New Lenox D122 Board Approves Nearly $300,000 for Summer Maintenance Projects

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has approved a comprehensive list of 56 maintenance and capital improvement projects to be completed over the summer, allocating a total of $299,024 for the work.

The projects, which range from district-wide carpet cleaning and fire system inspections to refinishing bathroom floors and replacing equipment, were approved as part of the consent agenda at the board’s May 20 meeting. The work will be managed internally by the district’s maintenance department and is budgeted as part of the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

According to a memo from Business Manager Robert Groos, the district’s Director of Facilities collaborates with building principals each spring to identify and prioritize projects for the board’s approval. This annual process aims to address necessary upkeep, repairs, and upgrades across all school buildings while students are on summer break.

The approved list includes several significant district-wide expenditures. The largest single item is $31,402 for carpet cleaning in all buildings, awarded to Cornelia Carpet. Other major service contracts include $20,000 for power strips, $15,000 for mulch from Dutch Barn, and a $10,264 contract with Shorewood Home & Auto for a new tractor with a plow and salt spreader.

Several schools will see targeted improvements. A major project at Bentley School involves refinishing bathroom floors and updating sinks and partitions, with an estimated cost of $35,000. Pointe/Crossing School is slated for a $6,900 VFD replacement for its HVAC system.

The district also budgeted for essential safety and maintenance inspections, including $9,500 for fire suppression and alarm systems, $4,158 for backflow certifications, and $10,574 for basketball backstop inspections.

The board approved the project list in a unanimous vote. The motion was made by Vice President David Rush and seconded by board member Bill Pender. All board members, including President Stephanie Peltzer, Nicole DeGrave, Al Haring, Fay Bowie, and Megan Wendtland, voted in favor.

The full list of projects includes numerous smaller but essential tasks, such as painting, landscaping, concrete repairs, and equipment service at various schools, ensuring facilities are prepared for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.