18 schools 11 elementary schools 4 middle schools 1 high school 1 pre-school (Todd  School) 1 special needs building (Hope D. Wall School) Transportation Center Administration Building

Operating Department

In 2006, District 129 contracted with Gilfillan Callahan Architects to audit all of the District’s buildings and properties. Issues raised in the audit include:

• Overcrowding at West High, Fearn, Nicholson and Hill;
• Aging facilities (the oldest building, Nancy Hill Elementary, is 118 years old)
• Energy efficiency (the total natural gas & electric for FY 06 was $2 Million)
• Inadequate educational spaces for children;
• Needed safety and security upgrades, especially with cameras and better locking systems; and needed routine maintenance

District 129 addressed issues involving health and safety needing immediate attention during the summer of 2006. With community involvement, the board and administration will develop a long-range facilities plan in the near future. The School District would have to ask voters for permission to issue bonds to build new schools or additions. Gilfillan Callahan Architects developed some possible options to begin the dialogue on facilities. While the District recognizes these needs, the Board has determined that having adequate operating funds to manage and operate what we have is our immediate concern.