By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Although more questions than answers remain in a possible facilities-related referendum at Union Grove High School, one component of the planning activities is coming into sharper focus.
District Administrator Al Mollerskov said the district has narrowed the list of contractors associated with the exploratory process.
Last year, as high school officials began discussing the possible referendum, UGHS administrators and School Board members had been meeting with Nexus Solutions, a firm specializing in 21st Century learning facilities.
But Mollerskov said the district has more recently chosen not to proceed with Nexus Solutions and instead is hashing over the various options with Plunkett Raysich Architects and Scherrer Construction.
Mollerskov said the decision not to proceed with Nexus Solutions was one of practicality and not a reflection on the firm itself.
“What they were offering is something we decided wasn’t needed,” Mollerskov said.
Early on in the exploration process, UGHS was looking at possibly taking advantage of state legislation aimed at spurring energy efficient projects within school districts.
Gov. Scott Walker’s Act 32 provides districts with a revenue limit exemption, which could be favorable to a local budget, if energy conservation projects are incorporated.
Although UGHS has not ruled out energy-efficiency projects, Mollerskov said any specific items under that theme would be baked into the overall facilities planning.
UGHS is exploring the possible referendum at a time when districts have faced headwinds as questions have been posed to voters.
In April, Yorkville, one of the four K-8 feeder districts affiliated with UGHS, asked voters within its boundaries to exceed the state’s revenue caps by $490,000 on a recurring basis.
The question was defeated when 270 residents cast “no” votes, and 249 voters said “yes.”
Although a decision has not yet been released, Yorkville officials this spring hinted another referendum might be necessary to continue maintaining the school’s current level of programs and staffing.
At UGHS, Mollerskov said the district is doing its due diligence in planning for the future and the specifics of a referendum.
Further discussion of a UGHS referendum will be explored on a deeper level at a board retreat slated for June 21.
“Once we have that retreat, we should have more information,” Mollerskov said.
UGHS’ referendum exploration comes on the heels of a series of maneuvers that took place late last year.
In December, UGHS closed on the purchase of a 14.6-acre parcel of land at 3433 S. Colony Ave., directly north of the existing campus. The transaction, Mollerskov said, fits hand-in-glove into the facilities study underway.
The additional land brings the high school’s total footprint to an even 40 acres, providing a number of possibilities, Mollerskov said. A home, two cottages and a garage sit on the 14.6 acres of land, and redevelopment opportunities could be on the horizon.
New and revamped classroom space could be part of the facilities-related referendum. Mollerskov said a number of curricular areas are eyed for enhancements, including the computer science academy, technology education and art.
UGHS also is looking to ramp up its agriculture department offerings as new career opportunities in such fields as veterinary science and aquaponics have surfaced.
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