Work To Start On Herrick, O'Neill Middle Schools During Break

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Crews are set to begin work on upgrades to Herrick and O'Neill Middle Schools Saturday. The construction is part of the $179 million bond referendum that voters favored in during the November 2022 election.

Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractors from the Illinois Department of Public Health will first focus on removing ceiling tiles for the purpose of asbestos control. Tile will also be removed during this step in the repairs to both middle schools.

Other contractors will be on hand to begin the process of shifting the location of some outside doors at the schools.

It's anticipated that the work will temporarily wrap up just before students return from winter break on Jan. 8.

According to an update from District 58, affected areas will be cordoned off during the work and "rigorous air sampling" will be performed to ensure student safety.

Crews plan to take advantage of District 58 breaks to get a headstart on work, which will resume when summer break begins in late May.

Funds from the District 58 bond referendum will also be used to improve HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, improve accessibility, replace roofs, update classrooms, libraries and labs and perform other upgrades to district schools.