No Rush Or Secrecy In Lyons Township High's New Sale Plan

LA GRANGE, IL – If its proposed timeline is a sign, Lyons Township High School doesn't plan another secretive, rushed process to sell its land in Willow Springs.

Under the proposal, the school would go out to bid in January and open the bids in March. Later that same month, the board would consider awarding a contract.

In late 2022, the board went out to bid just before the Christmas holiday. It didn't dawn on the public until after the bids were opened in the new year that the board was gearing the sale to industrial developers.

For months, the board had met behind closed doors to discuss selling the 73 acres for industrial development, although local zoning barred such uses. The land is next to houses and an elementary school.

As it turned out, the closed meetings violated the state's open meetings law. After much opposition, the board abandoned its effort in early 2023.

At this week's board meeting, members generally agreed to get a survey of the property before going out to bid.

Members also said it was important to stay engaged with officials from the village of Willow Springs.

"Be as transparent as possible," said member Elias Lopez, who was elected in April.

Officials have vowed that they would price the property according to the current zoning, which allows housing and light retail.

In 2022, board members strategized during closed meetings about how to keep their plan secret from the village and the elementary school for as long as possible.

Of the seven members, only Kari Dillon and Jill Beda Daniels remain from the previous board.