District 203’s long-awaited upgrades begin in 2009

When Naperville voters approved a $43 million tax increase on Feb. 5, they helped complete the remaining amount for the nearly $115 million renovation fund for area schools. The renovations are scheduled to begin in fall 2008.

203’s Chief Information Officer Craig Williams says they are just getting started.

"We're going through the process of getting architectural drawings and we're also dealing with permitting issues and approval with the city and the state."

Projects and timelines are as follows:

Naperville Central
Funds Available: $87.7 million
Project Timeline: Spring/Summer 2009 – Summer 2012

2009

• Addition of physical education and classroom facilities (Spring 2009)
• Installation of synthetic turf in football stadium (Summer 2009)

Completed work at the end of 2009: Installation of synthetic turf

2010

• Temporary classrooms will be placed outside the first level as construction and renovations continue on major academic areas throughout the building (Summer 2010)

Completed work at the end of 2010: Additions on all three floors

2011

• New additions and renovations continue on all three floors (Spring 2011)
• Renovation begins on Music Area (Summer 2011)

Completed work at the end of 2011: Parking and traffic flow project, classroom additions and renovations (including core academic areas)

2012

• Renovation of Center Core on 1 st floor (Spring 2012)
• Demolition of temporary classrooms (Summer 2012)
• Final site redevelopment for front entrance (Summer 2012)

Completed work at the end of 2012: All projects to be completed at this time

Early Childhood Center
Funds Available: $11 million
Project Timeline: Summer 2009-Summer 2010

• Building a new early childhood center, which District 203 doesn’t currently possess.
• Serves as an educational facility for children aged three through kindergarten.
• Includes classrooms for these children as well as facilities for children with special needs.
• Required by state and federal level.

Mill Street Elementary
Funds Available: $7.3 million
Project Timeline: Fall 2008-Summer 2009

• Additions and renovations in classrooms and technology labs to house Mill’s 800 students. The focus would be on the building core.

Naperville North
Funds Available: $5.2 million
Project Timeline: Winter 2009/Spring 2010

• North’s swimming pool will be deepened to meet IHSA requirements and allow the school to hold competitions.
• Renovation of pool locker rooms
• Installation of synthetic turf in football stadium

Prairie and Ranch View Elementary Schools & Washington Junior High
Funds Available: $700,000
Project Timeline: Summer 2009

• Security enhancements to the entrances

Assistant Superintendent for Finance Dave Zager says the students will benefit from the renovations once everything is completed

"As far as the students are concerned, I think it will definitely facilitate their education at a much higher level than what they're getting right now, particularly at Naperville Central High School."

If all goes as planned, officials hope all renovations and additions will be completed by summer 2012.