Major construction projects are progressing on schedule across Peotone School District 207-U, with significant HVAC upgrades, new secure entrances, and extensive paving work transforming campuses ahead of the new school year.

Facilities director Mike Singleton provided the Board of Education with a detailed update on the summer’s work during its July 21 meeting. The removal of the mobile classroom units at Peotone Junior High School is complete, and large-scale mechanical projects are well underway.

At Peotone High School, a new chiller has been installed, with the factory startup scheduled for the following day. At Peotone Elementary School, a 150-foot crane was recently on-site to lift new rooftop HVAC units into place. Inside, the installation of copper piping is 100% complete and duct work is approximately 85% finished, keeping the project on track for a phased turnover to cleaning crews starting in early August.

The district’s security is also being enhanced with the installation of new secure vestibules. The inner set of doors at the junior high has been installed, with the outer doors and new concrete work scheduled for the coming weeks. Similar work is being completed at Peotone Elementary and Peotone Intermediate Center.

Additionally, extensive concrete patching and seal coating have been completed or are in progress at the junior high, high school, and Connor Shaw Center, refreshing the appearance and safety of parking lots and drop-off areas. While the projects create a tight turnaround for teachers to prepare classrooms, administrators are “very cautiously optimistic” that all buildings will be ready for the start of school.