Wells Frice, school board president.

"The key is the administration is being very proactive in monitoring the development of the construction process."