West Aurora continues discussion about proposed major projects

The West Aurora School Board is moving closer to putting a referendum on the spring ballot to build and improve facilities across the district.

West Aurora District 129 will finalize a decision and may adopt a resolution Jan. 12 for a referendum question to appear on the April 7 election ballot.

The district has a list of $94.3 million worth of building improvement projects identified through a combined audit of buildings and a health/life-safety study, as well as the listening tour held August through October to gather public input.

The School Board continued the discussion on the projects at a special meeting Monday.

Superintendent Jeffrey Craig assured the public no decisions have been made and there were a variety of approaches the district could pursue for the projects.

One project would be replacing Nancy Hill Elementary, which was built in 1888, 23 years after the Civil War ended, Craig said.

Hill Elementary has given us 127 years of service. It is probably time to give her a rest, Craig said.

Four of the districts 18 educational facilities were built prior to World War II, he added.

The districts architectural firm, Studio GC Architecture of Chicago, said the newer geothermal heating and cooling system at Smith Elementary has demonstrated significant energy savings since it was installed two years ago. Architect Pat Callahan estimated the district would realize $250,000 in utility savings annually for the schools that are conducive for having geothermal well fields on their campuses.

He said Hall and Schneider elementary schools, Jefferson Middle School and West Aurora High School are all on schedule for boiler replacements, which can cost $150,000 to $200,000 per school, which does not include any needed work on piping systems.

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West Aurora continues discussion about proposed major projects