Manhattan District 114 Approves Asphalt and Door Contracts Amid Sweeping Summer Facilities Upgrades

Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | March 25, 2026

Article Summary: The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education reviewed extensive capital improvement plans and approved specialized contracts for paving and door replacements across multiple campuses to address audits and aging infrastructure.

Manhattan District 114 Capital Projects Key Points:

• The board unanimously approved an asphalt and curb installation contract with PT Ferro at Manhattan Junior High School, with completion targeted before graduation.

• A separate independent contractor agreement was approved for door replacements at Anna McDonald and Manhattan Intermediate School to address 10-year audit findings.

• Facilities staff are preparing for an estimated $105,000 HVAC repair project at Wilson Creek this summer, which will be funded through bond proceeds.

• The district is advancing phase two of an LED lighting transition, utilizing ComEd incentives to replace outdated pendant and classroom lighting.

The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, laid the groundwork for a busy season of summer capital projects, unanimously approving two immediate infrastructure contracts while reviewing a slate of upcoming facility maintenance initiatives.

The special meeting heavily featured updates from Ryan McWilliams of the district’s building and grounds department, who provided a comprehensive rundown of the summer maintenance schedule and ongoing vendor negotiations.

The board took direct action on two immediate projects. First, the board unanimously approved an independent contractor agreement for door replacements at Anna McDonald and Manhattan Intermediate School (MIS). The work, scheduled for July, is a direct response to issues flagged during the district’s recent 10-year life safety audit. Board Member Brian Anderson noted that the project will replace numerous exterior hinges at the intermediate school that are currently failing and leaking hydraulic fluid.

The board also approved a contract with PT Ferro for asphalt and curb installation at Manhattan Junior High School. The paving project will focus on the concession area, and McWilliams indicated that a secondary phase involving a retaining wall will be brought to the board for approval in April. District officials noted they are pushing to have the area finished in time for the regional track meet and graduation ceremonies.

Beyond the approved contracts, McWilliams briefed the board on larger, looming infrastructure needs, specifically regarding HVAC and roofing systems.

The district recently conducted walkthroughs with 2010 Engineering to evaluate the heating and cooling systems at Anna McDonald and MIS. The engineering firm is currently drafting a full scope of work, which is expected to be substantial. McWilliams warned the board that if the firm recommends full boiler replacements, the project cost will increase significantly, likely reaching into the seven figures.

In the interim, the district plans to tackle a smaller HVAC stabilization project at Wilson Creek this summer. McWilliams described the work as a “non-intrusive” replacement of aging valves and actuators to rectify climate control issues. The project is estimated to cost around $105,000 and will likely be funded through available bond proceeds since it was not explicitly budgeted for the current fiscal cycle. At the same time, preventative maintenance is actively underway at Wilson Creek, with Johnson Controls wrapping up a three-day service to remove scaling and rust buildup from the building’s chillers.

“We got to make sure that we’re keeping the equipment that we have working effectively and efficiently,” McWilliams told the board.

The district is also pushing forward with phase two of its LED lighting transition. Having completed the initial phase, the district will now focus on replacing pendant lighting in the MIS library and old band room, as well as executing a complete lighting overhaul at Anna McDonald.

At Wilson Creek, the district plans to replace 4-foot fixtures with modern 2×2 drop-in LED panels across all classrooms. The upgraded system will feature motion sensors that automatically dim or shut off lights when a room has been empty for 15 minutes, generating long-term electricity savings calculated by ComEd’s energy incentive algorithms.

Additionally, the board discussed ongoing discussions with STR and Anthony Roofing regarding potential roof replacements or specialized coatings at the district’s buildings, though the project remains in a holding pattern as administrators weigh the considerable price differences between the two methods.

Finally, to manage the district’s outdoor athletic facilities, McWilliams reported the acquisition of a specialized John Deere ride-on field grooming machine. Sourced from Georgia after learning about the model from the New Lenox Rebels baseball organization, the machine is equipped with spike drags, a finishing drag, and a front plow to maintain the district’s baseball and softball fields.