School Referendum Added To April Ballot In Northbrook: District 28

NORTHBROOK, IL — One year ago, building improvements at the four schools in Northbrook District 28 were proposed as part of a 10-year facilities master plan. Now, voters will decide if the $94.9 million in bonds to fund the plan in April's Consolidated Election.

The district's board of education approved placing the referendum on the April 1 ballot during a special meeting Wednesday night. According to district officials, the plan includes:

• Construction of a new Meadowbrook School (built in 1954)
• Additions and renovations at Greenbriar School (built in 1948) and Northbrook Junior High (built in 1959) to facilitate the gradual replacement of these older buildings
• Infrastructure upgrades at Westmoor School (built in 1965), including building improvements, playground enhancements, and bus lane improvements

"This has been at least a two-year endeavor," Board President Jennifer Gallinson said. "We went through a thorough process to identify priorities. We've really had the best minds working together on this."

Last year, recommendations were made by DLA Architects, based in Itasca, at a board of education meeting. Officials said the improvements would address the areas of accessibility, life safety, operation and maintenance, and capital improvements. The original number to facilitate these changes was $80 million.

RELATED: Plan Recommends $80M In Building Improvements For District 28 Schools

In addition to the proposed $94.9 million in bonds to be decided by voters, an additional $20 million for the project will come from the district's existing operating funds, putting the total price tag at $115 million.

In the fall, District 28 launched Building Tomorrow Together, an initiative it said is intended to help plan for the future of D28 schools. Two community workshops were held in October, and a team of 15 volunteers convened with district leaders to develop specific priorities based on the facilities master plan. The group recommended to the district and school board the $94.9 million plan, according to officials.

On Thursday, the district released the following breakdown of where the money would go if approved:

Meadowbrook School Replacement ($56 million)

Replace the existing school with a larger building that meets learning needs today and into the future. If funding is approved, the concept will be developed into a detailed design with input from students, staff and community.

Northbrook Junior High Addition And Renovation ($20.6 million)

• Renovate office and entrance area to improve security
• Update fire alarm system & sprinkler system
• Renovate existing bathrooms and create ADA-accessible bathrooms throughout the building
• Add a new cafeteria & larger kitchen to support a hot lunch program for all schools
• Renovate the existing cafeteria into an expanded STEM lab and other classrooms
• Improve the efficiency of drop-off & pick-up traffic on entry drive
• Renovate the lobby area into a commons area for student use throughout the day

Greenbriar School Addition And Renovation ($20.3 million)

• Improve entrance security
• Build a classroom wing addition
• Update fire alarm, sprinkler and P.A. systems
• Renovate existing bathrooms throughout the building for ADA accessibility
• Add bathrooms to the lower level
• Add classroom/bathroom space by reconfiguring the multipurpose room/cafeteria and adjacent courtyard
• Update playgrounds and improve accessibility
• Remodel the auditorium into flexible-use space
• Replace deteriorating classroom cabinetry
• Add parking north and east of the building
• Remodel corridors to update lockers, and carpet and create break-out learning spaces

Westmoor School Capital Projects ($13.7 million)

• Improve entrance security
• Update fire alarm, sprinkler, and P.A. systems
• Renovate existing bathrooms throughout the building for ADA accessibility
• Add classrooms and new ADA-compliant bathrooms
• Replace old playground equipment and improve accessibility
• Replace deteriorating cabinetry in classrooms

The district said it is developing a communications program "to provide many opportunities for community members to learn about the plan and answer questions."

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