District 303 master plan on buildings coming together

It's been 14 months since the St. Charles Unit District 303 board approved a $166,500 contract to develop a facility master plan to guide schools through the next decade of building upgrades.

Despite the challenges that soon arose because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work continues.

Dan Kritta, a partner at Palatine-based Wold Architects and Engineers, provided a progress update at Wednesday's District 303 Citizens Advisory Committee meeting. He reported that focus groups composed of community members toured eight schools in early December to get a firsthand look at the work needed to bring them up to date. The district's last facility master plan was completed in 2008.

"We had a follow-up meeting after the tours to debrief so all the focus groups individually could talk about what they saw more in terms of the lens that their group is focused on," Kritta said. "So the physical conditions, the community spaces and the learning spaces."

The Educational Facility Planning Committee - divided into the three groups mentioned by Kritta - is working under the guidance from the school board "to accommodate enrollment, instruction, programs and supports over the next 10 years that is financially sustainable."

While recognizing some of the recommendations may not be feasible because of financial constraints, Superintendent Jason Pearson encouraged the committee to return with an expansive wish list.

"I think it's important that first we hear the dream," Pearson said. "What is the whole list? It is quite possible that over the next few years we are going to be able to accomplish all of that."

The committee plans to submit its final report to the school board on April 12.

District 303 spokeswoman Carol Smith said the school tours on Dec. 2-3 definitely helped the process.

"I was just so impressed by the thoughtfulness and how our committee members really went in with their eyes wide open and with no preconceived notions," she said.