Article Summary: The Summit Hill District 161 Board of Education unanimously awarded a $115,905 construction contract to Schwartz Construction Group, Inc. for a new play area at Dr. Julian Rogus School. The project is scheduled for substantial completion by August 8, 2025, ensuring it is ready for the upcoming school year.

Dr. Julian Rogus School Play Area Key Points:

• The Board of Education on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, approved the construction contract.

• The contract, valued at $115,905, was awarded to Schwartz Construction Group, Inc.

• The project has a substantial completion deadline of August 8, 2025.

• The board approved the contract with a unanimous 7-0 vote.

The Summit Hill District 161 Board of Education on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, awarded a contract for more than $115,000 to construct a new play area at Dr. Julian Rogus School.

The board voted 7-0 to award the contract to Schwartz Construction Group, Inc. for a total amount of $115,905, inclusive of the base bid. The project is set to be substantially completed by August 8, 2025, just ahead of the new school year.

The motion to approve the contract was made by board member Patrick Oliphant and seconded by Secretary Ronnie Petrey. The motion passed with unanimous support from President Amy Berk and board members John Winter, Joy Murphy, Melissa Ryan, and Adrian Chavez.

The new play area represents a significant investment in the school’s outdoor facilities. Details about the specific features of the new play area were not discussed during the meeting, but the approval marks the official start of the construction phase for the much-anticipated project.

The board also approved its 2025-2026 goals and action plans, as modified during discussion, setting the strategic direction for the district in the coming year. The motion, made by John Winter and seconded by Patrick Oliphant, also passed unanimously.

In other business, the board heard a preliminary presentation on the 2025-2026 district budget from Julie Stearns and an enrollment update from Superintendent Dr. Paul McDermott, who reported student numbers as of July 1, 2025.