Construction will prep West Chicago high school for addition
It is hard to believe we have just a few weeks of school left in the 2017-18 school year at West Chicago Community High School. Graduation for the 500 seniors who comprise the Class of 2018 is May 23. The last day for all other students is May 24.
Once students and staff leave for the summer, quite a bit of infrastructure work will take place in preparation for a second story addition that will be started the following summer.
While most of this summer's work will not be visible once completed, it is necessary to replace aging equipment that is way beyond its life expectancy and no longer able to sustain repairs for the safety and comfort of our students and staff.
Among the work to be completed is the replacement of air handler units originally installed as part of the 1965 and 1978 additions, as well as a new building control system. Plumbing and other infrastructure upgrades complete the behind-the-scenes work.
Changes that will be more visible this summer include replacing all of the lighting in the athletic facilities with LEDs, the renovation of the pool entrance and lobby area, the total renovation of the girls pool locker room, and the replacement of the 1970s-era bleachers in Bishop Gym, the small gym and the pool.
The final upgrade is to replace the lighting and sound systems in Weyrauch Auditorium.
The total cost of these projects is estimated at $7,845,000.
Access to the building will be limited in the affected areas. Signage and barricades will be clear so visitors know what areas to avoid.
We are grateful for the support our community showed a year ago by approving financing for facility work. Our school board continues to be good stewards of the community's resources, resulting in a safe, comfortable and, ultimately, inspiring learning environment for our high school students for many generations to come.
• Doug Domeracki is superintendent of Community High School District 94 in West Chicago. His column runs regularly during the school year.