Elgin Area School District U-46 to Spend $62.6 Million on 25 School Construction Projects

Elgin Area School District U-46 is planning to spend nearly $62.6 million on 25 projects beyond the new school construction, expansions, and renovations already under way.

"For summer 2027, we are planning curriculum, infrastructure and we do have a carryover project," Assistant Superintendent of Operations Sheila Downs said at Monday night's school board meeting. "Also, you'll notice a new section, which is the commissioning of extra projects."

The curriculum projects will center on addressing aging science instruction infrastructure and providing more modern learning spaces at two schools, according to Downs.

Staff estimates about $14.6 million will be spent remodeling the science wing at Elgin High School, according to board documents. That expenditure is expected to be approved by the school board on Dec. 14.

The estimate for renovating the science lab at Canton Middle School in Streamwood in two phases is expected to be about $3.24 million, with board approval anticipated in March.

More than 20 infrastructure projects include paving, concrete repairs, replacement of HVAC systems, water lines, and outdated fire alarm and intercom systems, entrance security enhancements, and locker room updates, Downs said.

According to meeting documents, the projects with the highest estimated costs are:

• Bartlett High School: $6.13 million for remodeling and construction of a parking lot. It is expected to come before the school board for approval on March 15.
• Larkin High School in Elgin: $4.53 million for the final phase of roof replacement. Approval expected March 1.
• Streamwood High School: $4.46 million for replacing the intercom system. Approval expected April 12.
• Canton Middle School in Streamwood: $2.79 million for parking lot reconstruction. Approval expected March 15.
• Elgin High School: $2.66 million for the first of five phases of HVAC replacement. Approval is expected Dec. 14.
• Districtwide: $2 million for an interior LED lighting upgrade. Approval date to be determined.
• Oakhill Elementary School in Streamwood: $1.88 million for roof replacement. Approval expected March 1.
• Fox Meadow Elementary School in South Elgin: $1.59 million for parking lot reconstruction. Approval expected March 15.
• Tefft Middle School in Streamwood: $1.45 million for the first of two phases of domestic water pipe replacement. Approval expected April 12.

Downs said the carryover project is the second of two phases of HVAC replacement work at Tefft. The board has already approved funding for the work, she noted. According to board documents, $1.95 million has already been paid, leaving a balance of $9.73 million.

Two extra projects would require longer lead times for permitting and other matters and will not take place until 2028, Downs said.

The first is remodeling work for the Larkin High School pool, with architectural and engineering design costs expected to cost $669,350 and an estimated construction cost of $6.69 million.

The other is the expansion and redesign of the parking lot at Lords Park Elementary School in Elgin, with an estimated $58,850 cost for architectural and engineering design work and $588,500 for construction.

Downs said $3.3 million of the funding for all the work would come from the district's health and life safety fund. The remainder is earmarked in the operations and maintenance fund.

Downs also noted that staff has built some wiggle room into its estimates, basing the estimated numbers on market conditions, parts and material costs, soft costs, and administrative costs.