Metro-east school district putting $2.5M into project the community can use too
The Millstadt school district is one step closer to the fruition of some highly anticipated projects.
For the past several months, the Millstadt Community Consolidated School District 160 board has been discussing adding a new track and soccer field and accessible playground on property near the Millstadt Primary Center.
At Tuesday’s board meeting, the board voted unanimously to issue and sell approximately $2.5 million of working cash fund bonds to help foot the bill, plus repair the parking lot at the district’s office. This should cover the entire cost of the projects, Superintendent Brad Landgraf said.
The costs include:
- $1.7 million for the track and soccer field
- $260,000 for the accessible playground
- $70,000 for the parking lot repairs
The board’s approval of the bonds is the final step before construction begins, Landgraf said. He expects the playground to be finished by next school year’s start, and the track and field near March 2026.
“We’re proud that the projects are going through, and that we’re not increasing taxes to do these projects,” he said.
All of the district’s kindergarten through 8th grade students will use the new track and field for physical education and sports practices, and the community is welcome to use the development as well, Landgraf said.
He added the playground, which will include a ramped structure and rubberized surfacing that’s easier for people with mobility devices to navigate, will be used by the primary school’s students. The community can also use the playground after school hours.
Also on Tuesday evening, the board approved the issue and sale of approximately $2.47 million life safety bonds, which will cover the cost to update the heating and air conditioning system at the Millstadt Consolidated School. Landgraf explained the current system is over 20 years old and has recently been malfunctioning.
The HVAC system project should be completed by the beginning of the coming school year.
This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 5:30 AM.