New Kaneland school to open for 2008-09 year

Kaneland officials want construction to start on a new middle school April 1.

That was part of a timeline presented to the school board Monday night, following the passage of a tax-rate increase last week.

"We're incredibly excited," said middle school Principal Rick Burchell. "Now the focus shifts from trying to figure out how to keep the ship afloat to being able to paddle in a direction."

The information for construction companies interested in building the new middle school, on Harter Road in Sugar Grove, will be sent out today, said Tom Runty, assistant superintendent for business. The district plans to have that school open for the 2008-2009 school year.

The bids will be opened March 11 and Runty said he expects the board to approve a construction contract at its March 17 meeting.

The school board has to sell the first of its bonds this month to be able to levy money this year, Runty said.

Initial estimates show that, with the low current interest rates, the district might not have to collect the full $65 million it got the OK for, he said.

A renovation of the current middle school in Maple Park should be done in time for the 2008-09 school year as well, Runty said. Boundaries for the two schools have not been decided yet.

Officials are still deciding when to put an addition onto Blackberry Creek Elementary School in Elburn.

Kaneland voters approved the tax increase by a vote of 4,156 to 3,723, according to unofficial vote totals.