Libertyville High School is currently, and will be, undergoing many major and minor changes during the summer.
Unsurprisingly, the upkeep to this 450,000-plus square foot building is nowhere near minimal. Not only was LHS built over 50 years ago, but it also harbors more than 2,000 teenagers daily. Changes that have happened and plan to happen range from simple changes to the weight room to the abatement of asbestos.
Regarding the weight room, it simply stirred up confusion for many. The weight racks, previously lined up against the walls with an aisle straight down the middle, have been reversed. The racks are now back-to-back in the middle with aisles on both sides.
While some people don’t seem to like it, not only has it freed up extra room for people to navigate the weight room, but no one is scared about breaking anyone’s ankles after dropping a bar anymore.
“While it is more organized, it is very difficult to get around during dead-lifts and barbell hip lifts because we all lift so heavy on those and take up so much space,” said sophomore Matt Roleck.
This alteration to one isolated school facility was relatively low maintenance. Asbestos, on the other hand, is not. Not only does LHS make abatement a frequent act, as this school that opened its doors 58 years ago is chock full of asbestos, but it is also a very difficult process.
While this is an obvious cause for concern judging by the fact that humans have known of the dangers of asbestos for several decades, it is all completely sealed, posing no immediate risk to staff or students. Regardless of it being locked away, though, LHS has been making every effort possible towards the continual removal of it.
Fortunately, these efforts can be relatively concentrated, as they are only done on the main block of LHS that was originally constructed before the dangers of asbestos were recognized by the federal government. According to Mr. Eric Maroscher, assistant principal, the plans for this summer’s abatement include nine different rooms on the second floor.
Extensive efforts are especially to be made this summer due to the fact that LHS will be enjoying the benefits of a school devoid of students this summer, as Vernon Hills High School will be hosting all summer school classes this year.
As stated by Mr. Maroscher, Not only is every single aspect of LHS being touched up, this includes painting, floors, vents, and all the furniture, as it is every summer, but the entire parking lot is being restripped. While this pales in comparison to some of the internal changes currently and soon to be made to LHS, it is still an incredibly painstaking and important job.
This may not be too noticeable to a majority of daily attendees to LHS, as only seniors and staff are permitted to park on campus, but changes affecting a broader body of people are still to happen. The outdoor eating area surrounded by the cafeteria, while already a nice area that unfortunately suffers from the weather quite often, will undergo some major renovations. While it is not exactly a big area, the addition of purposefully placed trees and flowers surrounding a new patio should really change the atmosphere.
The alleyway going in between the band rooms and the rooms in the basement will be completely ripped up. Unlike the parking lot, this is not just for aesthetics.
This ordeal is a direct response to the plumbing problems LHS continues to experience. While LHS has already done full basement renovations in response to the multi day flood last year that managed to shut down the school for a few days, many plumbing issues still remain. These issues are on top of the complete renovations of the basement that flooded, which include new electrical configuration, floors, cages, and shelves.
As some may remember, earlier this year, there was a not-so-pleasant odor floating around the halls of LHS for awhile. It was definitely an inconvenience, but seemed like nothing more than that to most students. What was not realized was that is was a much bigger problem than any student realized, that is why it is now a much bigger project than any student could have anticipated. All this new work will pay off, though, as the addition of these new pipes are expected to have a long lasting future and no abnormal smells.
