Sports Focus Of Central, South Planned Debt-Funded Projects

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 officials have unveiled a proposed timeline for $82 million in debt-financed projects at both campuses.

But they said changes will likely be made after engineering is done.

The work is planned for the next three years.

Of the projects, $36 million is for what the state considers "life safety." About half that money is for a three-year heat plant renovation at Hinsdale Central.

Outside the life safety work, much of the money is for athletic projects. But some money is devoted to lab renovations for science and family and consumer sciences classes, as well as an outdoor commons at South and an auditorium renovation at Central.

Through mid-2028, the district proposes to complete renovations for both Central's and South's weight rooms and training facilities. The project also includes refurbishing the locker rooms at Central.

For Central, a private group had been raising money for those athletic projects, but the district is poised to pay for the work instead.

The district also hopes to get air conditioning for gyms by mid-2028.

The timeline calls for finishing the installation of artificial turf for the Centennial soccer field at Central and the multipurpose field at South by mid-2028.

At a committee meeting Tuesday, school board member Bobby Fischer, who was connected remotely, wanted to know whether the district could move up the turf projects.

At Centennial, he cited a recent incident in which a referee almost called off a game because of the field's poor condition.

Josh Stephenson, the district's top finance official, cautioned against any rush on the projects due to the complexities of grading of the fields.

"I'd hate to push it and have an unfavorable product," he said.

Other projects have not been given a timeline. They are listed as under consideration and needing more discussion.

Items falling in that category include athletic domes and football stadium upgrades at both campuses, practice field lighting, gym floor replacements and turf for the freshman baseball field at Central.

The tax increase for the debt is expected to be $83 for a median-valued house, which is nearly $570,000. The amount would rise by $10 annually.