by Sarah DeMaranville
Geneseo Current
Geneseo Community Unit School District 228 is moving forward with several building and grounds improvements while delaying larger construction projects because of their estimated costs.
During its October 20 Building and Grounds Committee meeting, members reviewed proposals involving Geneseo High School, Geneseo Middle School, Millikin Elementary, and Southwest Elementary, along with plans for a new greenhouse and resurfacing the high school track.
The committee's decisions reflect a focus on maintaining existing facilities, addressing building needs, and completing smaller improvements while limiting commitments to major construction projects.
The largest proposal advancing for further consideration is a renovation of the Geneseo High School cafeteria and commons area, estimated to cost between $500,000 and $700,000.
Meanwhile, a proposed $10 million to $15 million middle school expansion and athletic facility project has been tabled.
High school cafeteria and commons renovation moves forward
The Building and Grounds Committee agreed that the Geneseo High School cafeteria and commons area needs improvements. The space serves students throughout the school day and is also used by the public during fall and winter sporting events.
The proposed renovation would modernize the area while addressing aging infrastructure, improving energy efficiency and creating a more welcoming environment.
According to the project proposal submitted by GHS Principal Tom Ryerson, improvements could include:
Replacing the existing ceiling with a modern acoustic ceiling system.
Installing energy-efficient LED lighting.
Replacing flooring with durable commercial-grade materials.
Repainting the area and updating architectural finishes.
Creating a more modern and functional commons space.
Adding displays recognizing student achievements and school history.
The proposal also includes a potential Hall of Fame and recognition area featuring athletic accomplishments, academic achievements, fine arts recognition, school records, and distinguished alumni. Interactive digital displays are among the ideas being considered.
The preliminary budget estimates the entire renovation at $500,000 to $700,000, with individual components ranging from $20,000 for digital displays and technology to as much as $180,000 for flooring replacement.
Committee members identified two separate funding components. The first would address heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems identified as health and life safety projects in the district's 10-year facilities survey. Those improvements would be paid for through Health/Life Safety funds. The second would cover flooring, lighting and other renovations using revenue from the district's 1% sales tax. The project will need to be bid through the district's architect.
The committee recommended moving the proposal forward, with a first reading scheduled for the November Board of Education meeting. The renovation has not yet received final board approval. The cost figures remain preliminary estimates rather than awarded construction bids.
High school track resurfacing planned for summer
The committee also discussed resurfacing and painting the Geneseo High School track.
District representatives presented a cost estimate during the October meeting, although the amount was not included in the meeting minutes. Committee members agreed that the project should be completed during summer 2027 as part of a School Maintenance Grant application the district plans to submit this fall.
The resurfacing would address maintenance needs at the existing athletic facility rather than expand it.
The minutes do not specify the grant amount or the district's anticipated share of the cost.
Middle school expansion proposal put on hold
One of the most substantial proposals reviewed by the committee involved Geneseo Middle School and the Geneseo Fieldhouse and Athletic Center, commonly known as GFAC.
Submitted by GMS Principal Nathan O'Dell, the proposal outlined a major building expansion and renovation intended to address aging facilities, instructional needs and athletic space.
The estimated cost ranged from $10 million to $15 million for the entire project, with individual components potentially costing approximately $400,000 to $1 million.
The proposal noted that Geneseo Middle School is approaching 30 years of age and that some facilities were designed for smaller enrollment and different instructional needs.
Potential improvements included a partial building remodel, additional classrooms, a new entrance and expanded common areas. The proposal also called for GFAC 2.0, an expanded athletic facility with a new gymnasium, indoor walking track, dedicated wrestling space and additional community-use areas. Other possibilities included improved locker rooms, physical education storage, a larger cafeteria and collaborative spaces for students and staff. The proposal also envisioned additional districtwide uses for the facility, including athletic practices, community programs and expanded access for students.
However, the Building and Grounds Committee determined that the project's estimated cost would require a significant bond issuance. As a result, the committee tabled the expansion proposal rather than advancing it for construction.
Members did agree to explore a smaller improvement: a new sign kiosk at Geneseo Middle School.
Greenhouse proposal delayed because of cost
A proposed new greenhouse was also discussed during the October meeting.
