Middlefork School improvements will move forward with voters’ blessing

Northfield voters backed their local schools in this spring’s election.

A $23.5 million Sunset Ridge District 29 referendum passed by a 2:1 margin, with 926 voters (66.9%) supporting the measure and 458 (33.1%) opposing.

The successful referendum will allow the school district to issue $23.5 million in bond to support a major overhaul of Middlefork School (kindergarten-third grade), one of two district schools.

“District 29 is overwhelmed with gratitude for the strong support for the Middlefork School project!” Superintendent Dr. Ed Stange said in an email. “The passage of this referendum ensures that we can continue to offer high-quality educational experiences in facilities that reflect the pride we all share in our schools.”

The bond sale will add approximately $445 to the tax bill for a district property with a value of $500,000, the district projects.

Among New Trier High School feeder districts, District 29 — which serves 515 students with 228 of those at Middlefork — will now have the second highest tax rate (3.11%) behind Kenilworth (3.56%), a jump from the lowest rate (2.7%) among the six feeder districts, according to district information.

The D29 School Board in December 2025 approved putting a referendum on the March ballot, with an ask not to exceed $30 million.

Middlefork needs

The pending project will help bring 65-year-old Middlefork up to speed with Sunset Ridge School, which in 2017 underwent a $30 million renovation without the need for a referendum.

Middlefork also underwent renovations beginning in 2017, a project that improved its security, primary entrance, plumbing and more. District officials set out in 2023 to identify and pursue further improvements, such as better security across school grounds, additional classrooms to meet enrollment growth and special-education needs, larger classrooms to support modern programming, ADA-compliant restrooms and playgrounds, and updated HVAC, roofing, lighting and more.

School administrators offered to the School Board four options, from necessary repairs only ($10 million) to a new school ($50 million), and the board moved forward with a middle ground: a partial rebuild and comprehensive renovation at $40 million.

The project will add a new, two-floor academic wing with 23 classrooms, as well as new outdoor spaces, collaborative learning environments, and more security entryways, doors, windows and more. Middlefork will retain certain common areas, such as the cafeteria and gymnasium.

“This investment will have a lasting impact — providing modern, safe, and engaging learning environments that meet the needs of today’s learners while preparing them for tomorrow’s opportunities,” Stange wrote in his email to The Record. “We recognize that the decision to raise taxes was not made lightly, and we deeply appreciate the trust that the D29 community has placed in us.

“We are committed to honoring that trust by being thoughtful stewards of these resources and maintaining open communication throughout the planning and construction process.”

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