At a "Committee of the Whole" meeting on December 11, D200 school board members reviewed and discussed a proposal from the Administration recommending next steps in the facilities process. The recommendation (LINK) suggests the Board APPROVE $32 Million for building improvements and classroom renovations (mostly identified in Sequence 1 in earlier documents) including:
● 76 general education classrooms
● Classrooms, kitchen, laundry, sensory room, and ADA-compliant restroom for the Special Ed TEAM program
● First phase of student commons (east first, second, and third floors)
● Main entrance
● All-gender restrooms
● Three science labs
● Huskie Pups daycare facilities
● ADA-compliant elevator in the north end of the building
The Administration suggested the Board consider spending $65+ Million for "urgent" needs to rebuild the swimming pool and locker rooms (Component D in the Imagine Facilities Plan) however their specific recommendation at this time is that $20 Million be shifted from Operating reserves into Capital reserves to provide a base for future facilities improvements. This is outlined in a memo (LINK) from Robert Grossi, the Financial Consultant to D200.
During discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting, the majority of Board members seemed to favor the more conservative approach of approving the $32 Million projects first and then taking some time to review the scope of work required in Component D to rebuild the East portion of the Field House including the east pool and locker rooms. This ARTICLE from the Chicago Tribune provides of good outline of that discussion.
ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 at 7:30 PM, the D200 School Board will meet and could vote on the next steps, including the recommendation to proceed with the work totaling $32+ Million outlined above.
Pragmatic Solutions - OP-RF
10/25/18
We have a TOTAL COST - Attend the Town Hall on Oct 30 - Sign the Online Petition
The TOWN HALL meeting hosted by D200 and the Imagine team was held the evening of TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 in the South Cafeteria.
Thank you to the many residents who attended, and special thanks for those who took to the podium to share their thoughts with the school board and administration.
Please note that cost estimates for ALL FIVE SEQUENCES are available and add up to roughly $218 MILLION. See the "Component Flow Chart and Sequences Diagram" at this LINK. It is a rather confusing document, about 34 pages total. It is IMPORTANT to note that even though the cost estimate for Sequence One totals $28 Million, including around $15 Million for academic and vocational/applied arts classrooms, that expense *could* be shifted to a later sequence (see page 4-5 in the link above). As Imagine has stated in the narrative under "General Information" in the link above, many of the components are designed to be fluid in their sequencing:
The post dated Oct. 21 linked HERE has additional details from the meetings held earlier this fall, including information about funding alternatives. Understand that in addition to using funds held in reserve (currently about $75 million is available, leaving a cushion for future needs) there are ways the district can borrow money or increase the tax levy WITHOUT having to go to a referendum. At least not in the immediate term. Of course, the higher the cost of the project, and the more that is taken from reserves, means the sooner that a referendum for OPERATING costs will be needed.
Sign the ONLINE PETITION - www.tinyurl.com/oprfpetition - to assert your right to vote on funding for this major capital works project.
You'll find additional information and links to various documents and files associated with this proposal summarized at Imagine LTPF Basic Info.
Thank you to the many residents who attended, and special thanks for those who took to the podium to share their thoughts with the school board and administration.
Please note that cost estimates for ALL FIVE SEQUENCES are available and add up to roughly $218 MILLION. See the "Component Flow Chart and Sequences Diagram" at this LINK. It is a rather confusing document, about 34 pages total. It is IMPORTANT to note that even though the cost estimate for Sequence One totals $28 Million, including around $15 Million for academic and vocational/applied arts classrooms, that expense *could* be shifted to a later sequence (see page 4-5 in the link above). As Imagine has stated in the narrative under "General Information" in the link above, many of the components are designed to be fluid in their sequencing:
The Components were then grouped together into the five sequences based on priorities assigned by the Imagine Group, construction efficiency in the execution of similar construction scope, and logical construction sequencing. These Components can be executed as discreet projects or grouped together into larger construction projects, giving the Board of Education the flexibility to decide how much they wish to address at any one time with the knowledge of how that Component relates to all the other Components of the overall Master Plan.
