At the Oct. 15 meeting, the Flossmoor District 161 Board of Education approved a $157,485 contract with Precision Control Systems of Chicago to upgrade the district’s security camera system.
While the contract doesn’t encompass replacing every camera, the project will replace outdated analog cameras with new vandal-resistant infrared cameras with night vision capabilities. The upgrade is expected to provide better video coverage across all district schools, enable remote access for first responders in emergencies and integrate with the existing BluePoint System.
The total cost breakdown per school is as follows:
- Flossmoor Hills: $15,448
- Heather Hill: $14,071
- Serena Hills: $14,925
- Western Avenue: $31,357
- Parker Junior High: $72,118
- Normandy Villa: $9,576
District 161 board member David Linear abstained from voting on the measure, requesting more information about the difference in cost for each school.
Board documents addressed the security camera needs of the Heather Hill Detention Basin, indicating that Superintendent Dana Smith will present a final recommendation and proposal in the coming weeks after further collaboration with the Village of Flossmoor administrators.
The board also heard a report from Associate Superintendent Frances LaBella about Heather Hill Elementary’s upcoming addition and classroom refresh. The addition will create a more secure entrance and make more efficient use of the existing space.
The district received bids on Sept. 17. The total cost for construction is estimated at $6.4 million, almost $250,000 under budget. The district is required to accept the lowest responsible bids submitted.
Pepper Construction, the firm managing the project, will begin mobilization in February, with groundbreaking on Pulaski Day weekend. Exterior work will be completed while students are in school, and interior work will start after school ends. Construction is expected to be finished by the end of July, allowing for cleaning, furniture installation, and technology setup. Teachers will have classroom access by Aug. 18. The school year will start on Aug. 25.
The board is expected to vote on the construction proposal at the Oct. 28 Committee of the Whole meeting.