frankfort-school-district-161.2-e1754272831494

Summit Hill 161 Awards $115,905 Contract for Dr. Julian Rogus School Play Area

Spread the love

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Reported debt deal, credit downgrades may add to Chicago budget woes

Reported debt deal, credit downgrades may add to Chicago budget woes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago taxpayers may face higher costs if the city follows through with a reported bond deal. The...
Committee-Ad-Hoc.Graphic

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for February 10, 2026

Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee met on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to continue its comprehensive...
Committee-Land Use.Graphic

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for February 5, 2026

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 The Will County Land Use and Development Committee met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to deliberate on several...
Screenshot 2026-02-22 at 5.06.42 PM

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for February 18, 2026

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | February 18, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, for a regular meeting dominated...
Committee-Executive.Graphic

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Executive Committee for February 11, 2026

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Executive Committee met on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, tackling a heavy agenda focused on economic development...
Screenshot 2026-02-22 at 4.29.56 PM

Advisory Committee Debates Rigor of Online Summer School Options

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The District 210 Advisory Committee reported on discussions regarding the potential expansion of online summer school offerings,...
Election Vote Graphic

Group Presents Allegations of 2024 Voter Roll Errors to County Board

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a resolution calling for the review of election systems and integrity, following public comments alleging inaccuracies...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Will County Board Advised on Strict “Judicial” Role Ahead of Landfill Expansion Application

Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: During a detailed legal briefing on Tuesday, the Will County Landfill Committee received strict instructions regarding their conduct during...
Committee-Ad-Hoc.Graphic

Ad-Hoc Committee: Bath House Regulations Updated; Removes 60-Day Licensing Window

Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to the regulations governing bath houses and...
Committee-Land Use.Graphic

Land Use Committee Rejects Shorewood Solar Farm Despite 25-Year Lease Offer

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted against recommending a controversial solar farm proposal...
Screenshot 2026-02-22 at 5.06.42 PM

Trustees Renew Federal Lobbyist Contract Following $800,000 Funding Win

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | February 18, 2026 Article Summary: The JJC Board voted to renew its contract for federal lobbyist services on Wednesday. Administration and supporting...
Committee-Executive.Graphic

Executive Committee Advances $28.7 Million BNSF Bridge Project for Lorenzo Road

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Executive Committee approved an agreement with BNSF Railway to construct a grade separation bridge on Lorenzo Road in...
Committee-Land Use.Graphic

Land Use Committee: ‘Clean Fill’ Proposal Stalls After Unauthorized Tree Removal Sparks Environmental Concerns

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: A request to rezone land for a "clean fill" operation in Joliet Township stalled in committee...
Screenshot 2026-02-22 at 4.29.56 PM

Contracts Approved for New West Principal and District Technology Director

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board appointed Dr. Jennifer Killeen as the new Principal of Lincoln-Way West High School and Kyle...
ALEC urges states to adopt 'light-touch' AI regulation

ALEC urges states to adopt ‘light-touch’ AI regulation

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The American Legislative Exchange Council called on state legislatures to embrace limited tax regulation and greater investment in artificial intelligence to facilitate effective government processes....