Kankakee School District Considers Options for Closed Edison School

Edison Primary School in Kankakee has been closed since December 30, 2022, due to significant structural issues that arose from an architectural assessment. The Kankakee School District is currently evaluating three main options for the facility: repairing and updating its infrastructure, fully remodeling the building, or demolishing it entirely. These options and their estimated costs were discussed during a Kankakee School Board finance committee meeting.

The school, which is located at 1991 E. Maple St., served approximately 185 students from kindergarten to third grade before its closure. The decision to vacate the building was prompted by concerns over the safety of a 1958 addition, which was deemed unsafe for occupancy. Following public hearings mandated by state statute, the board passed a resolution on January 12, 2023, to permanently close the school effective June 2, 2026.

Harrison Neal, assistant superintendent of business services, reported that a final engineering report was received after asbestos abatement was completed in the most affected areas. The report indicated that while the building is not at immediate risk of collapse, significant structural concerns remain. “In the main classroom that had the problem, Room 119, we saw the trusses pulling away from the walls and the walls pulling away from the foundation,” Neal stated.

The engineering assessment revealed further issues with the building’s foundation, contributing to sloping floors in several classrooms. Investigations into the basement indicated that some modifications made during construction deviated from the original plans. “It appears that some changes were made on-site, which may have exacerbated the structural issues over the decades,” Neal added.

Bill Draper, director of maintenance, affirmed that the decision to close the building was necessary for safety. “Right now, it’s stable. It’s not going anywhere, but we don’t know when that could change. We had to take this step,” he explained.

The estimated costs associated with the options being considered are significant. Repairing and updating only the infrastructure is projected to cost around $7 million. This includes approximately $600,000 for stabilization and retrofitting, along with $6.5 million for mechanical updates. In contrast, fully remodeling the building would involve additional costs to meet modern educational standards, potentially doubling the total expenses. The most economical option, demolition, is estimated at $505,000, which includes $220,000 for abatement and $285,000 for demolition.

The Kankakee School District has received a “Do Not Occupy” order from the Regional Office of Education, allowing personnel to enter the building only for repair, renovation, or demolition purposes. Additionally, the building is scheduled for decommissioning as of July 1, 2023.

Chris Bohlen, board president, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive evaluation before making any decisions. The district has engaged MGT Consulting Group to conduct a study on enrollment patterns, school boundary configurations, and facility usage. “The wing with structural problems likely must be demolished, and if the entire building has no further use, it should all be demolished,” Bohlen commented.

Superintendent Teresa Lance indicated that the consultants are expected to present their findings in April. “We are facing an aging population and declining birth rates,” Lance noted. Neal mentioned that the board would revisit the discussion of the options in May or June, following the completion of the enrollment study.

Currently, the district has a capacity for about 6,000 students but is serving approximately 4,300 to 4,400 students. Statewide trends show a decline in school enrollments, with fewer children being born. Neal pointed out that if future enrollment trends change, there may be potential for rebuilding a school on the Edison site. “The ability to close a building midyear and relocate staff and students without major disruptions highlights our capacity and planning,” he said.

With Edison Primary School now closed, students and staff have been relocated to King Middle School and Steuben Elementary School. The Kankakee School District continues to explore options that will best serve the community’s educational needs while addressing safety concerns.