LM May.2021

Basics of Facilities Planning, Construction Methods, and Finance

S By Dr. Lindsey Hall, Superintendent of Mahomet-Seymour CUSD #3 Susan Wilson, Retired Superintendent of Blue Ridge CUSD #18

Safety requirements every 10 years. The Illinois State Board of Education provides detailed information on the 10-year Health Life Safety Inspection here . The 10-year Health Life Safety Inspection is typically conducted by the district’s architect and engineer, who prepares a report for the district, which identifies and prioritizes problems that need to be addressed by the district. “A” level items are considered “urgent” and must be addressed within one year. “B” items are considered “required” and must be addressed within three years. “C” items are considered “recommended.” If, after the 10-Year HLS report is submitted, other HLS concerns are identified, then the architect can prepare and submit amendments to the 10-Year HLS report. Items identified in the original 10-Year HLS report or via subsequent amendments can be funded via the Fire Prevention Fund (Fund 90) or via HLS bonds. HLS bonds are not subject to voter referendum.

chools and school district facilities require ongoing attention, maintenance and construction to remain in good repair, provide healthy and appropriate environments for learning, and meet the learning and social/ emotional needs of our students and communities. Planning and execution of those plans must be conducted in concert with stakeholders, architects, engineers, and legal and financial advisors. The authors of this article have worked in small, medium and large-sized school districts and have overseen facilities planning and projects big and small. This article attempts to provide Illinois superintendents with the basic information they need to guide efforts for facility management. 10-Year HLS Facilities Review School districts are required to complete thorough inspections of their facilities for compliance with Health Life

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LM May 2021