District Approves Over $2.1 Million in Construction Payments; Monitors Middle School Project

Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | October 21, 2025

Article Summary: The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education approved significant payments for ongoing construction projects at the high school and elementary levels while discussing oversight for the upcoming middle school addition.

Construction and Finance Key Points:

• $1,287,601.50 approved for Byrne & Jones Construction for athletic preconstruction at the high school.

• $658,200.00 approved as a final payment to Riddiford Roofing Company for work at Crete Elementary.

• $219,356.09 approved for BEAR Construction for work on the high school concession stand.

• Board members plan to attend construction meetings for the new middle school addition to monitor progress.

The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, authorized more than $2.1 million in payments for capital improvement projects across the district.

Through the approval of the consent agenda, the Board authorized a payment of $1,287,601.50 to Byrne & Jones Construction for work completed on the Crete-Monee High School athletic facility. Additionally, the Board approved a payment of $219,356.09 to BEAR Construction regarding the high school concession stand.

The Board also signed off on a final payment of $658,200.00 to Riddiford Roofing Company for completed work at Crete Elementary.

During the discussion of old business, Board Member William Sawallisch announced that he and President Maurice Brown intend to attend upcoming construction meetings regarding the new addition at the Middle School. Sawallisch indicated the meetings are scheduled to begin on October 30.

“I’m going to try to make two a month so that we can keep an eye on while they’re working,” Sawallisch said, noting the importance of keeping the project on track.

President Brown raised technical questions regarding the HVAC systems for the new addition, specifically asking about the type of refrigerant being used in light of regulatory changes regarding R-22 and R-410A coolants. Sawallisch, citing professional experience, noted the industry is shifting toward refrigerants like R-454B and agreed to follow up on the safety and maintenance implications of the systems selected for the school.