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District 95 wants feedback on potential construction projects

Forums set for later this month, October

Lake Zurich Unit District 95 wants to gauge public opinion on a multimillion-dollar list of potential school construction projects targeted for completion over the next 10 years.

Possibilities include library renovations at four Lake Zurich elementary schools with a tentative cost of $3.2 million and revamping science, technology, engineering and mathematics laboratories at two middle schools for about $1.5 million.

DLA Architects Ltd. of Itasca compiled the list of potential construction work for District 95's eight schools. The total 10-year estimate is about $55 million, based on 2015 costs and not accounting for inflation, according to a DLA's facility assessment report.

School officials say they want feedback from District 95 residents - before any formal decisions - on the proposed work in a series of community meetings starting this month. Presentations will include a review of funding options.

Superintendent Kaine Osburn said the district is considering the construction work to ensure the schools remain successful. He said good schools typically lead to improved property values and a better community overall.

"All of our community members have a stake in our schools being successful," Osburn said.

District finances, facilities, learning and learning spaces will be the focus of the initial two-hour sessions set for 3:15 and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Middle School North, 95 Hubbard Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Those same topics will be covered at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Lake Zurich High School, 300 Church St.

How success should be defined at District 95 and needs beyond the classroom will be on the agenda at 3:15 and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Middle School South, 435 W. Cuba Road, Lake Zurich, and at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the high school.

In its report, DLA Architects stated a good place to start would be the proposed $3.2 million in library renovations at the elementary buildings to support a district goal of more student collaboration. The work would occur at Sarah Adams, Isaac Fox, Seth Paine and May Whitney elementary schools.

Another early project could be the $1.5 million plan to revamp science, technology, engineering and mathematics labs at Middle School North and Middle School South. A projected $850,000 could be earmarked in the beginning of the 10-year plan for technology infrastructure upgrades at May Whitney, Sarah Adams, Seth Paine, Isaac Fox and Middle School South.

Roof, wall, flooring and ceiling repairs are listed as possibilities for all of the schools, District 95's administration building and professional development center.

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