District 75 renovation to hit high gear

Movers will take everything out of Washington School in Mundelein this weekend as a prelude to a big makeover.

The to-do list includes new flooring, cabinets, countertops, ceilings, lighting and other items.

But that's only a portion of the work about to be unleashed at Mundelein Elementary District 75 schools in the second of a three-year, $10 million renovation program.

"At Washington, it'll be a huge change when students come back in the fall," said Luann Mathis, the district's director of finance and operations.

The focus this year is the replacement of the HVAC systems and installation of air conditioning at Washington, Mechanics Grove, and Carl Sandburg Middle schools.

Air conditioning district schools was one of two ballot questions approved by voters in February 2008. The vote authorized District 75 to issue $9.9 million in bonds to cover the costs of repairs and other projects.

At a total of about $6 million, construction this year represents the majority of projects identified in the referendum. Air conditioning accounts for $4.7 million of the total, Mathis said. Air conditioning was installed at Lincoln School when it was remodeled in the late 1990s.

Some mechanical and electrical work, as well as asbestos removal, has been ongoing.

"We bid out our projects prior to Christmas and they were awarded in January," Mathis said. "By them doing that, we're in much better shape for the summer."

Boilers in the three schools targeted for air conditioning were turned off May 1, and parents have been dressing their kids in layers on chilly mornings.

There also are plans to replace a large wooden play structure at Washington, and the parent-teacher organization is looking for volunteers for that project.

Last year, district work focused on roof repairs and replacement, with $2.2 million being spent. In 2010, new phone and security systems will be installed and construction work will shift to the district's administration building.

Mathis said the work to date is on schedule and on budget. School is expected to open on time, Sept. 8.