Message from Superintendent Laurie Heinz:
I am writing to offer a further update on the critical work being recommended to ensure our learning environments are safe, warm and dry for our students and staff. As you know, we have been working to prioritize the needs identified in the recently completed 10-year Health Life Safety (HLS) survey and Master Facilities Plan (MFP) prepared by FGM Architects.
Focusing first on proposed projects for summer 2016, our Board of Education at the November 5 meeting thoroughly explored suggested designs, updated budgets and financing options. The recommended work includes both improving the security of all our schools that are the daily home for our almost 5,000 students and staff members as well as completing the most pressing HLS/MFP needs.
Further discussion and action on the security upgrades and the other summer 2016 projects will occur at the Monday, November 16 regular Board meeting at 7:00 p.m. at Franklin School (gym), 2401 Manor Lane, Park Ridge.
Secured Entries
Part of the recommended 2016 work includes adding secured entries and renovating adjacent offices at all eight of our schools and the District’s administrative office. Although the design at each school varies, all schools would have consistent features. The design is intended to provide layers of security to delay intruders from entering or to keep other types of unauthorized visitors from gaining access to staff or students.
Over the past decade or more, secured entries have become very commonplace in schools across the country and are already installed at schools throughout our north suburban area. Visitors have their credentials checked before being buzzed into the office, where they wait to be authorized for further entry to the building. Offices have a clear, direct view of all visitors approaching the school.
Our educational program also would benefit from this work:
- Improved conference space for teachers to meet with parents or for teams of teachers to work collaboratively to plan instruction
- Direct access for sick children to the health office
- Efficient access to teacher work room/copy center
- Restoring grade level clusters (at some schools, because of where the office is relocating) to improve the educational environment for students and teachers.
I also want to make it clear that secure entries are intended not just to provide a layer of security for violent “shooter” incidents, but also for the ongoing, daily needs at our buildings with the steady influx of parents and visitors. Our principals shared examples with the Board on November 5 of challenging experiences that occur routinely, which secured entries would better contain and manage.
The security upgrade project would cost $5.1 million, a reduction of about $1.1 million from an earlier estimate. The design includes recommendations from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and input and review by Park Ridge First Responders.
Here is a link to the general model we are following. Each school’s specific plan is based on this approach:
- Small entry additions are planned for all three of the District's oldest schools dating to 1928 -- Lincoln, Roosevelt and Field. At Lincoln, the entry would be shifted to the Crescent Avenue side of the building adjacent to the current office. At Roosevelt, options to shift the main entry to the Prospect Avenue side or maintain it on Fairview Avenue are both being considered. At Field, the current main entry on Wisner Street would be expanded and the office relocated. Here is a link to the proposed small additions for these three schools.
- For the other schools, offices will be modified and may be relocated to provide better access to the existing main entries.
- All school building entries will be made ADA accessible.
- At the District administrative office, a secure vestibule area will be created within existing space.
Critical HLS/MFP Projects
The new HLS/MFP identified many other projects needed to keep the schools safe, warm and dry. The Board on November 5 considered the first set of these urgent projects for summer 2016:
- Roofing totaling $5.7 million for all schools except Emerson and Field, which are conducting summer school in 2016.
- Other HLS or critical infrastructure projects totaling almost $2.4 million primarily for restoring the “envelope” of the schools, such as sealing or replacing windows, repairing crumbling brick, and adding exterior security lighting.
In addition, we have been working with the Board through the fall to identify funding options for these summer 2016 facility needs, including spending some of the District’s existing fund balance possibly in combination with bonds. Funding options for future HLS/MFP work in 2017 and beyond also are being reviewed. Further information about the Master Facilities Plan and funding options is available on the website.
November 16 Board Meeting
Board meetings are open to the public; an opportunity for public comment is always included. Meeting videos also are available on our website.
Guided by the Master Facilities Plan, we believe we can move forward confidently knowing that the investments we are asking the Board to make for secured entries and the most critical infrastructure work will offer a thoughtful, long-term solution to meet the needs of our students and staff.
For Your Children,
Dr. Laurie Heinz, Superintendent