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
Poll: Voters have unfavorable opinions of Owens, Shapiro, Kirk, Pratt
Illinois Quick Hits: Waukegan official charted with casting dead mother’s ballot
Top Illinois diversity commissioner did not disclose side pay
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Community Unit School District 200-U for May 13, 2026
Durbin warns of divisions in Illinois farewell speech
USMCA talks open as tariffs loom over North America
Los Angeles mayor’s campaign presents defense against Spencer Pratt’s allegations of illegal electioneering
Bill: Fee on medium-to-large scale housing investors advances in Senate
Poll reports Arizona approval of Trump hits new low
$1.1T Pentagon funding bill leaves room for White House spending spree
Trump’s pressure on Iran to strike a deal spills over on Gulf allies
Illinois Quick Hits: Springfield plan detached from megaprojects