Beecher School Board Approves $283,000 Elementary Window Project and New Bus
Beecher School District 200-U Meeting | January 14, 2026
Article Summary: The Beecher School District 200-U Board of Education has authorized a significant infrastructure project to replace windows at Beecher Elementary School using Life Safety funds. Additionally, the Board approved the purchase of a 2020 school bus to update the district’s fleet.
Beecher CUSD 200-U Key Points:
-
Window Replacement: The Board approved a contract with GRP for $283,560 to replace windows at the elementary school.
-
Funding Source: The project will be paid for using Health Life Safety Funds, which currently have a balance of approximately $565,000.
-
State Grant: The district secured a $50,000 School Maintenance Grant from the state to help offset the costs.
-
Fleet Update: Trustees authorized the purchase of a 2020 71-passenger bus for $79,868.
The Beecher School District 200-U Board of Education voted unanimously on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to move forward with a $283,560 window replacement project for Beecher Elementary School.
Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham presented the contract from GRP, noting that the project had been discussed in detail during the Transportation and Facilities Committee meeting. The improvements will be funded entirely through the district’s Health Life Safety Fund, which Gaham reported has a current balance of $565,820.
To assist with the financing, the Board also formally approved a $50,000 School Maintenance Grant. “That is the $50,000 state matching grant,” Gaham explained. “We just had to wait for the amendment to come through.”
In addition to facility upgrades, the Board addressed transportation needs. Transportation Director Kelly reported that with the hiring of a new driver, a large bus was moved onto a route, necessitating a replacement in the fleet. The Board approved the purchase of a 2020 71-passenger bus for $79,868.
Gaham noted that while vans are currently sufficient for at least another year, this purchase ensures the district maintains an adequate number of large buses for daily routes.
Latest News Stories
Illinois voices collide as Trump’s Maduro arrest fuels war powers debate
Illinois Supreme Court justice to retire
Bridge payment a ‘bandage,’ Illinois farmers say
Even with new rule, Illinois lawmakers could restrict inmate mail scanning
WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation
Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen
Board Members Debate “Commitment to Truth” in Media Resolution
Executive Committee: Speaker VanDuyne and Member Butler Clash Over Removal of Committee Chair
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for Jan. 7, 2026
Finance Committee: County Appropriates Fees from $25 Million Wilmington Warehouse Project
Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report
Capital Imp Committee: Begins Drafting Policy to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in County Government
Public Health Committee Chair Demands Animal Control Agreements for Crete, Monee