The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
Improvements to the building used by Illini West High School could cost up to $18.5 million, according to a report presented to the board at their meeting Oct. 16.
Steve Baumann of Russell Company, Davenport, Iowa, made a survey of the building in May, looking at improvements needed in 16 areas of the school, based on health and safety issues and updated school code.
"We looked at the worse case scenario," Baumann said, "but even with that there are a lot of things covered up that we could not make a further reasonable estimate. Each area has a specific monetary value assigned to it."
The two highest dollar improvements deal with the boiler room/ building systems and relying on 12 portable classrooms.
"We made the assumption of building an addition to replace the portables," Baumann said. The cost of building to eliminate the two clusters of portable classrooms is $4,051,200.
The portables cause concern for building security, since doors remain unlocked for students to go in and out for each class period.
There are no fencing or control barriers around the portables, and steps or ramps into the buildings are slick in rainy or icy weather.
School code requires evacuating portable classrooms in case of an approaching serve weather event.
Replacing the boiler and building systems would cost $4,293,700, according to the report. The boiler has received burner upgrades but requires "ongoing extensive maintenance." Numerous items in the heating and electrical distribution systems are listed as "antiquated and past its useful life" and may have asbestos insulation.
While regular updates have been made to classrooms, Baumann noted combustible material exists throughout the building between classrooms and into the hallways. There is no sprinkler system.
A full copy of the Russell Report on the IWHS building is posted on the school website, www.illiniwest.org.
"The response to this report is up to the seven people at this table," said John Huston, IWHS board president. "In line with the report, I'm not very comfortable with the status quo. Time is rapidly slipping away to get a referendum on the election this spring."
Board member Beth Pence added: "I think this spring is too soon. Let's not just throw it together and try to get it passed."
Superintendent Kim Schilson noted that, while capital improvement funding was passed earlier this year, details will not be available until next year. In the mean time, districts wanting funds must have local funding in place.
"If you're not shovel ready when they give out the money, you're not going to get it," Schilson said.
The board continues to work as a Building for the Future committee of the whole to assess facilities needs.
Schilson will meet with local legislators to seek support. Illini West leases the school building from Carthage Elementary District.
Jeff McPherson of Lowe ll Yates Gray Hunter Stenn LLP accounting was another visitor to the meeting, giving the annual financial report.
He said the audit went well, and district received a 4.0 rating, the highest possible, for its financial picture. The board accepted the financial report.
The board saw the preliminary levy request for the coming year, and set a levy hearing for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. The proposed levy shows a tax rate decrease, getting the benefit of increasing assessed value of district land.
Principal Scott Schneider reported on steps being taken to offer high school credit algebra to eighth grade students in the three elementary schools feeding into Illini West High School.
Schneider explained progress with setting up "Charge Ahead," a program with Carl Sandburg College to allow students to take enough dual credit college courses to complete an associate degree while in high school.
He said 88 students helped individuals and organizations on Community Service Day.
Following closed session, the board accepted the resignation of Jennifer Brevick as bus driver, and hired Lisa Duffy as a driver. Ann Menschel was hired to transfer paper files to digital.
The board approved an intramural boys/girls soccer tournament between fall and winter sports, organized by science teacher, Kelly Keckler.
Dean of Students, Jim Short, reported on the Social/Emotional Learning team. They have identified
eight Charger traits: caring, honest, accepting, respectful, goal oriented, empathetic, responsible and self aware.
Short and the committee will work on ways to incorporate the trait goals into daily classroom instruction and the school setting.