Progress with Purpose - Capital Improvements

In January, the Board of Education approved alternate revenue bonds not to exceed $14 million to fund renovations and improvements for school theaters and stadiums. The District will pay off the bond, plus interest, over the next 20 years. The District will launch a capital campaign soon to help raise additional funds and expand the district’s ability to meet the goals outlined in the strategic plan.

This type of borrowing is highly restricted and is being done according to Illinois Law.

• November 19, 2024: Board adopted Resolution of Intent and Resolution calling Bond Issue Notification Act (BINA) hearing at regular meeting
• November 21, 2024: Legal notices published in the newspaper
• December 17, 2024: Board held BINA hearing at regular meeting
• December 21, 2024: 30-day petition period ended
• January 21, 2025: Board approved parameters resolution authorizing the bond sale at regular meeting
• By mid February 2025: Bonds sold via a competitive sale; delegates approve final results
• By mid March 2025: Bonds close; District receives proceeds

The district will not seek additional funds from taxpayers beyond the tax levy. 

The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, commonly referred to as "TAX CAP" or "PTELL" limits the increase in property Tax Extensions to 5% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less, not counting new construction or Bond & Interest Obligations.

Theater improvements will begin during the summer of 2025. The intention of the District is for all four stadiums to be completed in the next four years by August 2029.

Cary-Grove: 2015 - New auditorium

Crystal Lake Central: 2004-2006 - Dimmer, Sound system; 2019 - Painting

Crystal Lake South: 2020 - New seating, New carpet, Painting, Acoustic Panels

Prairie Ridge: No major renovations since the school opened in 1997

Cary-Grove - Lighting

Crystal Lake Central - Stage Rigging/Lighting System and House Lights

Crystal Lake South - Stage Audio System

Prairie Ridge - New Seating and House Lights

Turf fields will be installed at all four stadiums over the next four years. New track surfaces, press boxes, restroom facilities, bleachers, and lighting will be considered for each school based on need.

Currently, the stadium field has limited usage because of the natural grass. The installation of turf in the stadiums will allow more students in sports and activities to use the stadium field for practices and games throughout the school year. For example, boys and girls soccer, football, girls flag football, boys and girls lacrosse, track and field, Special Olympics track and field, band and color guard. 

The installation of turf should limit the number of canceled practices or games due to inclement weather on fields for soccer, flag football, lacrosse, band, etc.

The renovated stadiums will be an additional resource for sports and activities for District and community events.

District administrators and the Board are weighing several factors before deciding the order each stadium will be renovated. Architects from FGM, engineers from Erickson Engineering, and construction managers from Pepper Construction toured each stadium with District administrators to discuss improvements.

The Board and District administrators will analyze the scope of each project, and cost prior to making a decision. They will also consider how the construction schedule will impact athletics, extracurriculars, and the timing of sports seasons.

Prairie Ridge needs immediate attention to resolve erosion and drainage issues and it is the lowest capacity stadium. The stadium will be renovated to increase capacity, enhance safety and traffic flow, improve ADA accessibility, storage, and overall usage.

As part of our commitment to our community, the District designate a District Administrator to manage neighbor relations, and we will work with the City of Crystal Lake and the village of Cary throughout this process.

The District will continue to provide updates on its website, and social media platforms. The District will also share information regarding information sessions for the community to learn more about each stadium project.