September 2023 Bond & Sinking Fund Updates
With the passing of the August 2023 Bond (thank you, voters!), Berkley Schools teams are busy planning for upcoming construction projects. The Bond passage also allowed the District to dedicate Sinking Fund dollars to additional projects outside of the Bond scope to continue the work of updating facilities.
The District teams participate in weekly meetings with Stantec (architecture, engineering, design), McCarthy & Smith (construction management), and SES (engineering and mechanical systems) to plan timelines of construction, prepare bid documents, as well as pour over details of the scopes of work. Each project has a standard sequence of work: design phase, project cost estimating, bidding for contractors, awarding contracts, construction phase (demolition and building) and finally, project completion.
This update includes a timeline for projects from 2023-2026 as well as a more detailed update for the design and planning work that is taking place now for Hurley Field, baseball/softball fields, the maintenance building and a new home for the Adult Transition Program. These monthly updates will be maintained on the District’s website.
2023 Timeline
Finance
The District’s independent financial team (PFM Financial Advisors, Thrun Law Firm, Stifel and Huntington Bank), along with the District's finance team, are preparing to sell the Bonds on the market. The $88 million will be sold in two series - $10M in Fall 2023 and $78M in Spring/Early Summer 2024. Prior to the sale of the Bonds, the District will undergo a Bond and District rating process. Once this process is completed and the Bonds are sold, the District will send out an update to the community.
Design
Maintenance Building - Sinking Fund
The Berkley Schools Maintenance Department currently is housed in the annex building across from Berkley High School. This former elementary school building is on the site of the future District Catalpa Project (field house, fields, parking) and will be demolished in late 2024. The new maintenance building will be located at the Administrative Offices site in Oak Park. A new building will be added to the end of the parking lot, just north of the Norup playground. This building will house the District vehicles, maintenance team and all their supplies. A design team has already begun working on planning the new building so the bidding process can begin in early 2024.
Baseball/Softball Fields - Sinking Fund
There are no competition/high school softball fields on Berkley School District properties. The District also does not own any competition/high school baseball fields. With the passage of the 2023 Bond, the District is now able to allocate Sinking Fund dollars to invest in new varsity fields. The planning has begun to assess our available properties and work with our local municipality partners to determine next steps. Adding softball and baseball fields is a priority for the District and additional information will be shared with the community as plans solidify.
Adult Transition Space - Sinking Fund
Our Adult Transition Program (ATP) serves students 18-26 years old who continue to receive specialized instruction, support and services. Currently, the program is housed in the Oak Park Schools’ NOVA building and the District is committed to bringing the program back into Berkley Schools boundaries. District admins are actively working to find a permanent property for the program.
District-wide Furniture - Bond
Design teams are meeting to plan for a District-wide furniture upgrade in Fall 2024. The Teaching and Learning team is leading this work, gathering feedback from teachers, students and furniture experts to complete the purchase and plan the installation. Swapping out all furniture District-wide will require detailed logistics and will take most of the 2023-24 school year to plan.
Hurley Field Turf, Track, Lights & Parking - Bond & Sinking Fund
Phase 1 of the Hurley Field construction is part of a larger Bond and Sinking Fund project. It includes: turf, track, relocating discus and shot put, expanded parking and new lighting. The integrity of Hurley Field is assessed annually, most recently in July 2023. It was determined that the fibers on the turf only have one season left - this Fall. In addition, the track has undergone assessments and it also is near the end of its life. Because of this, Hurley Field turf and the track were first in the cadence of Sinking Fund projects. Spring 2024 is the earliest time possible for the District to complete the update for both. In addition, the District plans to tackle the Bond projects of expanding the Anderson parking lot (taking over the green space/shot put areas) and adding new lighting to Hurley Field during the time the track and turf are under construction. This will allow maximum work to be done and minimize future disruptions to student athletes and fans. This work will displace some athletes (see details below), but the new stadium upgrades will set Hurley Field up for success for years to come. See the new Hurley Field design, below.
Hurley Project Timeline
The turf and track design work happened during Summer 2023. The project went out to bid in August and contractors were approved by the Board of Education at the September 11th Regular meeting. This November, once the Fall season is complete, the turf will be removed. In the Spring, once the ground thaws, the work will begin on replacing the turf. Once the evening temperatures are over 50 degrees at night, the track work will begin. The total timeline for the turf and track combined is 16 weeks - not including the winter months. The Anderson parking lot expansion and light installation will take place Spring-Summer 2024. The goal is to reopen Hurley Field in mid-late summer.
Spring Sports Season
Any time construction projects take place program disruption happens. The District’s goal is to cause as little disruption as possible, and has consulted with construction partners to ensure construction happens as quickly as is feasible. Unfortunately, some projects will displace student athletes, performers, etc. The Hurley Field project will displace Spring 2024 sports and activities (including rental partners). The Athletic Department will work with Spring coaches to ensure student athletes have full seasons, complete with dedicated practice spaces and games. A District team is already reaching out to local districts and municipalities to rent field time, to ensure the season runs smoothly. Spring sport athletes and families will learn more details about where their competitions and practices will take place as the season approaches.
Technology - Bond
Early planning has started for upgrading instructional technology including interactive panels for classrooms.
2024 Timeline
Construction/Installation
- Hurley Field: Turf, Track, Lighting & Expanded Parking at AMS - Bond and Sinking Fund
- Maintenance Building - Sinking Fund
- Baseball/Softball Fields - Sinking Fund
- District-wide Furniture (Fall 2024) - Bond
Design
- BHS Performing Arts, Science Wing and Pool - Bond
- District Catalpa Project (Field House, Fields, Parking) - Bond
- Burton & Pattengill Multi-Purpose/Cafeteria Additions + Gym Remodels - Bond
2025 Timeline
Construction
- BHS Performing Arts, Science Wing and Pool - Bond
- District Catalpa Project (Field House, Fields, Parking) - Bond
- Burton & Pattengill Multi-Purpose/Cafeteria Additions + Gym Remodels - Bond
Design
- Angell & Rogers Multi-Purpose/Cafeteria Additions + Gym Remodels - Bond
- Anderson & Norup Gym Remodels - Bond
- Hurley Field Phase 2: Team Room renovations - Bond; Press Box - Sinking Fund
2026 Timeline
Construction
- Angell & Rogers Multi-Purpose/Cafeteria Additions + Gym Remodels - Bond
- Anderson & Norup Gym Remodels - Bond
- Hurley Field Phase 2: Team Room Renovations - Bond; Press Box - Sinking Fund
- District Catalpa Project (Field House, Fields, Parking) - Bond
