Timeline
Middle Schools
Construction at Herrick and O’Neill Middle Schools began over spring break 2024 with the installation of safety fencing and arrival of construction trailers. Most of the renovation work on the interior of the school began after school let out in late May. While most of the additions will be completed in the fall of 2025, students and staff will move into those new areas while the older areas are under renovation. Please note: By clicking on timeline above, it can open in new window for more effective viewing.
View the Herrick schedule.
View the O’Neill schedule
Elementary Schools
Construction at the elementary schools will be conducted in three phases over three years. In a comprehensive review in determining the phases, engineers and construction managers looked at the original age of construction of the school buildings and proposed renovation costs, a review of the additions and when they were constructed, immediate facility needs, recent facility work completed, and the available existing air conditioning (a/c) spaces. For example, the older buildings are undergoing renovations first as they may have more surprises or unknowns behind the walls that may impact contingency costs. It is better to get those done first when costs may be lower than two or three years from now when prices are affected by inflation. Additionally, it was recommended to pair two large projects (the middle schools) with two smaller ones. During the three phases of elementary school construction, work will continue with middle school renovations and additions. The elementary school construction phases are as follows:
- Phase 1 Construction/ Summer of 2024: Henry Puffer, Highland, Hillcrest and Whittier
- Phase 2 Construction/ Summer of 2025: Fairmount, Indian Trail, Kingsley and Lester
- Phase 3 Construction/ Summer of 2026: Belle Aire, El Sierra and Pierce Downer
In announcing the phases in the spring of 2023, Superintendent Dr. Russell said that decisions were not related to political or socioeconomic reasons nor the geographic location of the schools and noted that the District will continue to take the advice of its architects and construction manager.
Air-conditioning note: Full central air-conditioning was installed in Phase I schools during the summer of 2024. Full central air-conditioning will be installed at Phase II schools and both middle schools during the summer of 2025. Two Phase III schools -- Belle Aire and El Sierra -- already have central air-conditioning. District 58 plans to install window air-conditioning units in every classroom at Pierce Downer (the other Phase III school) during summer 2025. District 58 will work with its construction partners to ensure the school's electrical systems can handle this load, and, if not, will make the necessary upgrades to ensure it can. Crews will install full central air-conditioning at Pierce Downer in summer 2026.
View the April 10, 2023 Board Briefs
View Projects at a Glance by school