The Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education voted to move forward with a plan from the Farnsworth Group to conduct a forensic evaluation at Flossmoor Hills and Western Avenue Schools.
The decision, made at the August 18 meeting, aims to resolve persistent humidity issues that have caused significant damage to the schools. The forensic evaluation is estimated to cost $27,500.
Both Flossmoor Hills and Western Avenue Schools have experienced increased humidity levels in recent summers. The issues began after the district installed air-conditioning units in 2020. The humidity has caused water damage due to condensation on the chilled water pipes in the ceilings.
The ongoing problems have raised concerns regarding planned renovations for the summer of 2026, which are now contingent on resolving the humidity issues and are likely to be postponed to the summer of 2027.
Superintendent Dana Smith told board members that the humidity in the buildings is currently under control and both schools are ready for students to begin next week.
The Farnsworth Group’s proposal includes an investigation into the recent work on the building, as well as pressurization testing and thermal imaging to pinpoint concerns with the envelopes of the buildings. The firm will also provide solutions for solving the issues.
Representatives from Wold Architects and Engineers, the firm overseeing the project, told the board that the investigation would start immediately, with hopes to avoid disrupting students. The high humidity in the coming weeks was also mentioned as a benefit for evaluating the issue.
Updates on the findings and proposed solutions will be discussed at an upcoming board meeting.
