Several bulldozers took to Helen Keller Elementary School in Tinley Park in September as a part of a $3.6 million renovation project to add eight classrooms and a dedicated blacktop by August 2026.

Construction crews installed beams under heavy snow, built the classroom walls, poured the foundation for the blacktop and completed portions of the classroom ceilings, according to the school website.

The school board has begun phase two of the project by submitting a proposal with the village’s Plan Commission, asking to acquire and rezone a village-owned property located at16227 Everdon Drive.

Kirby District 140 Superintendent Daniel Callaghan said Wednesday that while overall enrollment has remained relatively stagnant, the addition of eight classrooms was prompted by a need for space to meet students’ needs.

He said the improvements are focused on student safety, appropriate learning spaces, and long-term planning.

“The project allows the district to better serve students while enhancing traffic flow and outdoor facilities,” he said.

Callaghan said the additions are fully funded through district reserve funds. No state grants or external funding sources are being used, he said.

Specifically, Callaghan said acquiring the village property along Everdon Drive would allow the district to implement Phase 2 of the project, which includes relocating Keller’s existing playground and adding a dedicated blacktop space for recess and bus rider arrival and dismissal.

“This redesign improves safety by separating car and bus traffic and restores outdoor play and recess space that was displaced during Phase 1,” he said.

Construction at Helen Keller Elementary School this month, after the exterior walls and portions of the ceiling were completed. (Kirby School District 140)

The proposal also requests that the 163rd Street roadway, which is part of the village property, be dedicated to the village for right of way.

The village lot, measured at a little under an acre, would bring the school’s total property to 6.9 acres, not including the property dedicated to the right of way.

The village-owned property was annexed in 1987 and included as an outlet in Gallagher & Henry’s Tinley Park Meadows Unit 6 subdivision, called Tinley Meadows, according to Plan Commission records.

Helen Keller Principal Julie Simpson promised in September that students and staff would continue to learn and work safely in the existing building, without disruption to the school day, during the construction.

She said the expansion will create a more functional and comfortable environment for Keller students and staff.

A new blacktop will be put in at this site outside Helen Keller Elementary School in Tinley Park. (Kirby School District 140)

The Kirby Elementary District 140 board voted in August to pay Talsma Buildings of Alsip, the lowest responsible bidder, about $3.6 million for the renovations, according to meeting minutes.

The board also plans to request an intergovernmental agreement that would include a land transfer with a deed conveying property ownership of the village lot to the school district.

The agreement would also include plans for public utility drainage easements rights by the village, as the property on Everdon Drive has public utilities running underground, according to the Plan Commission.

“The district and the village have worked collaboratively throughout this process to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition of the property,” Callaghan said.

Callaghan said the renovation project remains on schedule and on budget.

awright@chicagotribune.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/14/helen-keller-tinley-park-eight-classrooms/