Niles Community Schools is in need of improvements to infrastructure in all of its buildings sooner rather than later.

This topic was one of the main issues conveyed to more than 50 people who came to the district’s first of two community engagement sessions concerning a possible bond issue Wednesday in the Niles High School cafeteria.

After a brief introduction by NCS Supt. Michael Lindley, representatives of project architect TMP provided a general assessment of the condition of all 11 buildings within the district.

In the opinion of TMP’s John Castellan, the top three priorities that should be addressed by a bond issue — if the school board chooses to pursue one — would be upgrading the buildings’ mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and classroom space to enhance the learning environment for students.

TMP also focused on ways the district could improve safety and security in all buildings.

One recommendation was that all buildings include an entrance that would require visitors to go through an office area before gaining access to the rest of the building.

“I don’t want you to leave here thinking your schools aren’t safe,” Castellana said. “But there are things that can be done to enhance safety.”

TMP provided a top-five list of priorities for each building.

Consistent among most, if not all buildings, were:

• Improving the safety and security of entrances

• Replacing windows

• Replacing vinyl asbestos tile

• Improving parking lots

• Becoming compliant with the American Disabilities Act

• Correcting life safety issues, such as dead-end corridors

TMP found that the district as a whole needs to upgrade its mechanical, electrical (especially at the high school) and fire alarm systems.

The electrical systems in all buildings would need to be upgraded if the district plans to install air conditioning, according to TMP’s Mark Reili.

Multiple people in the audience said air conditioning would be beneficial if the state decides to move to year-round school.

Another person in the audience suggested that the district should upgrade technology to make sure students are ready prepared when they join the workforce.

TMP also said the condition of the district’s buildings’ roofs are at the point where they will need to be replaced soon.

Another community engagement session is set for Nov. 18 at Ring Lardner Middle School. At that time, Lindley said people would be given more details about the cost of projects.

He said the school board hopes to gain insight from the community about what projects the district should pursue.

If the board decides to pursue a bond issue, it would be placed on the ballot in the spring of 2015.

Lindley urged everyone in attendance to come to the next session and to encourage others to do so.