LTHS - A "Prudent and Cautious" School Board!

Summer Improvements Scaled Back

Responding to the nation's current economic downturn and in an effort to remain fiscally responsible, the LT Board of Education scaled back facility improvement projects slated for 2009-2010 from a proposed $2.4 million to less than $250,000. No educational services or programming will be negatively impacted and those projects that were delayed will continue to be studied and planned for subsequent years.

The following projects were approved for summer 2009.

North Campus
- pool and locker replacement/upgrades - $94,743
- masonry tuck pointing - $30,000

South Campus
- Public Address system - $45,000
- 13 boys athletic showers restored from storage room - $35,000

North & South Campus
- door replacements - $30,000

Total: $234,743

More than $2.1 million in projects were postponed until at least the summer of 2010. A 50-year old boiler at North Campus was put on hold after careful consideration and hearing recommendations from the maintenance director and a consultant, both of whom believe the boiler may last up to four more years with thorough maintenance. Substantial upgrades to the South Campus boys' and girls' physical education athletic locker rooms were also deferred along with ceiling/lighting/flooring upgrades to 21 classrooms at both campuses. Relocation of the Testing Office, upgrades to the North Campus Assistant Principal's Office, switches for data networking, and air conditioning in the Business Education computer labs were also tabled for future discussion.

While more than $1.3 million in new sources of revenue are anticipated in the 2009-2010 fiscal year, including LaGrange TIF, the Hodgkins Quarry TIF and the Burr Ridge Town Center, Board members expressed concern that those monies may not be collected if local businesses fail or may be offset by decreases in revenues from other sources impacting the entire state.

Facilities Committee Chairman Jim Kohlstedt said, "This Board and prior Boards have been very prudent and cautious in spending taxpayer money. During our last bond issue, we had and opportunity to upgrade facilities and address maintenance and safety issues necessary to bring our aging facilities up to date. Our staff has worked hard to maintain existing boilers and equipment, and we believe this allows us to cut back on facility expenditures this year without jeopardizing the health or safety of our students and employees."