The post dated Oct. 21 linked HERE has additional details from the meetings held earlier this fall, including information about funding alternatives. Understand that in addition to using funds held in reserve (currently about $75 million is available, leaving a cushion for future needs) there are ways the district can borrow money or increase the tax levy WITHOUT having to go to a referendum. At least not in the immediate term. Of course, the higher the cost of the project, and the more that is taken from reserves, means the sooner that a referendum for OPERATING costs will be needed.
Sign the ONLINE PETITION - www.tinyurl.com/oprfpetition - to assert your right to vote on funding for this major capital works project.
You'll find additional information and links to various documents and files associated with this proposal summarized at Imagine LTPF Basic Info.
10/21/18
IMPORTANT MEETINGS COMING UP - It's No Time to be Silent!
TOWN HALL MEETING - Tuesday, OCT 30 at 7:00 PM, OPRFHS South Cafeteria
This meeting may be your only opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns. The Board is exploring options to bypass voters in funding its draft facilities master plan, with its total estimated cost of $218 Million (updated number from the previous partial price tag of $145 million for the first 3 sequences). More information HERE - scroll down to the bottom of the page for additional links with details about the proposal and its estimated costs.
THURSDAY, OCT 25, 7:30 PM - Regular monthly D200 School Board meeting in the 2nd floor Board Room at OPRF. The agenda is posted HERE - it includes additional links.
UPDATE: The full 5 sequence estimate at $218 Million is available HERE. Note that it provides guidance as to how the various components in each sequence are inter-dependent.
The D200 Committee of the Whole met Tuesday, October 16. Here is a LINK to the agenda and a LINK to important FINANCING OPTIONS details (12 pg. total)
OCT 16 - ADDRESSING FUNDING FOR PROJECTS with consultant Dr. Rob Grossi
The agenda for the Committee of the Whole meeting on TUESDAY included a presentation/discussion of possible FUNDING options for the IMAGINE proposal. This includes financing options that BYPASS THE VOTERS completely such as the issuance of LIFE SAFETY BONDS or DEBT CERTIFICATES (pg. 9, HERE). Neither of these is subject to the possibility of a "back-door" referendum which forces a vote by collection a sufficient number of petition signatures as happened with the November 2016 referendum. The meeting on 10/16 is for presentation and discussion only, no voting will take place. It is very important that the D200 BoE hears from its constituents on these issues.
THE PRESENTATION INCLUDED THESE QUESTIONS (see pages 3-5 HERE):
** How much current capital is the District willing to commit to the Master Plan? (such as from fund balance reserves)
** How much additional capital is the District willing to commit to address the Master Plan? (such as from future operating budgets, including debt certificates or the issuance of non-referendum bonds)
** Once this dollar amount is determined, what specific areas of the Master Facility Plan will be addressed with these resources?
Links and updates are also posted on our public Facebook group.
UPCOMING DATES
** The next regular D200 Board Meeting is Thursday, October 25 at 7:30 PM at the high school. A link to the agenda will be posted when available.
** D200 is hosting an IMAGINE Town Hall on Tuesday, October 30 at 7 PM.
How to Participate: ATTEND any meeting (link) and SPEAK during public comment - SIGN the Online Petition and SHARE the LINK - SEND an email to school board members (link) - WRITE a letter to the editor (WJ - OL) - SHARE this information with friends and neighbors
NOTE: Public comment is generally at the beginning of the School Board meetings.
Our SEPT 15 post includes a RECAP of the IMAGINE OPRF Long-term Facilities proposal. (LINK)
This meeting may be your only opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns. The Board is exploring options to bypass voters in funding its draft facilities master plan, with its total estimated cost of $218 Million (updated number from the previous partial price tag of $145 million for the first 3 sequences). More information HERE - scroll down to the bottom of the page for additional links with details about the proposal and its estimated costs.
