Grayslake school set for updgrade

Grayslake Elementary District 46 may spend nearly $560,000 to upgrade its oldest school.

Air conditioning would be the centerpiece of the project at Avon Center School in Round Lake Beach. The district's Avon, Grayslake Middle, Meadowview and Woodview schools do not have air conditioning.

Business Manager David Tylavsky presented a report from project consultant Fanning Howey at a District 46 board meeting Tuesday night. Fanning Howey is an architecture, engineering and design firm with a local Park Ridge office.

Tylavsky told board members he was "very impressed" with a detailed project manual Fanning Howey has prepared for the Avon project. He said the manual even has blueprints and instructions on seeking bidders for the work.

"The project, basically, is poised to move forward in the event the board does approve it," Tylavsky said.

It's estimated the total project cost would run almost $560,000, Tylavsky told elected officials. District 46 board members are expected to vote on whether to spend the money on the proposal late this month.

Officials say the configuration of Avon's hallways and other problems with the building prevent a good flow of fresh air in warm weather. Built in 1950, Avon is the district's oldest school.

Board member Susan Facklam said the project's tentative start date in the spring should mean the work will be done in time to help students late in the academic year when it often is warm.

Avon Center School Principal M. Lynn Barkley estimated that classroom temperatures were about 100 degrees when the outside temperature was in the 90s in early June.

Serving children in kindergarten through fourth grade, Avon became part of District 46 in 1988. It had been one building operating as Avon District 47.