Indian Trail Elementary Reopens After Renovation, First Funded By $114 Million Referendum

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — North Shore School District 112 administrators held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to celebrate the reopening of Indian Trail Elementary School, the first of several schools undergoing renovations funded by the 2022 referendum.

The project is part of the district's Phase 2 Long-Range Facilities Plan, which was financed by a $114.4 million bond issue, which was approved by 71 percent of voters.

“This beautiful building, with its state-of-the-art facilities and welcoming spaces, represents a significant investment in the future of our children and our community,” Superintendent Mike Lubelfeld said in a statement. “Through your support of the Phase 2 referendum, we’ve come together to shape the learning environments our children deserve.”

The updated building includes features aimed at enhancing learning and accessibility, such as modern HVAC systems, flexible learning spaces and new common areas. Renovations also include spacious classrooms and improved accessibility features.

“This event marks the culmination of hard work, vision, and collaboration by so many dedicated individuals,” added Indian Trail Principal Tony Candela.

“What makes this renovation project so meaningful is that it’s much more than a building. It’s a school," Candela said. "It’s a beacon of opportunity, growth, and discovery for the people who are inside and matter most, the students.”

Indian Trail’s completion serves as a template for upcoming projects at Ravinia, Sherwood, Braeside and Wayne Thomas elementary schools, according to district officials. Ravinia Elementary, the next school to be modernized, is set to reopen in time for the 2025-26 school year.

To finance the projects, homeowners in District 112 will pay about $569 per year in additional property taxes for homes valued at $500,000, over the 20-year life of the bonds.