Travis Mackey presented additional options for possible greenhouse locations, and the committee reviewed an architect's cost estimate. The proposal included an approximately 2,530-square-foot greenhouse structure with an estimated base cost of $722,400. Additional allowances for overhead, profit, contingency and architectural and engineering fees increased the overall estimated project cost beyond the base construction figure.
Committee members agreed that the cost was too high to move forward at this time. The project was tabled for reconsideration at a later date.
Southwest Elementary playground improvement approved
At Southwest Elementary, the committee approved a smaller project involving the installation of a playground swing set.
The proposal, submitted by Principal Brian Hofer, was developed in coordination with school psychologist Augusta T. Booth and focused on supporting students' sensory and emotional regulation needs.
The proposed commercial-grade, multi-bay swing set would provide opportunities for movement, sensory input and emotional regulation. The proposal explained that some students, particularly those receiving special education services, benefit from access to structured movement activities that help them return to classroom learning.
The project carries an estimated cost of $11,000. Funding will be shared with the Southwest Parent Teacher Association. Because of the project's limited scope, the committee determined that formal Board of Education approval was not required. The work will instead be handled through the district's maintenance work-order process.
Millikin Elementary outdoor seating approved
Millikin Elementary will also receive a smaller improvement following committee approval.
Principal Philip Moe submitted a proposal to add outdoor picnic tables in the school's courtyard area. The project would provide an additional seating area for students and staff, including opportunities for outdoor instruction, lunch breaks and other activities. The proposal calls for approximately three picnic tables, with an estimated total cost of $1,500 to $2,500.
The committee approved the project, which is expected to be completed by the district's maintenance team during summer 2027. Like the Southwest playground improvement, the Millikin project will be treated as a maintenance work order rather than requiring separate formal board approval.
District explains funding and financial considerations
Following questions from The Geneseo Current about the proposed improvements and the district's financial situation, Chief School Business Official Tim Gronski explained that the high school cafeteria and commons renovation would be funded separately from the district's operating budget.
Gronski said the district's projected operating deficits do not factor into the decision to advance the proposal because the project would use surplus revenue from the 1% school facilities sales tax.
"The project would be paid for with 1% sales tax revenue surpluses, not operating funds," Gronski said.
He added that the proposed renovation would not require borrowing, a voter referendum, or the issuance of bonds.
Gronski contrasted that funding arrangement with the proposed $10 million to $15 million middle school expansion, which would have required significant borrowing and was tabled by the Building and Grounds Committee.
The high school project also includes heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements identified in the district's required 10-year Health/Life Safety plan. Those improvements would be funded through Health/Life Safety resources rather than operating funds.
Gronski explained that both funding sources are restricted. The 1% sales tax revenue is designated for capital projects, while Health/Life Safety funds must be used for qualifying improvements identified through the district's facilities planning process. The district intends to complete the required HVAC improvements regardless of whether the broader commons renovation receives approval.
According to Gronski, coordinating the HVAC replacement with the proposed renovation would allow the district to complete both projects together. He also noted that the cafeteria and commons modernization was originally included in Project Leaf but was removed to keep that earlier project within budget.
Regarding long-term costs, Gronski said the renovation would not create additional ongoing maintenance obligations because the district already maintains the cafeteria, commons area, and HVAC systems. Replacing outdated HVAC equipment could also improve energy efficiency.
Gronski clarified that even if the Board of Education approves the renovation in December, construction would not begin until summer 2028 because of extended lead times for HVAC equipment.
What happens next?
The Geneseo High School cafeteria and commons renovation is scheduled for a first reading at Thursday night's Board of Education meeting. If the proposal advances, the board could consider approval in December.
According to Chief School Business Official Tim Gronski, construction would not begin until summer 2028 because of HVAC equipment lead times.
The track resurfacing project is planned for summer 2027, with the district intending to pursue School Maintenance Grant funding.
Smaller improvements at Southwest and Millikin have already received committee approval and will be handled through maintenance work orders.
The larger middle school expansion and greenhouse projects remain on hold, although both could be reconsidered in the future.
For now, the district's building priorities center on improving existing facilities, addressing identified maintenance needs and completing smaller projects while postponing construction proposals that would require substantially larger financial commitments.
