District 57 advances Lincoln schematic design; community meeting set for May 8

District 57 administrators reported that schematic design for the new Lincoln Middle School has moved into design‑development phase and that the project team is preparing materials for continued village review and community feedback.

Administrators said the next community open house will be May 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the Bussey Gym; the event will show design updates for Lincoln and Westbrook and solicit community input. Architects described the project as moving from conceptual lines to defined walls and noted the team is meeting with engineers, food service consultants and technology planners as the plans are refined.

Project leaders said permit submittals are ongoing and that the village’s plan‑review process remains active; they expect additional feedback and will respond through subsequent submittals. Administration also said it plans to provide alternates when the project is put out to bid, and that final budgetary adjustments will follow bid results.

Board members and administrators discussed community engagement strategies for current Lincoln students and neighbors. District staff said they are exploring ways to incorporate student artifacts and to invite current students to the new school after construction is complete. Officials also reported continuing outreach with neighbors and village staff and said they will present updates to the board as approvals and bids proceed.

No construction contracts were approved at this meeting; the board received the project update and approved moving forward with village submittals and continued community engagement.