Beecher School Board Tables $14,000 High School Window Graphics Project

Article Summary: The Beecher School Board on Wednesday postponed a decision on a more than $14,000 proposal to install decorative perforated vinyl graphics on the high school’s front windows, citing concerns about the high cost for a purely aesthetic upgrade. The board directed the superintendent to seek more affordable alternatives from the vendor.

High School Window Project Key Points:

• The proposal was for $14,000 to cover 54 windows at the school’s main entrance with perforated vinyl featuring Bobcat branding.

• Board members expressed hesitation over the cost, with some suggesting a price under $10,000 would be more appropriate.

• The board tabled the item, asking for scaled-back options that might reduce the price while still improving the building’s appearance.

BEECHER, IL – A proposal to add a significant visual upgrade to the front of Beecher High School was put on hold Wednesday after school board members balked at the $14,000 price tag.

Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham presented a plan to install large, perforated vinyl graphics across a bank of 54 windows at the main entrance. The design featured Bobcat branding and was intended to improve the school’s curb appeal, similar to a project completed at the junior high.

However, several board members felt the cost was too high for a project they described as serving only aesthetic purposes.

“I’m struggling with the cost,” one board member said. “I just feel that dollar amount is a little bit hard to swallow for something that’s for aesthetic purposes only.”

Members noted that the previous junior high window project was approved for different reasons, including addressing safety and privacy issues for north-facing windows. In contrast, the high school project was seen as purely cosmetic.

The board discussed ways to reduce the cost, such as covering fewer windows or using a combination of perforated vinyl and less expensive materials. Rather than approve the current proposal, the board voted to table the item. They directed Gaham to ask the vendor for a few less expensive options. The board will reconsider the project at a future meeting.