LTHS Wants At Least $55M For Property

LA GRANGE, IL – The Lyons Township High School Board this week voted to sell a property in Willow Springs that was set aside for a possible new campus.

The 70-acre property was bought in two phases six decades ago. It was during a time when school enrollment was quickly rising in suburbs across the country.

The wooded property is at 79th Street and Willow Springs Road. In late November, the school announced its interest in selling the property.

The property is set to be sold at a minimum of $55 million. A sealed bid opening is set for Jan. 11.

During Monday's meeting, board President Kari Dillon noted a recent enrollment report presented three scenarios for enrollment over the next 15 years.

The scenario with the highest enrollment estimated the school could increase to 4,300 students. The school is about 3,900 now.

The enrollment projections, Dillon said, are consistent with the fluctuations in numbers over the last half century.

She said the purchaser must present any proposed zoning changes to Willow Springs officials. The school board, she said, would not be involved in that process.

"The potential this sale could have for our students is tremendous," Dillon said. "Proceeds from this transaction could greatly enhance and improve the learning spaces at both of our aging campuses."

She noted the school created a website to keep the public updated on the sale.

Board member Dawn Aubert praised the administration for its handling of the issue. She said she looked forward to determining how best to spend the proceeds.

Member Jill Grech said the purchase would have a generational impact.

"There are probably a lot more questions as everything unfolds," she said.

Resident Anne Bennett, who spoke for a second time before the board on the issue, questioned the sale.

She suggested the school lease the property to keep a cash flow. That would lessen the risk of a nonprofit entity buying the vacant land, meaning it would pay no property taxes.

She said the risk remained that a for-profit purchaser would erect buildings of limited value.

Bennett also questioned the assumptions in the enrollment report.

"If you sell the property, you are relinquishing the control," she said.

After an eight-minute discussion, the board unanimously voted to sell.