THURSDAY, OCT 25, 7:30 PM - Regular monthly D200 School Board meeting in the 2nd floor Board Room at OPRF. The agenda is posted HERE - it includes additional links.
UPDATE: The full 5 sequence estimate at $218 Million is available HERE. Note that it provides guidance as to how the various components in each sequence are inter-dependent.
The D200 Committee of the Whole met Tuesday, October 16. Here is a LINK to the agenda and a LINK to important FINANCING OPTIONS details (12 pg. total)
OCT 16 - ADDRESSING FUNDING FOR PROJECTS with consultant Dr. Rob Grossi
The agenda for the Committee of the Whole meeting on TUESDAY included a presentation/discussion of possible FUNDING options for the IMAGINE proposal. This includes financing options that BYPASS THE VOTERS completely such as the issuance of LIFE SAFETY BONDS or DEBT CERTIFICATES (pg. 9, HERE). Neither of these is subject to the possibility of a "back-door" referendum which forces a vote by collection a sufficient number of petition signatures as happened with the November 2016 referendum. The meeting on 10/16 is for presentation and discussion only, no voting will take place. It is very important that the D200 BoE hears from its constituents on these issues.
THE PRESENTATION INCLUDED THESE QUESTIONS (see pages 3-5 HERE):
** How much current capital is the District willing to commit to the Master Plan? (such as from fund balance reserves)
** How much additional capital is the District willing to commit to address the Master Plan? (such as from future operating budgets, including debt certificates or the issuance of non-referendum bonds)
** Once this dollar amount is determined, what specific areas of the Master Facility Plan will be addressed with these resources?
Links and updates are also posted on our public Facebook group.
UPCOMING DATES
** The next regular D200 Board Meeting is Thursday, October 25 at 7:30 PM at the high school. A link to the agenda will be posted when available.
** D200 is hosting an IMAGINE Town Hall on Tuesday, October 30 at 7 PM.
How to Participate: ATTEND any meeting (link) and SPEAK during public comment - SIGN the Online Petition and SHARE the LINK - SEND an email to school board members (link) - WRITE a letter to the editor (WJ - OL) - SHARE this information with friends and neighbors
NOTE: Public comment is generally at the beginning of the School Board meetings.
Our SEPT 15 post includes a RECAP of the IMAGINE OPRF Long-term Facilities proposal. (LINK)
9/15/18
A VERY Expensive Project - With Estimates for just 3/5 of the project
THANK YOU to all who attended the Oct. 3 Community Input Session
Next MEETING is the D200 TOWN HALL on Tuesday, October 30 (Link)
HOW to participate - Sign the ONLINE PETITION and share the Link - Attend any meeting (Link) and SPEAK during public comment - Send an E-mail to school board members (Link) - Learn about the FINANCING options (Link) - Write a Letter to the Editor (WJ - OL) - Share this info with friends and neighbors.
This post is a review of the proposal put forth by the IMAGINE OPRF team to the D200 BoE on September 11. First of all, the total project is split into FIVE sequences but cost estimates were provided for only THREE of these sequences. And these estimates total a WHOPPING $145 MILLION. And still leaves the last 2 sequences as a big unknown.
The board asked some questions of the Imagine team, but any questions of substance (such as whether costs be reduced) were deflected. Very disappointing that the board - and taxpayers - are not being offered any real alternatives at different price points! Furthermore, of the $145 million for sequences 1, 2 and 3, about $117 million (80%) is dedicated to the Field House, primarily for PE and Athletic uses. Only 20%, $28 million in Sequence 1, is not dedicated to the Field House. Sequence 1 adds a 2-story addition above the South Cafeteria which currently is just one story. Sequences 2 & 3 are upgrades and rebuilding of sections of the existing Field House. The final section of the Field House is left for Sequence 5 (which may well be the most costly sequence of all, who knows?)
See this LINK for a breakdown of the costs of sequences 1, 2 and 3. It provides some detail on various spending categories. See pg. 4 for a summary. This LINK provides narrative that describes specific improvements accomplished in each sequence and why they need to be done in this order.
