Beecher Junior High Considers New Electronic Sign Following Foundation Donation Pledge

Beecher Board of Education Meeting | March 11, 2026

Article Summary
The Beecher Board of Education is reviewing bids for a new electronic message center to be installed at Beecher Junior High, with the local education foundation pledging $10,000 to offset the final cost to taxpayers.

Sign Proposal Key Points:

• The Beecher Education Foundation has committed $10,000 toward the purchase of a new junior high sign.

• The board is reviewing two options: a two-foot sign for $16,197 or a three-foot sign for $18,414.

• The sign company has agreed to donate the labor costs for the installation.

BEECHER, Ill. — A long-discussed plan to replace the aging sign at Beecher Junior High School is moving closer to reality following a generous pledge from a local community group and donated labor from the sign manufacturer.

At the Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Beecher Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham presented the latest bids for a new electronic message center for the junior high property.

The project received a significant boost when the Beecher Education Foundation formally committed a flat $10,000 donation toward the purchase, regardless of which model the district ultimately selects. Additionally, the sign company providing the bids has offered to donate the labor costs associated with the installation.

Gaham presented the board with two distinct options for the non-illuminated decorated panel and electronic message center. The first option features a two-foot display with an illuminated ID cabinet measuring 2 feet, 7 inches by 7 feet, 10.5 inches, carrying a total price tag of $16,197. The second option features a larger three-foot display and costs $18,414. Both options feature a one-sided display and a black metal cover to conceal the steel framing on the back.

Because the foundation has pledged $10,000, the out-of-pocket cost to the district would be roughly $6,197 for the smaller sign or $8,414 for the larger option.

Board members requested a visual mockup of the proposed signs to better understand the scale of the two-foot versus three-foot displays before making a final decision. Gaham indicated he would secure a visual rendering showing the signs to scale for the board to review at a future meeting.