Community forum for Hawthorn Middle School North plan set for July 2

A community forum regarding the proposed building plan for Hawthorn Middle School North in Vernon Hills is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, at the school, 201 Hawthorn Parkway.

The $9.8 million plan calls for an expansion and renovation to include seven new classrooms; addition of a full gym; renovation of locker room and upper gym; and fine arts additions. Architects and school representatives will review comments made at the forum and incorporate suggestions as the design is finalized.

The expansion/renovation of Middle School North, built in 1975, is one component of Hawthorn Elementary District 73's official Educational Facilities Master Plan. It would be the second major project to be funded by a voter-approved $48.7 million borrowing program for renovation/expansion at the district's six schools. The first, an 18-room kindergarten building on Aspen Drive next to the Sullivan Community Center, is under construction.