See the chart below for a breakdown of these costs.
(Note: Link only available to those logged in to Facebook. See the file labeled "Concept Cost Estimate - CORRECTED - Seq 1-3... near the top of the list. It can be "previewed" by clicking the preview button to the right of the file name. Page 3 recaps costs for the first 3 sequences.)
Next MEETING is the D200 TOWN HALL on Tuesday, October 30 (Link)
HOW to participate - Sign the ONLINE PETITION and share the Link - Attend any meeting (Link) and SPEAK during public comment - Send an E-mail to school board members (Link) - Learn about the FINANCING options (Link) - Write a Letter to the Editor (WJ - OL) - Share this info with friends and neighbors.
This post is a review of the proposal put forth by the IMAGINE OPRF team to the D200 BoE on September 11. First of all, the total project is split into FIVE sequences but cost estimates were provided for only THREE of these sequences. And these estimates total a WHOPPING $145 MILLION. And still leaves the last 2 sequences as a big unknown.
The board asked some questions of the Imagine team, but any questions of substance (such as whether costs be reduced) were deflected. Very disappointing that the board - and taxpayers - are not being offered any real alternatives at different price points! Furthermore, of the $145 million for sequences 1, 2 and 3, about $117 million (80%) is dedicated to the Field House, primarily for PE and Athletic uses. Only 20%, $28 million in Sequence 1, is not dedicated to the Field House. Sequence 1 adds a 2-story addition above the South Cafeteria which currently is just one story. Sequences 2 & 3 are upgrades and rebuilding of sections of the existing Field House. The final section of the Field House is left for Sequence 5 (which may well be the most costly sequence of all, who knows?)
See this LINK for a breakdown of the costs of sequences 1, 2 and 3. It provides some detail on various spending categories. See pg. 4 for a summary. This LINK provides narrative that describes specific improvements accomplished in each sequence and why they need to be done in this order.
- Sequence 1 @ $28,507,600 (primarily for new construction above the South Cafeteria to provide a new library/media and student resource spaces, classrooms and other academic and student services needs)
- Sequence 2 @ $66,742,100 (primarily for the east part of the Field House - P.E. and Athletics / new construction for an oversized, 17 lane, 40 x 25 yard pool, locker rooms, offices, and some multi-use spaces. It includes $569,800 for Performing Arts - less than 1% of the total)
- Sequence 3 @ $49,629,100 (the west part of the Field House; includes the most significant Performing Arts allocation of all the priced sequences with $14,183,900 specifically designated for Performing Arts)
- ALL sequences include amounts designated "Community/Shared Spaces" which is not defined. It may include things such as storage, hallways, bathrooms, stairways and elevators)
- It concerns us that the costs for Sequence One are fairly detailed and related to specific components, whereas the costs for Sequences 2 & 3 are vague and generic. Please see pages 2 & 3 at this LINK
See the chart below for a breakdown of these costs.
(Note: Link only available to those logged in to Facebook. See the file labeled "Concept Cost Estimate - CORRECTED - Seq 1-3... near the top of the list. It can be "previewed" by clicking the preview button to the right of the file name. Page 3 recaps costs for the first 3 sequences.)
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9/2/18
IMAGINE to Present its Facilities Concept on SEPT 11
Mark you calendar! Our first look at Imagine OPRF's presentation to the Board of Education, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 at 6:30 PM.
We hope to learn how Imagine proposes to phase the work including a timeline and very specific cost estimates broken down for each phase of the project rather than a global cost estimate. The last we heard from Imagine back in June, two concepts were presented - both involved tearing down the Field House and much of the south end of the building. At that time, no cost estimates were provided nor was there any "roadmap" of the route to accomplish work.
