The mission of USD 428 is to educate and prepare all students to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners. In an effort to best utilize resources and prepare our district for the future, USD 428 hired SJCF Architecture at the beginning of 2018 and embarked on the process of creating a long-term master plan for our district facilities.

The process began with the architects interviewing administration and staff in each building to identify facility needs, as well as developing a Steering Committee, comprised of dedicated community members. Subcommittees were formed to analyze finances, demographics, technology, transportation, infrastructure, and community data, for several months – generating ideas and options for a long-term plan to meet educational needs.

Here are a few key areas identified by the steering committee:

• Safety, including safe rooms, safe and secure entrances, safe drop-off and pick-up areas
• Adequate classroom space
• Classrooms that can also accommodate current and future technology needs
• Aging facilities and infrastructure
• Demographic trends