Buffalo Grove to consider part of Aptakisic-Tripp District 102 expansion plan

Buffalo Grove village trustees are expected to vote Monday on part of Aptakisic-Tripp District 102's building expansion plans, the latest step in the $25 million construction project.

Trustees will vote whether to approve a proposed addition to Aptakisic Junior High School at 1231 Weiland Road in Buffalo Grove. The district plans to add 15,000 square feet and reconfigure the parking lot to improve traffic flow.

The village plan commission approved the plans this month. If plans are approved by the trustees, the district wants to break ground by October, officials said.

The district has also been looking for a location for its administration offices, which are being removed from the junior high building to make room for more students. The district has indicated it plans to purchase a building rather than leasing, but the cost and location of the property are still under wraps while officials look for real estate.

"We hope to buy," school district spokeswoman Vickie Walter said. "That would be the best deal for the district, the most cost-saving way for the district to go so we could have more money to spend on the addition to Meridian."

The district initially planned to build administration offices at Meridian Middle School, 2195 Brandywyn Lane, but officials later decided to use the added space for early education programs as enrollment demand has increased.

District officials recently submitted plans for the middle school expansion to Buffalo Grove. The district wants to break ground on the Meridian Middle School project by January.

The district plans to pay for the projects with reserve funds and by issuing up to $25 million in bonds. The school board is expected to decide on the amount of bonds before breaking ground in October.

The district hopes to complete the expansion in time for the 2018-2019 school year. The district bussed teachers and employees to each building this week to give staff an idea of the before and after, Walter said.

"This year, there will be a lot of changes," she said.

The village board meeting is 7:30 p.m. Monday at 50 Raupp Blvd.