More information HERE: http://www.oprfhs.org/about/Imagine-OPRF-Work-Group.cfm
6/12/18
Let them know your concerns - Upcoming Meetings on 6/26 and 6/28
Next Up - TUESDAY, JUNE 26 at 7:00 PM in Room 293E
and THURSDAY, JUNE 28 at 7:30 PM in the Board Room at OPRFHS
On Tuesday, June 26 the OPRF Imagine Facilities team will present its findings and three concepts to the D200 School Board and initiate discussions with the Board about a potential long-term facilities master plan at a special board meeting. This is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
On Thursday, June 28 at 7:30 PM a regular monthly meeting of the D200 School Board is scheduled. Public comments are taken at the beginning of meetings. Agendas (when available) will be posted HERE.
On Tuesday, 6/19 - D200 Committee of the Whole met and heard public comments from many Pragmatic Pool supporters urging a closer look at the high school's swimming requirements and a facilities solution less drastic than total demolition of the Field House.
This meeting comes one week before the Imagine OPRF team will discuss renovation proposals with the Board of Education. Although cost estimates are not yet included, all 3 proposals:
and THURSDAY, JUNE 28 at 7:30 PM in the Board Room at OPRFHS
On Tuesday, June 26 the OPRF Imagine Facilities team will present its findings and three concepts to the D200 School Board and initiate discussions with the Board about a potential long-term facilities master plan at a special board meeting. This is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
On Thursday, June 28 at 7:30 PM a regular monthly meeting of the D200 School Board is scheduled. Public comments are taken at the beginning of meetings. Agendas (when available) will be posted HERE.
On Tuesday, 6/19 - D200 Committee of the Whole met and heard public comments from many Pragmatic Pool supporters urging a closer look at the high school's swimming requirements and a facilities solution less drastic than total demolition of the Field House.
This meeting comes one week before the Imagine OPRF team will discuss renovation proposals with the Board of Education. Although cost estimates are not yet included, all 3 proposals:
1. Necessitate full demolition of the Field House,
2. Include a 30-40 meter pool (larger than a standard 25-yd competition-sized high school pool)
3. Include a larger, 200-meter track to replace the existing track
Important to note: The IMAGINE plans have NOT taken into account any possible update of the 18-week PE swimming requirement at OPRFHS. This requirement is significantly lengthier than what other high schools in the Chicago area require. In addition, unlike other high schools, the current PE swimming requirement at OPRF does not provide an option to "test out" to students who already know how to swim.
It is important to understand that these two points create the argument for a larger pool. This significantly affects the price tag - AND our property taxes.
Please attend on June 19 - and consider making a public comment. Urge the D200 School Board to update its current PE swimming requirement and seek a more equitable pool solution.
In addition to the weak rationale for an overly large pool, the rationale for many of the other suggested facilities improvements do not seem to have been clearly articulated. The presentations at the community meetings on February 27 provided the best summary of the high school's needs and the issues to be resolved by the facilities updates - focused on these four main areas:
* Academics & Student Achievement (link)
* Fine & Applied Arts (link)
* Extracurriculars, Athletics & Physical Education (link)
* Whole Building (safety, security, the physical plant) (link)
More information is available at the "Frequently Asked Questions" file from Feb. 27.
Details on the concepts for the new facilities were provided in our June 3 post. Read it HERE.
2. Include a 30-40 meter pool (larger than a standard 25-yd competition-sized high school pool)
3. Include a larger, 200-meter track to replace the existing track
Important to note: The IMAGINE plans have NOT taken into account any possible update of the 18-week PE swimming requirement at OPRFHS. This requirement is significantly lengthier than what other high schools in the Chicago area require. In addition, unlike other high schools, the current PE swimming requirement at OPRF does not provide an option to "test out" to students who already know how to swim.
It is important to understand that these two points create the argument for a larger pool. This significantly affects the price tag - AND our property taxes.
Please attend on June 19 - and consider making a public comment. Urge the D200 School Board to update its current PE swimming requirement and seek a more equitable pool solution.
In addition to the weak rationale for an overly large pool, the rationale for many of the other suggested facilities improvements do not seem to have been clearly articulated. The presentations at the community meetings on February 27 provided the best summary of the high school's needs and the issues to be resolved by the facilities updates - focused on these four main areas:
* Academics & Student Achievement (link)
* Fine & Applied Arts (link)
* Extracurriculars, Athletics & Physical Education (link)
* Whole Building (safety, security, the physical plant) (link)
More information is available at the "Frequently Asked Questions" file from Feb. 27.
