District 155 board approves $14.5 million in construction projects

The Crystal Lake High School District 155 school board has approved spending roughly $14.5 million for 22 summer construction projects across its four high schools and administrative office.

Most of the improvements are necessary for basic maintenance and upkeep of facilities, with a few designed to improve learning environments, officials said.

Renovations include replacing tennis courts, air conditioning, intercom systems and parking lots, and learning kitchen classroom remodels at Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake Central and Prairie Ridge high schools. The district's administrative building is getting a new roof and lighting system, and HVAC and mechanical improvements.

Most work will begin after the school year ends. Tennis court work at Cary-Grove will start mid-May but will not be disruptive to students, officials said.

"With the approval of these projects, we will be able to provide enhanced learning facilities for our students and staff without increasing the 2018 operating tax levy," said Jeremy Davis, assistant superintendent of finance and operations. "The feedback we received from students, staff and parents during our strategic planning process this fall focused on the need to improve our facilities."

For video updates on construction progress, visit the district website d155.org and social media channels.