District 158 to Receive $39 Million Capital Construction Grant

Consolidated School District 158 was notified by the Illinois Capital Development Board that the District will receive a $39.4 million capital grant for construction that was primarily completed in 2005. That construction included the schools on the Square Barn Road campus as well as Marlowe Middle School on Reed Road. The total construction cost of these projects was in excess of $80 million dollars.

These grant funds are dedicated to capital projects. Over the next few months, the District 158 Board of Education will have discussions and decisions relative to the exact allocation of the dollars. However, the funds will likely be allocated to help the District pay portions of previous debt incurred to fund that 2005 construction, as well as help the district provide for future construction needs. Although home building has slowed, the district is still experiencing annual enrollment increases, with Huntley High School projected to reach 3,000 students within five years.

The district’s bond debt is laddered and increases significantly each year. These grant funds will permit the District to help local taxpayers by reducing this increasing debt structure. These funds will also help the students of the District, as we will be able to meet construction needs for the near future.

Consolidated School District 158, located in McHenry and Kane counties, serves 9,200 students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12. For additional information, please contact Dr. John Burkey, Superintendent or Mr. Mark Altmayer, Chief Financial Officer at 847-659-6158.

-Submitted by District 158