Middlefork School Improvements: Continuing Our Legacy of Excellence

MARCH 2026 BOND REFERENDUM 

Why has District 29 placed a bond referendum on the March 2026 ballot? 

Sunset Ridge School District 29 has placed a bond referendum on the March 17, 2026 ballot to address pressing facility needs at Middlefork School (grades K-3). At 65 years old, the facility requires substantial reinvestment to remain safe, functional, and aligned with modern educational standards. The referendum would help finance a partial rebuild and comprehensive renovation of the school. 

Bond measures are long-term financing tools, similar to a mortgage, that allow school districts to fund large-scale facility improvements such as renovations, system upgrades, and new construction. 

What improvements would be made? 

• Enhanced safety systems: reinforced materials, secure entry points, and interior movement barriers 

• Fire suppression system and integrated storm shelter 

• ADA-compliant restrooms and accessible indoor and outdoor pathways 

• Energy-efficient HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and lighting systems 

• Preservation of the gymnasium and historic multipurpose room/cafeteria 

• Replacement of outdated academic wing with modern, flexible classrooms 

• Phased construction to avoid modular classrooms 

• A two-story layout organized by grade-level clusters, including 23 purpose-designed classrooms (16 core, 4 specials, 2 special education, and 1 preschool) 

• Accessible, secure playground safely distanced from traffic 

• Building exterior optimized for energy efficiency and durability 

How will the referendum appear on the ballot and what will it say?

The referendum will appear on the ballot as a question: 

Shall the Board of Education of Sunset Ridge School District Number 29, Cook County, Illinois, build and equip an academic building to replace a portion of the Middlefork School Building, alter, repair and equip the remaining portion of said school building, improve the site thereof, install safety and security measures, increase student accessibility to educational and outdoor spaces, and issue its bonds to the amount of $23,500,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

What are the most pressing facility challenges at Middlefork School? 

• Safety and Security: While a secure entrance and video surveillance exist, further reinforcements are needed, including upgraded access points, reinforced doors and glass, a secure playground, enhanced communication systems, and life safety measures such as a fire suppression system and a storm shelter. 

• Aging Infrastructure: Despite ongoing maintenance, heating, roofing, and other essential systems are outdated, inefficient, and increasingly costly to maintain. 

• Accessibility Deficiencies: Many restrooms and the playground do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. 

• Capacity Constraints and Evolving Program Demands: Enrollment and expanding programming needs have grown beyond the building’s original design, forcing instruction into hallways, vestibules, carts, and non-classroom spaces. In recent years, Middlefork started providing a broader range of services to meet a variety of student needs. These spaces require specialized instructional areas the current facility lacks.  

How were these needs identified and prioritized? 

After completing a state-mandated 10-year Health Life Safety Survey in 2017, the District maintained a prioritized list of repairs. In October 2023, following a pandemic-related pause, the District resumed planning with a comprehensive facility assessment. A Capital Improvement Committee—comprised of Board members, District staff, and community representatives—led a 20-month review process evaluating infrastructure, capacity, and learning environments, while engaging staff and community input.

What is the proposed solution? 

A partial rebuild and comprehensive renovation of Middlefork School would improve safety and security as well as balance modernization, fiscal responsibility, and continuity of instruction. 

Were alternative solutions considered? 

Yes. Options included:  

• Targeted renovations and small additions: Insufficient to resolve infrastructure, space, and safety challenges. 

• Construction of a new school: More costly, requiring temporary modular classrooms at Sunset Ridge School and significant logistical disruption. 

Why recommend the partial rebuild and renovation approach? 

This option best addresses identified needs while balancing cost considerations, minimizing disruption, ensuring safety during construction, avoiding modular classrooms, and accounting for site and floodplain constraints. 

How would the partially rebuilt and renovated Middlefork compare to Sunset Ridge School? 

While not a complete rebuild, the renovation aims to achieve the same high standards of safety, efficiency, and instructional quality realized at Sunset Ridge. The same architectural firm, Wight & Company, is guiding the design.

What would happen with the existing playground during construction? 

The existing playground would be demolished once construction starts. The District would work with the Park District to identify spaces available for adequate outdoor time. 

When would construction likely begin? 

If the referendum is approved in March 2026, construction could begin as early as April 2027. Final timelines would depend on permitting, bidding, financing schedules, and weather.

What outcomes are anticipated from the project? 

• Creating a healthier, safer, and more secure school 

• Eliminating learning in makeshift spaces 

• Extending the useful life of existing facilities 

• Reducing costly and disruptive emergency repairs 

• Enhancing ADA accessibility 

• Maintaining small class sizes, protecting our high-performing school 

• Improving energy efficiency, saving taxpayer dollars 

• Strengthening our ability to attract and retain exceptional teachers 

• Protecting property values 
 

How would improvements impact student learning? 

Modern classrooms and small-group spaces would support differentiated instruction for all learners. Grade-level clusters would foster collaboration, while improved facilities would sustain low student-to-teacher ratios, protecting educational quality. 

How could residents without school-aged children benefit? 

Strong public schools play a role in protecting property values, attracting new families, and providing community spaces for programs and events. Schools are central to community pride and long-term vitality.

What is the size of the bond referendum? 

The bond referendum authorizes the District to issue bonds up to $23.5 million to finance a portion of the project.  Voter approval is limited to the issuance of bonds in this amount; any additional project funding would be subject to separate Board action and future financial conditions.

What is the total cost? 

The project is estimated to cost $40 million. The proposed $23.5 million bond referendum represents a portion of the total project cost. If approved by voters, the District’s plan of finance anticipates funding the remaining project cost through a combination of anticipated interest earnings on bond proceeds, fundraising efforts, and a future debt certificate issuance planned for 2028. The District currently expects to make debt certificate payments from available operating funds; however, such expectations are based on current projections and are subject to future Board decisions, actual financial performance, and then-prevailing conditions. The District does not presently anticipate the need for an additional property tax levy specifically dedicated to the repayment of the debt certificates.

Would waiting increase costs? 

Yes. Inflation and deferred maintenance would likely increase overall expenses. 

Has the District demonstrated fiscal responsibility? 

Yes. District 29 has a strong record of fiscal responsibility, consistently managing its budget to sustain high-quality programs and facilities while safeguarding taxpayer interests. Notably, Sunset Ridge School was built without a referendum, funded through operating surpluses and capital lease certificates. The District’s Finance/Facilities Committee plays a key role in reviewing and overseeing financial decisions. As a result of its prudent financial practices, the District has consistently earned Financial Recognition status—the highest rating awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education. 

What is the estimated tax impact? 

The estimated tax impact shown below reflects only the 20-year, $23.5 million voter-approved bond issuance and does not include any potential future financing that would require separate Board action: 

Actual tax impacts may vary and are dependent on future assessed valuations, interest rates, debt issuance timing, and other factors beyond the District’s control.

How would project updates be communicated? 

If the referendum is approved, the District will share progress on construction and finances via Board meetings, public forums, and the District website. 

How would construction be managed while school is in session? 

A phased approach would allow portions of the existing building to remain operational while new areas are completed, ensuring safety and continuity of instruction. 

Where can residents direct additional questions?

Contact Superintendent Dr. Ed Stange at (847) 881-9456 or stangee@srd29.org.

This information is provided to help residents understand the proposed bond referendum.  The District does not advocate for or against the measure.