Late start worth the wait in Lake Co.

While most students already have had homework, the first day of class for two Lake County elementary school districts was delayed until Tuesday.

Administrators at Mundelein District 75 and Rondout District 72 delayed the opening of the 2009-10 school year to avoid conflict with construction projects.

Improvements in both districts are expected to make the learning experience worth the wait. That is particularly true in District 75, which has been renovating its four schools for the last two years.

The work was made possible with voter approval in early 2008 of two bonds totaling about $10 million to fund repairs and life safety projects and install air conditioning.

"It's kind of hard to see the new heating and air conditioning but you'll feel the breeze. It's a tremendous gift from the community," Superintendent Cynthia Heidorn said. "We've removed 15-year-old carpeting and put in tile floors. We think that's healthier. The classrooms will be brighter and more energy efficient."

Buildings also have new roofs and there are new cabinets, countertops and lighting in classrooms. At Washington School, parents and students arrived to a new circle drive.

"We've completed 80 percent of the referendum projects," Heidorn said. "Next year, we'll work on phone and security systems."

New computers for teachers and students also are on the horizon.

Throughout its long history, Rondout on Bradley Road near Lake Forest, has been a single school district. But modern times had finally caught up and a jump in enrollment led to a major addition.

"We built a new gymnasium with the mindset that the community will be able to use it after school hours," said Karlene Jacobs, vice president of the District 72 school board. "We also added a couple of classrooms because our enrollment has increased about 35 percent in the last three or four years."

That number is relative, as the total enrollment remains less than 200, but facilities had become too cramped.

Altogether, the expansion amounted to about 15,000 square feet including the new gym, which won't be ready for a few weeks. The old gym has been converted to a multipurpose room with a stage.

While both districts started late, they will make up the time at the end of the year, making for a shorter summer vacation for students in 2010.