Bids Come In For Hinsdale D181 Kindergarten Projects

HINSDALE, IL – The bids for kindergarten construction projects in Hinsdale School District 181 came in millions less than the architect's estimate, according to district documents.

The bids amounted to $15.5 million, less than the architect's most recent estimate of $19.8 million.

The school board is set to vote on the bids Monday.

According to the district's records, Montgomery-based Lite Construction was the lower bidder for projects at Elm and The Lane Schools, at $3.2 million.

Plainfield-based R.L. Sohol was the lowest for Walker and Monroe schools, at $5.2 million. And Chicago-based K.R. Miller Contractors bid the lowest for Oak and Madison schools, at $7.1 million.

In December, District 181 indicated it would borrow up to $26.4 million to build classrooms for full-day kindergarten starting in the 2026-26 year.

In August, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a requirement that each school board establish full-day kindergarten by the 2027-28 year.

District 181 said it had already been contemplating such a move before the state enacted the law.

According to the district, the debt payments would come from its regular income.

All the money would go toward new kindergarten classrooms, except $1.1 million for a general renovation of Oak Elementary School, the district said.

The total amount of borrowing, the district said in December, would be finalized once the board approves bids