District 73 celebrates 'new possibilities' with kindergarten center groundbreaking

A brief downpour didn't dampen enthusiasm Monday for the ceremonial groundbreaking of an 18-classroom, $13.5 million kindergarten center in Vernon Hills.

Officials and onlookers from Hawthorn Elementary District 73, the Vernon Hills Park District and the village gathered on the north side of the park district's Sullivan Center, where the kindergarten center will be constructed as part of a campus if public buildings.

The project is the first in a $48.7 million building plan approved by voters in November.

“We're grateful to be in a community that understands that our future is inextricably linked to the education of our children and we must work collaboratively for their success,” school board President Robin Cleek said.

She also thanked the park district and village for their support and cooperation.

“This is about more than a physical building,” she said. “This groundbreaking signifies new possibilities for our students, staff, the way we teach and what we learn.”