School District U-46 Begins Major Relocation Project

School District U-46 is undertaking a significant relocation project called “Moving the U.” This project includes the transition of sixth-grade classes to middle schools. According to Lela Majstorovic, deputy superintendent of instruction, this move is part of the district’s comprehensive Unite U-46 plan. The plan aims to ensure equitable access to high-quality classrooms throughout the district. It involves expanding preschool access, adjusting school boundaries, retiring old buildings, renovating existing schools, and constructing new campuses.

On Monday, movers began relocating boxes at Hanover Countryside Elementary School in Streamwood. This is part of the district’s shift of sixth-grade classes into middle schools. Majstorovic emphasized that this effort aims to better align facilities, programs, and resources with student needs across the district. The goal is to provide students with access to modern learning environments and educational opportunities close to home.

This project will cost over $426,000 and involve 220 workers, including 113 movers, to relocate equipment, furniture, and other items. The deadline for completion is June 18, ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

Bruce Phelps, the project contractor, explained that items will be moved to other schools. Most of the existing sixth-grade curriculum will be retired as new curricula take their place. Furniture and equipment will be redistributed as needed, with some older items being retired.

The project includes 933 individual moves involving 25,000 boxes and 75,000 pieces of furniture and equipment. These items will be moved to and from 47 school buildings across 11 communities over a 90-mile area, including Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, and Streamwood.

Planning for this massive undertaking occurred in three stages. First, staff created a master move document detailing the movement of classrooms, equipment, and curriculum within or between schools. Next, detailed instructions were provided on how to pack and label items. The final stage involved contracting movers to execute the plans described in the master move file.

The district held several meetings with vendors to review the moving plans and ensure employees were cleared to work on district property before any moving began.

Although classes do not start until August 27, the goal is to complete the relocation early. This approach ensures ample time for building maintenance and other preparations before the new school year, Phelps noted.

Mike Danahey, a freelance reporter for The Courier-News, contributed to this report.