Dist. 87 looks at updating capital plan

Glenbard High School District 87 officials want to update a long-range capital plan that would address buildings and grounds needs at the district’s four schools.

At a board of education workshop meeting Monday, Chris McClain, the assistant superintendent for business services, said now is a good time to update the plan since market rates are favorable to finance bonds and the construction environment is good because of potential savings in labor and equipment.

He also said cost savings can be accelerated in energy and corrective maintenance. And, he added, there’s a desire to match all facilities to the districtwide college preparatory curriculum.

The most recent capital project list was created in 2002, but it’s likely the new plan wouldn’t discard that information, McClain said.

Legat Architects, which the district already has hired for design work, submitted a proposal last week to do initial master planning work for $63,000, McClain said. That proposal will be presented to the board at a meeting Feb. 7.

The board also could decide to put out a request for proposals. A decision is expected at the Feb. 21 board meeting.

McClain presented the board with four potential options for funding capital projects: Using money from the operating budget at current levels, which would be around $1.5 to $2.5 million per year; place a referendum on the ballot asking voters to approve a $50 to $75 million bond issue; incur a $40 million to $50 million debt service, funded through the operating budget; enter into a performance management contract and incur debt of $40 million to $50 million, funded through the operating budget.

Capital projects would be categorized by classroom renovation, common area renovation, outdoor facilities, building envelope and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, McClain said.