Dear Butler D53 Families and Staff,
The Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, December 13, 2021. At this meeting, the Board of Education approved project funding that supports the previously approved capital improvements vision plan to enhance both Brook Forest Elementary and Butler Junior High School over the next three years. We are thrilled about the future of our physical infrastructure and the pathways to continue making our award-winning school district an excellent place to learn, teach, and grow Beyond All Limits.
The Capital Improvements Vision Plan will be carried out in three phases. Phase I will kick off in April 2022 and will focus on initial classroom renovations and administrative space for collaboration at Butler Junior High School. At Brook Forest Elementary, Phase I will include a new elevator for greater ADA accessibility, enhanced vestibule for increased security, and renovation of administrative offices. These projects are necessary in order to pave the way for the future teaching and learning improvements in Phases II and III.
We are excited about how this will continue to enhance the educational learning environments, safety, and accessibility of our buildings for current and future students within District 53. With every construction project, there will be adjustments that need to be made in order to start and end as close to on time as possible. After Winter Break, building principals will be communicating specific accommodations and changes that will be necessary for construction to start in the spring.
In an effort to keep our school community informed on the progress of the construction project, we are in the process of developing The Construction Corner, which will consist of a monthly email communication relating solely to the construction projects as well as a dedicated landing page on the website that will include project specific information and communication. Please be on the lookout for the first one in January 2022.
From all of us at Butler School District 53, I wish you and your families a wonderful, joyous, and happy holiday season. We look forward to kicking off 2022 with you on Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Stay well, be safe!
Dr. Paul O’Malley
Superintendent of Schools