Dear District 58 Families,
I hope you had a great summer filled with fun and relaxation. It’s hard to believe that the upcoming school year is right around the corner. The purpose of this letter is to update you on this summer’s construction.
As a reminder, District 58 passed a referendum in 2022 with approximately 67% of the vote. The referendum calls for the following construction projects:
- Secured Entrances
- Redesigned Offices
- Renovated Hallway/Corridor Bathrooms
- 6-8 Middle Schools
- Overhaul and add HVAC Systems
To find more information about the various construction projects, including pictures and camera feeds, click here.
The schedule for completion of the various construction projects is as follows:
- Phase I Construction/Summer of 2024: Whittier, Henry Puffer, Hillcrest and Highland
- Phase II Construction/Summer of 2025: Fairmount, Kingsley, Lester and Indian Trail
- Phase III Construction/Summer of 2026: Pierce Downer, Belle Aire and El Sierra (middle schools will be completed in the summer of 2026)
Below is a detailed timeline from start to finish for the projects called for in the referendum. Please right click on the image and open it in a new tab to enlarge it.
The majority of the work that is taking place in the elementary schools involves safety and rebuilding the infrastructure. To have a comprehensive HVAC system, the District must upgrade its electrical service and replace its mechanical equipment. While different buildings require different solutions, when the projects are completed all schools will have proper airflow, air-conditioning, and modern heating. Additionally, schools will have renovated hallway/corridor bathrooms, secured entrances, reconfigured main offices, and upgraded technology infrastructure.
All Phase I elementary schools and both middle schools (Herrick and O’Neill) are scheduled to reopen to students on time. The first day of school is Friday, Aug. 16. We have taken advantage of every second over the summer to get as much work done as possible. We have made significant progress at both middle schools and the overwhelming majority of the work schedule for Phase I elementary schools has been completed. A temporary solution has been created if something cannot be completed by the first day of school. There have been a few supply chain issues that we have encountered that require temporary solutions. However, there are no issues that would cause the District to delay the start of the school year. Work will continue throughout the year at the middle schools (mostly outside) and the Phase I elementary schools (finalizing projects). Phase I work will typically take place in the evenings, early mornings, and on weekends. We will continue to collaborate with our construction partners to ensure that students can learn in an optimal environment without distractions. We will also begin to prepare Phase II elementary schools this school year for the work that will take place in the summer of 2025.
Below are pictures of the renovations at the middle schools and Phase I elementary schools. View additional photos here.
Top Row L-R: New gym ductwork at Henry Puffer; New gym piping at Herrick; New classroom unit ventilator at Highland
Bottom Row L-R: New rooftop chiller at Hillcrest; Renovated bathrooms at O’Neill; New boiler at Whittier
I am also pleased to share that the new Civic Center in Downtown Downers Grove is now open. District 58 has partnered with the Village on this building to house its District Office staff. The District Office will be relocated to the Civic Center at the end of September.
Thank you for your support and flexibility regarding the construction projects. Should you have any questions regarding the projects, please do not hesitate to review our website or contact me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin B. Russell
Superintendent of Schools