Details on the concepts for the new facilities were provided in our June 3 post. Read it HERE.
6/3/18
New Concepts include BIG CHANGES - Learn more below
Provide your FEEDBACK about the FACILITIES CONCEPTS HERE
ATTEND a Special SCHOOL BOARD Meeting on Tuesday, June 26 at 7 PM
The OPRF Imagine team held two "Community Conversations" on May 19 & 21 where their revised CONCEPTS for the Facilities Update were presented. Each of the three concepts (color coded TEAL, AMBER and MAGENTA) included plans for the three major areas of the building - the Academic Core (the North end of the building); the Commons/Services/Support (the Central part of the building) and the PE/Athletics core (the South end where the Field House is now). The parts of the plans are interchangeable - in other words, you can take the North end of the Teal plan and put it with the Middle part of the Amber plan and the South end of the Magenta plan and have a complete plan for the entire school.
NO COST ESTIMATES were provided for any portion of the project, and are not expected for several months, until the D200 School Board provides its feedback. However, one SIGNIFICANT expense in all three concepts will be the cost to redo the South End (PE/Athletics core) since all concepts call for REPLACING the existing Field House, even though engineering studies recently commission by the high school determined that the Field House is in good structural condition, and the necessary refurbishment could take place without demolition (LINK pg 2 - LinkB - LinkC)
To the right is a summary of the three plans. At the top are the "Common Components" - those elements that are essentially the same in all three schemes. Listed next are highlights specific to each individual concept. Each of the three concepts is presented in more detail at these links: MAGENTA - AMBER - TEAL.
Whether you attended one of the May sessions or not, please consider completing a FEEDBACK form at this LINK. It is designed for anyone to provide input, whether or not you attended a session or reviewed the plans online. If you did attend a session and/or if you have examined the concepts online, you might be able to be more specific in your comments. But if not, if you have an opinion - please let the committee know!
It is asks just two questions of each concept plus a final question for "other thoughts/additional feedback" - so if you don't have comments about specific concepts, just include your overall thoughts at the end.
The NEXT STEP will be on TUESDAY, JUNE 26 at a special board meeting of the D200 School Board. That's when the Imagine Committee will initiate discussions with the Board about a potential long-term facilities master plan. The meeting is at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room, 2nd floor at the high school. This is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
ATTEND a Special SCHOOL BOARD Meeting on Tuesday, June 26 at 7 PM
The OPRF Imagine team held two "Community Conversations" on May 19 & 21 where their revised CONCEPTS for the Facilities Update were presented. Each of the three concepts (color coded TEAL, AMBER and MAGENTA) included plans for the three major areas of the building - the Academic Core (the North end of the building); the Commons/Services/Support (the Central part of the building) and the PE/Athletics core (the South end where the Field House is now). The parts of the plans are interchangeable - in other words, you can take the North end of the Teal plan and put it with the Middle part of the Amber plan and the South end of the Magenta plan and have a complete plan for the entire school.
NO COST ESTIMATES were provided for any portion of the project, and are not expected for several months, until the D200 School Board provides its feedback. However, one SIGNIFICANT expense in all three concepts will be the cost to redo the South End (PE/Athletics core) since all concepts call for REPLACING the existing Field House, even though engineering studies recently commission by the high school determined that the Field House is in good structural condition, and the necessary refurbishment could take place without demolition (LINK pg 2 - LinkB - LinkC)
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| Click on image to view enarged format or use this LINK |
To the right is a summary of the three plans. At the top are the "Common Components" - those elements that are essentially the same in all three schemes. Listed next are highlights specific to each individual concept. Each of the three concepts is presented in more detail at these links: MAGENTA - AMBER - TEAL.
