(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- When some voters in the North Shore go to the polls next Tuesday, they'll be asked to approve a $114 million measure that will upgrade and secure several middle and elementary schools.
"We've had community input, we've had citizen task force input, we've done scientific polling, we've hired a consultant, we also slowed down and looked at the magnitude of need. But instead of doing it all at once, we said we can't do it with one solution, it's too expensive. So, we've proved we can do some of the work without a dedicated tax increase, but we need the taxpayer help now," said District 112 Superintendent Michael Lubelfeld.
The district has 10 schools, three of which were modernized and maintained during Phase 1 of the plan, which was funded by the district with no dedicated tax increase.
Phase 2 will add security measures at all 10 schools and fully modernize five elementary schools. All are more than 60 years old, with the oldest building, Ravinia, more than 100 years old.
"Ravinia is not ADA accessible at all and it needs the most work. It's going to need treatment on the inside where we have to demolish five half-floors and turn it into two floors. The classrooms need modernizing," said Lubelfeld.
Phase 3 will address the needs at Red Oak Elementary, the early childhood center, and the board, operations and administrative offices. Like Phase 1, Phase 3 will be funded by the district and not require a dedicated tax increase.
Lubelfeld says even though upgrades were already planned, the July 4th mass shooting intensified the need to further enhance security measures.
The District 112 Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution asking voters to approve a $114.4 million referendum to better secure all the buildings and renovate five aging middle schools. Lubelfeld says security is top of mind for many.
"After the Fourth of July, we went into overdrive in accelerating and enhancing our security approaches."
Lubelfeld says some of the improvements include exterior outdoor lock sensors, alert systems, secure window treatments and better interior locks.
"I've been in education since the early 90's before Columbine, so I've seen this progression as an administrator from Columbine until now. You don't want to create a fortified military encampment for youth. You want school to be a joyful place.”
He adds: “You have to keep out negative elements who might cause disruptions or violence. We have to keep our kiddos safe."
The funds from the referendum will modernize and better secure five elementary campuses, including Indian Trail, Ravinia, Sherwood, Braeside, and Wayne Thomas, in addition to the five other schools within the district that are a part of the long-range plan.
The estimated annual tax impact of the proposed 20-year, $114.4 million referendum is $569 for a home with a fair market value of $500,000.
To read more about the complete long-range facility plan, visit www.nssd112.org/phase2.
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