School District U-46 Undertakes Major Relocation Project

Officials from School District U-46 have embarked on a significant relocation project known as ‘Moving the U.’ According to Lela Majstorovic, deputy superintendent of instruction, transitioning the sixth grade to middle school is a crucial aspect of this initiative, though it is part of a larger strategy. The overarching plan, Unite U-46, seeks to ensure equitable access to high-quality classrooms throughout the district by increasing preschool availability, adjusting school boundaries, decommissioning outdated facilities, renovating schools, and constructing new campuses.

Majstorovic emphasized that the goal is to better align facilities, programs, and resources with student needs across the district, ensuring all students have access to modern educational environments close to home.

“The effort is designed to better align our facilities, programs and resources with student needs across the district while ensuring that all students have access to modern learning environments and educational opportunities close to home,” she said.

Bruce Phelps, the project contractor, provided details about the extensive relocation effort. It will cost over $426,000 and involve 220 workers, including 113 movers, to transport equipment, furniture, and other items by June 18, ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Items, especially those related to the sixth-grade curriculum, will be relocated or retired as necessary.

In total, the project includes 933 separate moves encompassing 25,000 boxes and approximately 75,000 pieces of furniture and equipment among 47 school buildings across 11 communities, such as Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, and Streamwood, spanning 90 miles.

The planning process involved three stages. Initially, staff created a master move document outlining classroom equipment and curriculum relocations. Following this, they set instructions for packing and labeling. The final stage was bidding for movers to execute the relocations detailed in the master move file. The district conducted multiple meetings with vendors to ensure all personnel were cleared to work on school grounds before any physical moving began.

Despite classes beginning on Aug. 27, the objective is to complete the relocation early, allowing ample time for additional preparations, including building maintenance, before the school year starts, according to Phelps.

Mike Danahey reports for The Courier-News.