Whether you attended one of the May sessions or not, please consider completing a FEEDBACK form at this LINK. It is designed for anyone to provide input, whether or not you attended a session or reviewed the plans online. If you did attend a session and/or if you have examined the concepts online, you might be able to be more specific in your comments. But if not, if you have an opinion - please let the committee know!
It is asks just two questions of each concept plus a final question for "other thoughts/additional feedback" - so if you don't have comments about specific concepts, just include your overall thoughts at the end.
The NEXT STEP will be on TUESDAY, JUNE 26 at a special board meeting of the D200 School Board. That's when the Imagine Committee will initiate discussions with the Board about a potential long-term facilities master plan. The meeting is at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room, 2nd floor at the high school. This is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
5/8/18
Refined Options to be presented on MAY 19 and MAY 21
The IMAGINE team has scheduled two dates for their Community Conversation #4 where they will share potential facilities concepts that have been refined from earlier concepts based on community feedback from the April session. NOTE: They will not yet have cost estimates. This is still the conceptual phase of the master planning process, and the committee is looking at all possibilities to address facilities needs before beginning to cost out and prioritize specific elements of the concepts.
TWO MEETING DATES (same content at both)
Saturday, MAY 19 at 9:30 AM
Monday, MAY 21 at 7:00 PM
both take place in the South Cafeteria at OPRFHS, 201 N. Scoville Ave.
Most of the proposed conceptual changes centered on the south end of the school building - the Field House. This is where the 2 existing swimming pools are placed, and where any new pool is proposed to be set. Linked HERE is a summary of the April session, including links with more specific information on the three areas of the building under consideration: the North end (primarily the Academic core), the Middle (the commons areas - cafeterias, auditoriums, meeting spaces, bookstore, student center, etc) and the South end (primarily athletics, the Field House)
A good deal of information based upon feedback from the April session is included in the FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) linked HERE. One of the questions (or "complaints") heard from many concerned the very lack of specific detail that was included in the presentation, including no mention of the actual size of the swimming pool - read the answer below:
A good deal of information based upon feedback from the April session is included in the FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) linked HERE. One of the questions (or "complaints") heard from many concerned the very lack of specific detail that was included in the presentation, including no mention of the actual size of the swimming pool - read the answer below:
Why didn’t the April 16 conceptual diagrams include dimensions for specific elements?
The diagrams represented concepts that Imagine members are considering. The goal is to explore and get public feedback about general locations and ways of organizing such components. The blocks of color on the diagrams do not represent agreed-upon dimensions for any element. That holds true for the library and the Special Education Transitional Education with Access to the Mainstream (TEAM) space, as well as the pool, the locker rooms, and most other spaces. Indeed, the Imagine Group has not yet established the dimensions of a right-sized pool for the school.
4/8/18
Continue reading below for a link to an informative Chicago Tribune article about property taxes
JOIN THE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION - WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
TOURS of the school building will be given SATURDAY, APRIL 14 starting at 10 a.m. and MONDAY, APRIL 16 starting at 5:45 p.m. Meet in the OPRF South Cafeteria.
Tours last about 30 minutes and depart in 15 minute intervals.
Check HERE for more information.
On MONDAY, APRIL 16 at 7 p.m. following the building tours, the IMAGINE committee will be sharing the facilities OPTIONS developed after months of research and input from school staff and members of the local community. Please come to learn what they're thinking and offer your input.
Meet in the OPRFHS South Cafeteria, 201 North Scoville Ave.
Please attend and provide YOUR INPUT. Learn what the IMAGINE team has discovered over the past eight months of research and data collection, including site visits to area schools that have completed significant facilities improvements in recent years. The outcome of the Imagine process could have a significant impact on our property taxes - please stay informed.
WE ARE NUMBER TWO!
JOIN THE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION - WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
TOURS of the school building will be given SATURDAY, APRIL 14 starting at 10 a.m. and MONDAY, APRIL 16 starting at 5:45 p.m. Meet in the OPRF South Cafeteria. Tours last about 30 minutes and depart in 15 minute intervals.
