Sears Centre to keep hosting Libertyville High graduations under plan
Libertyville High School's annual commencement exercises would be held at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates for two more years under a deal before the District 128 board.
The contract would cover graduation ceremonies set for 2021 and 2022. This year's ceremony, set for May 21, will be held at the arena, too.
The Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board's facilities and finance committee reviewed and tentatively approved the pact Monday night. The full board could finalize the deal next week.
Libertyville High's commencement ceremonies have been held at the Hoffman Estates venue since 2009. Previously, the event was staged at Northwestern University's Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston.
Renting the arena for this spring's ceremony will cost District 128 about $36,211. That pays for the use of a stage, a giant TV screen and chairs, said Daniel Stanley, the district's assistant superintendent for finance. It also covers post-event cleaning, wages for ushers and security guards, parking and other expenses, Stanley said.
Under the proposed extension, renting the arena will cost the district about $38,672 for the 2021 ceremony and about $40,087 for the 2022 ceremony.
The arena provides seating for about 8.400 people during graduation ceremonies, Stanley said. Each graduate typically is allotted up to eight tickets.
Libertyville's sister school, Vernon Hills High, holds commencement ceremonies in its gym.
The next District 128 board meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 16 at Vernon Hills High, 145 Lakeview Parkway.