1 • Thursday, June 3, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent
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VOL. 19 • NO. 24
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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021
Architectural plans presented for elementary schools By Chris Fox
Cost estimates exceed budgeted amount from referendum
FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
At the regular meeting of Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held on May 25, there was a presentation given by Craig Siepka of Wight and Company, the district’s architect, of the revised architectural plans for Field, Fischer and Jackson elementary schools. It included
options for upcoming construction and renovation projects at all three schools. According to the presentation, the estimated costs of the upcoming projects at the three schools exceed the budgeted amount from the referendum of November 2018. District voters approved the borrowing of $168.5 million in November 2018 to
upgrade the district’s facilities. According to Siepka’s presentation, $29 million from the November 2018 referendum was dedicated toward building a new Field Elementary School. The presentation gave two options for a new school building. One of the options had an estimated cost of $31-34 million. The other option had an estimated cost of $35-37
million. The construction of the new Field Elementary School is expected to begin in the summer of 2022. Increase in material costs, underestimated student numbers cause overages Terry Fielden of ICI, the district’s construction management firm, said
the increased estimates for the projects were related to higher material costs. Additionally, the proposed options exceeded budgeted amounts because those options included classroom capacities that accommodated higher enrollments. Previous enrollment projects reportedly under-
See PLANS Page 10
The City salutes its veterans Memorial Day Military Convoy and ceremony held in Wilder Park
FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
The crowd was sparse and the sky was overcast, but there was a spirit of quiet celebration not only for the solemnity of Memorial Day but also for the people who, now fully vaccinated, were glad-handing, greeting their neighbors and offering hugs of welcome for the first time in months. Memorial Day is always a solemn occasion to recall those who have fallen in service to the United States during the wars of the last few centuries. The day began with patriotic musical selections performed by the Antioch Brass Quintet. Elmhurst’s own Brian Costello of the Shannon Rovers also played the bagpipes. This year’s Grand Marshal was Kevin Calkins, Specialist 5, U.S. Army (Ret.), who served during the Vietnam War. Following special recognition of Elmhurst’s local funeral homes, John R. Quigley, president and CEO of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry and a member of the Elmhurst Veterans Memorial Commission, read the names of the deceased from the past year.
Quigley and Veterans Memorial Commission Chair Ralph P. Pechanio delivered a presentation to Calkins as Grand Marshal. The Elmhurst Fire Department and Police Department Honor Guard executed a Rifle Squad 3 Round Volley, followed by “Taps” played by trumpeters from the York High School band. Newly-elected Mayor Scott Levin delivered his first-ever Memorial Day address. Other members of the Elmhurst American Legion took part in the ceremony included: John Scudder, Commander, led the Pledge of Allegiance; William R. Shanklin, Sgt.-atArms, served as Master of Ceremonies; Rus Strahan, senior Vice Commander, was Officer of the Day; John Wendel, Brigadier General (Ret.), delivered the Memorial Day prayer; Edward H. Walker IV, Major, U.S.M.C., offered the benediction. Those who participated in laying
See VETERANS Page 10
Inside:
Police Reports...........7 Sports ��������������� 20-22 Viewpoint.................9 Classifieds..............18
DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
This happy family found a soft spot in the grass near Elmhurst University to sit and enjoy the second Memorial Day Convoy, which would have been the 103rd annual Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade, were it not for the COVID-19 pandemic, which put a stop to many community events over the past year. More photos inside. 370248
By Dee Longfellow
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