Check HERE for more information.
On MONDAY, APRIL 16 at 7 p.m. following the building tours, the IMAGINE committee will be sharing the facilities OPTIONS developed after months of research and input from school staff and members of the local community. Please come to learn what they're thinking and offer your input.
Meet in the OPRFHS South Cafeteria, 201 North Scoville Ave.
Please attend and provide YOUR INPUT. Learn what the IMAGINE team has discovered over the past eight months of research and data collection, including site visits to area schools that have completed significant facilities improvements in recent years. The outcome of the Imagine process could have a significant impact on our property taxes - please stay informed.
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WE ARE NUMBER TWO!
Illinois, as a state, is #2 (behind New Jersey) in having the
highest average tax rate in the nation. The AVERAGE annual effective
property tax on a single-family house in Illinois is 2.13 percent. If
that seems low, well compared to Oak Park's average, it probably is. To
find YOUR actual effective tax rate, get out your 2nd installment 2016
bill, look at Tax Calculator section at the bottom, and DIVIDE the Total
2016 Tax (bottom number, right column) by the 2016 Property Value
(second number, left column).
For many homeowners in OAK PARK, the tax rate is EVEN HIGHER - closer to 3.75% or more.
A VERY INFORMATIVE article in the Sunday, April 8 CHICAGO TRIBUNE (LINK) explains this in greater detail.
(Keep in mind that factors such as a homeowners exemption and senior citizens exemptions can effect the result. Also keep in mind that the last tax bill does NOT reflect the reassessment that took place in 2016)
For many homeowners in OAK PARK, the tax rate is EVEN HIGHER - closer to 3.75% or more.
A VERY INFORMATIVE article in the Sunday, April 8 CHICAGO TRIBUNE (LINK) explains this in greater detail.
(Keep in mind that factors such as a homeowners exemption and senior citizens exemptions can effect the result. Also keep in mind that the last tax bill does NOT reflect the reassessment that took place in 2016)
2/11/18
IMAGINE Process Continues - ATTEND and PROVIDE INPUT on FEB 27
YOUR CHANCE TO PROVIDE INPUT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27
in the OPRFHS South Cafeteria at 7:00 PM
Learn what the IMAGINE team has discovered over the past six months of research and data collection, including site visits to area schools that have completed significant facilities improvements in recent years. (more info HERE)
Formed in spring 2017, the Imagine OPRF Work Group is charged with making recommendations to the Board of Education for a fiscally responsible FACILITIES PLAN that supports equity and current and future academic programming needs. Imagine OPRF will review previous facilities plans and research, explore new options, and gather community input.
In December 2016, the Board of Education approved creation of a community engagement committee to make recommendations for a long-range facilities plan. The final work group has 43 members (LINK to list of members) who met for the first time on Aug. 26, 2017. They are divided into FOUR work groups, each with a specific focus:
Future Community Engagement Meetings include:
APRIL 16 - possible facilities options revealed, based upon research and community input
MAY 21 - refining and narrowing down the options
in the OPRFHS South Cafeteria at 7:00 PM
Learn what the IMAGINE team has discovered over the past six months of research and data collection, including site visits to area schools that have completed significant facilities improvements in recent years. (more info HERE)
Formed in spring 2017, the Imagine OPRF Work Group is charged with making recommendations to the Board of Education for a fiscally responsible FACILITIES PLAN that supports equity and current and future academic programming needs. Imagine OPRF will review previous facilities plans and research, explore new options, and gather community input.
In December 2016, the Board of Education approved creation of a community engagement committee to make recommendations for a long-range facilities plan. The final work group has 43 members (LINK to list of members) who met for the first time on Aug. 26, 2017. They are divided into FOUR work groups, each with a specific focus:
- Academics/Student Achievement
- Athletics/Extracurriculars
- Performing & Fine Arts
- Physical Condition/Safety & Security.
Future Community Engagement Meetings include:
APRIL 16 - possible facilities options revealed, based upon research and community input
MAY 21 - refining and narrowing down the options
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