School year begins at newly renovated Union Ridge School: 'It's just wonderful to see people investing in the school'

Students at Union Ridge School in Harwood Heights, Illinois, started the new school year on Thursday, Aug. 20, walking into a building that looked completely different from before. The school at 4600 N. Oak Park Avenue had just finished a major renovation. The night before, on Aug. 19, families, students, teachers, and local leaders gathered to celebrate the changes with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a free meal.

The celebration started outside at 4 p.m. near the school's new entrance on the west side of the building. The weather was sunny and nearly 80 degrees, making it a perfect day for the event. A large crowd gathered to watch a yellow gold ribbon get cut, officially opening the new entrance. Outside by the playground, a food truck handed out free flavored ice to everyone who came.

After the ribbon was cut, people were invited inside to explore the school's new features. The building now has new science labs, a modern cafeteria, and a new atrium with stepped seating where students can sit and talk with each other. The cafeteria has tables with round dot-style seats that are popular in schools today. Many visitors had looks of shock and amazement on their faces as they walked through the doors.

The renovation cost $35 million, which came from a referendum — a special vote — that residents passed in March 2024. School officials said the project came in on budget. This year, Union Ridge School is also celebrating its 150th anniversary, making it an extra special time for the community.

Superintendent Michael Maguire spoke to the crowd outside the new entrance and said his main feeling was gratitude. 'None of this happens without the community voting for the referendum,' he said. As people began walking inside for the first time, Maguire said he felt 'overwhelmed' and couldn't thank everyone enough for making the renovation happen.

Harwood Heights Mayor Arlene Jezierny and Norridge Village President Dan Tannhauser were both at the event, along with police chiefs from both towns. Mayor Jezierny said the school has come a long way and that the new building is great not just for students and teachers, but for the whole community. 'All the voters and residents, they are here to see and witness something that is beautiful, and that will emerge into a great community,' she said with a smile.

Tannhauser called the renovated school 'absolutely gorgeous' and said other schools in the area need similar updates. He mentioned that Pennoyer School is already going through its own renovation, and that Giles and Leigh schools still need work. Getting voters to approve a referendum for school improvements is not easy, he said, but the results are worth it.

School Principal Julie Borner said the upgrades show how much the school cares about its students. 'These improvements reflect our commitment to provide a top-notch educational environment,' she said. Students and former students alike were thrilled by what they saw inside the building.

Ognjen Dragicevic, 15, a sophomore at Ridgewood High School, visited the science lab of his former teacher, Cathy Lenzini, and said the new science space was 'definitely better.' Zac Sowa, 7, a second-grader from Norridge, kept it simple and said the school looked 'good.' Zac's parent, Dorota Sowa, said it was exciting to see so much change, especially since her older daughter, Zoe, 17, had already graduated from Union Ridge.

One of the youngest visitors was Liam Vicens, 2, of Harwood Heights, who came with his triplet siblings in a stroller and looked up at the big atrium with wide, curious eyes. His parent, Laura Vicens, said she had been excited about the renovation for a long time and loved watching it come together. 'It's just wonderful to see people investing in the school,' she said.