Wauconda High track repairs top Dist. 118's priority list

Wauconda Unit District 118 board members put repairs to the high school track at the top of their list after a yearly facilities tour.

Superintendent Dan Coles said the track has been patched several times over the years, but officials know the patches can't hold much longer.

The track's condition right now poses a safety concern, because people could easily trip on the rough spots, said board Vice President Maggie Liddell.

The walk-through provided the board the opportunity to see the problems caused by the aging track. Without a new track, the district might be unable to host track meets, she said.

The estimated cost of tearing out the old track, putting in the new track and adding some additional lanes would be somewhere between $200,000 and $250,000, said Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Bill Harkin.

After the board toured the high school, they assessed some maintenance work that has already been completed.

At Wauconda Middle School, board members looked over six classrooms where carpet was removed and replaced with tile, Coles said, and at Wauconda Grade School, they examined four classrooms where roof work was done.

Liddell said the finished projects at the middle and grade schools were "beautiful" and well done.

Liddell said other sites in the district are in various stages of repair, but the board saw these projects as high on the list.

"With limited dollars coming in, we wanted to see the top of the list of major concerns," Liddell said.

Before projects are considered by the board, each school's principal must make a list of things they think need improvement, Liddell said. After the board takes a look, they decide what projects to budget in.

Liddell said the walk-through serves as a final step in the process of each maintenance project.

"The board wants to see what their principals are talking about," Liddell said. "We get a good feel from (the walk-through.)"