District Secures Lower Electricity Rates and Plans Capital Improvements
Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | Nov. 2025
Article Summary: The district has locked in a new electricity rate through a reverse auction and is moving forward with a five-year capital improvement plan focused on HVAC upgrades. Officials also discussed upcoming maintenance projects, including sealcoating.
Operations & Maintenance Key Points:
-
Electricity Rate: The district accepted a bid of $0.06625 per kilowatt-hour for a 36-month term.
-
Capital Plan: A 5-year plan was presented, prioritizing HVAC system upgrades at Grand Prairie and Hickory Creek.
-
Grant Funding: Funds from the FY26 School Maintenance Project Grant will be applied toward these HVAC projects.
-
Sealcoating: Parking lot sealcoating is scheduled for Chelsea and Grand Prairie in the summer of 2026.
Frankfort School District 157-C has secured a new, competitive electricity rate following a reverse auction process, Director of Business and Operational Services Dr. LeeAnn Taylor reported to the Board on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The district accepted a rate of $0.06625 per kilowatt-hour for a 36-month contract. Dr. Taylor noted the process involved multiple bids and resulted in a favorable rate for the district.
In addition to utility savings, the board discussed long-term facility needs. Dr. Taylor and Supervisor of Building and Grounds Rodney Davis presented a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. A primary focus of the plan is addressing HVAC needs, including LED lighting and flooring at Hickory Creek Middle School and upgrades at Grand Prairie Elementary and the district office.
“Looking ahead to 2027-2028, the district is looking to make building automation system upgrades at Grand Prairie and Hickory Creek which control the heating and cooling,” Davis reported.
To support these efforts, the board approved the School Maintenance Project Grant, with plans to use the FY26 funds toward the multi-year HVAC projects. Dr. Taylor also outlined plans for parking lot sealcoating projects at Chelsea Intermediate and Grand Prairie Elementary scheduled for the summer of 2026.
Latest News Stories
Will County Poised to Launch Major Mental Health Initiative Based on Joliet Program’s Success
Looming State Energy Bill Threatens to Further Limit County Control Over Solar and Wind Projects
Controversial Immigrant Rights Resolution Postponed by Will County Board After Heated Debate
Trump says US troops will get paid Oct. 15 despite funding lapse
$4.5B awarded in new contracts to build Smart Wall along southwest border
Do No Harm expects FTC to take action to protect minors from transgender procedures
2024 was deadliest year for journalists on record
Govt shutdown raises concerns over national security
Ex-speaker Madigan to begin 7.5-year prison sentence Monday
Will County’s Gas-to-Energy Plant Reports Nearly $460,000 Net Loss Amid Operational Setbacks
Will County to Draft First-Ever Policy on Artificial Intelligence Use
Will County Sees 50% Drop in Opioid Deaths, But Alarming Rise in Suicides