The Culver School community turned out on Sept. 6 to celebrate our new addition. Festivities included live music, children's activities and a tour of the new gym, which will be made available for community activities as well as school use.
A first look at the new gym, a children’s band, inflatable “bounce houses,” bubble-making, and other activities were all part of a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 6, celebrating completion of a major addition and renovation project at Elementary School District 71’s Culver School in Niles.
School officials say the project, encompassing approximately 35,000 square feet of new and renovated space, will enhance learning for students by providing a modern and improved educational environment. The District 71 Board of Education also expects that Culver, at 6901 W. Oakton St. in Niles, will serve as a hub for the entire community, offering expanded opportunities in the arts, athletics, and early childhood education.
The new facilities include:
- A brand-new, full-sized gymnasium and stage, designed to host school productions, physical education classes, and community events.
- A dedicated preschool wing featuring two classrooms and a new playground for the school’s youngest learners.
- A state-of-the-art fine arts center with specialized art, band, orchestra, and music classrooms.
- A unique “learning stair” designed for middle school students to promote collaborative learning in an engaging study environment.
- An expanded and fully renovated library.
- Two modern STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) classrooms, equipping students with 21st-century skills.
- Three additional, much-needed full-sized general-purpose classrooms.
“This project is a tremendous investment in the future of Culver School and its students,” said Board President Matt Holbrook. “The new and upgraded facilities create an innovative learning environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and academic achievement. We are thrilled to see these spaces come to life and look forward to our students thriving in them!”
The $16.5 million project was paid for with a combination of federal funds, district savings, and revenue from an expiring TIF district, with no increase in property taxes or need for a referendum.
“We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new spaces from staff, students, parents, and the community,” said Supt. John Kosirog. “There is a sense of excitement and amazement surrounding the new building. We are deeply grateful to our partners — including STR Partners, Gilbane Construction, the Village of Niles, and the Niles Park District — for their contributions. We look forward to seeing our students actively engage in these new spaces and hope the facilities help strengthen connections within our Niles community.”