Elmhurst 205 studies $158.8 million in building projects
Elmhurst Unit District 205 officials this week reviewed up to $158.8 million in building projects that could be included in a facility master plan - and a possible referendum question to pay for it.
But school board members continue to stress that it will be up to the community to decide if the district should seek a property tax increase to pay for any of the proposals, including one to replace Lincoln Elementary School.
"We're at this point in time right now where what we're trying to assemble isn't a referendum but a facility master plan," board member Chris Blum said after a presentation about the state of the district's facilities, preliminary cost estimates and possible funding scenarios.
The district is expected to seek community feedback about the possible construction projects.
"There are several questions they have to answer," Blum said. "One is, do you want to maintain, enhance or transform?"
Residents must indicate which options they like and how the district should pay for them, officials said.
On Tuesday, numerous options were outlined during an hourlong presentation by Wight & Company architects.
The least expensive scenario would only address maintenance work such as roofing, replacing boilers and water pipes, and electrical upgrades at various locations, including the district office. It would cost an estimated $26.1 million.
The most expensive scenario would cost an estimated $158.8 million, with $71.5 million going to comprehensive improvements to Lincoln, Field and Edison elementary schools. The rest would provide $18.3 million for maintenance and $44.8 million for "building specific" upgrades at other schools. In addition, $24.2 million would be used for "future-ready" upgrades, including media centers and STEM spaces.
Topping the list of specific construction projects is replacing Lincoln, either in phases or by demolishing the entire building before work begins. The phased approach would cost $35.2 million; the "clean slate" approach would cost $32.5 million.
Consultants pointed out that simply keeping the more than 100-year-old school comes with a price.
The building needs $4.2 million in maintenance work, including tuck pointing and roof replacement. Renovating Lincoln to bring it on par with other schools would cost $18.1 million. Finally, a $4.2 million addition would be needed to relocate the media center and multipurpose room.
Two other comprehensive projects could take place at Field and Edison.
A major renovation of Field would cost $20.9 million. It would cost $18.1 million to renovate Edison and construct an addition to the building.
Having more space at Edison would help the district respond to future enrollment growth and allow it to be used if the district implements all-day kindergarten.
York High School, meanwhile, could be in line for $14 million in improvements, including $9.2 million for auditorium and athletic field upgrades. An auditorium project was removed from a 2000 referendum question due to cost. Now there are "significant needs" with the facility, officials said.
Projects at Bryan, Churchville and Sandburg middle schools would cost $12.5 million, $15.7 million and $8.7 million, respectively.
Up to $36.4 million could be used to make improvements to Emerson, Fischer, Hawthorne, Jackson and Jefferson elementary schools and the Madison Early Childhood Education Center.
In the meantime, Blum said the challenge is to distill the information into something that can be presented to the community.
"Are there things we need to take off the table, add to the table?" he said.
Board member Jim Collins said the community would benefit "from a good board discussion about exactly what the plan is."
That discussion could come during a special meeting planned for Saturday, Feb. 24.