The Unit 5 school board approved an enrollment and facilities adjustment measure Wednesday night.
The approved item avoids displacing students at Carlock or Glenn Elementary and adds no new taxes to pay for facility construction costs.
“As a district, we are always looking for ways to improve and provide the best possible opportunities to students. And the internal planning team feels like this recommendation does that,” said Unit 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle.
Board member Patrick Mainieri made a motion to amend the wording of the action item. This added wording "or renovated" to the item, "close Brigham and construct a new or renovated" building to serve the early learning programs currently at Brigham and Sugar Creek.
Mainieri said this would prevent the board from being unable to renovate a more fiscally attractive building instead of having to build new if such a situation occurred. All board members voted in favor of the amendment.
Eugene Field
Parents and supporters of students at Eugene Field School made remarks during public comment.
Eugene Field serves students ages 18 to 22 and is targeted to be relocated for the 2029-30 school year because district officials have said the building is outdated and in disrepair.
“These hard-working young adults with disabilities deserve better than asbestos and old lead paint falling from the ceilings,” said Medan Mosier, a speech language pathologist at Eugene Field. “They deserve better than a building that is not accessible to students who use wheelchairs or struggle with independent ambulation. They deserve better than having to wear their coat inside in the winter because the boiler won't start.”
Weikle has shared similar concerns with the upkeep of the current building over the course of the enrollment study.
She said in February the building was in need of costly repairs that made it not “make sense” for the program. Eugene Field’s program was slated for a move-out, whether by moving into a new or renovated facility in each version of enrollment planning proposals over recent months.
While it was determined it will not move into the Glenn Elementary School building near the ISU campus, some commenters suggested Unit 5 should still seek existing buildings to make the change more cost-effective.
“These programs are incredibly important, and I fully support investing in them,” said Jade Lamar. “However, the financial approach raises questions. What criteria are being used to determine that a new building is the best option, rather than purchasing and repurposing an existing building in the Bloomington-Normal area?”
The estimated cost for a new Early Learning Center is between $20 million and $30 million. For the 18-22 program at Eugene Field, it would be another $3.5 million to $6.5 million. The Eugene Field move is expected to occur in the 2029-30 school year, but Weikle said if Unit 5 found a space to renovate before then, it could come sooner.
“I respectfully urge the unified school board to prioritize funding and planning for a new or refurbished Eugene Field school that fully supports students with disabilities and accessibility needs,” said LaDana Hosea. “Our students deserve an environment that helps them thrive, not an environment they must struggle to navigate through.”
Other concerns
Carlock parents requested Unit 5 make information on attendance exceptions more readily available and remove requirements that parents or guardians re-apply annually for their students to remain at the same school.
“Unit 5 could continue to balance enrollment by communicating this option at schools and even specific classrooms that are more crowded,” said Jill Gray.
Board members also thanked the public for continued input while the process was ongoing.
“It's very much appreciated, because we want what's best for the community, and when we have the opportunity to hear your voice, it's important that I hope that you can see that and feel that,” said member Kelly Pyle.
Other action
In other action, the school board approved:
- Election of officers for the upcoming year. Stan Gozur was elected as president of the board. Kentrica Coleman was elected vice president. Amy Roser was elected secretary.
- Awarding a $696,990 bid from H.J Epple & Co. for parking lot and driveway resurfacing at Normal Community High School.
- A $34,500 abatement of materials considered to maintain asbestos in science rooms at Parkside Junior High School.
- A $217,329 bid for custodial supplies for the next school year. The cost is lower than the current year due to a lack of need to purchase toilet paper. There is currently a surplus. Some of the cost saved with that was used to purchase more cleaning products.
- Finalizing that the final day of school for Unit 5 will be a half day on Thursday, May 28. Preschool students will end their year with a full day the day prior.
