Both schools are reaching the end of their functional lifespan. Major building systems are aging, accessibility limitations exist, and modular classrooms remain in use. Traffic congestion at PES and GES creates daily safety concerns, and both buildings reflect outdated layouts that limit modern instructional flexibility. Several strategic factors make this the right time: State reimbursement rates are currently favorable, particularly for PreK space. District debt capacity is opening as prior bonds are paid down. Repair costs will continue increasing if delayed. Delaying the project would result in significantly higher costs over time due to construction inflation and continued maintenance needs for aging facilities. Moving forward now helps control long-term costs, allows the district to better manage debt obligations, and provides greater certainty for long-term financial planning and cost projections.

Estimated construction duration is 12-24 months for new construction, subject to final design and approvals.

Replacing PES and GES together allows Region 15 to maximize state reimbursement and to capture economies of scale. This includes a reduction in overall costs through shared planning, construction management, larger competitive bid packages, potentially saving 5–10%, compared to building the schools separately while avoiding rising construction costs and continued spending on aging facilities, and more efficient financing structures.