Carl Sandburg Middle School staff, students and families celebrated the opening of its new addition on April 28 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a student musical performance on its new stage.

The event was held nearly a year after the school hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony to open the project. The $7 million project, which finished on-time and within its budget, offers Mundelein Elementary District 75 students the opportunity to perform on not only the newest, but possibly the finest middle school stage in Lake County.

““This project was born of a deep-seeded belief that our students deserve a dedicated space to shine. We are now able to give our award-winning theater, music and fine arts programs a home worthy of their excellence,” said Dr. Corey Tafoya, Superintendent of Districts 75 and 120. 

The vision of the new stage began prior to the pandemic and had been considered for years. Two years ago, behind current Board President Kristie Fingerhut, the Board approved the project only to see it delayed temporarily. 

At the grand opening, Fingerhut thanked the public for their support and belief that “our children deserve an environment that inspires excellence. 

“Tonight we aren’t just opening a stage, we’re opening a door to creativity, confidence and community connection,” Fingerhut said.

The stage will occupy the school’s south gym space. The room will have a large stage on the east side with room for about 200 seats during a performance. The remodeled gym space will continue to be used for the school’s Adaptive PE program. But the new addition includes a handicapped accessible stage featuring professional grade acoustics and dedicated dressing rooms for performers. 

The 6,800 square foot addition also includes a glass-enclosed foyer at the school’s main entrance. The new vestibule will be equipped with new technology, enhancing safety and security, and a place for students to sit before and after school. 

At the grand opening, Tafoya reminded the community that the stage is more than just a new performance venue. It’s a state-of-the-art classroom. Students won’t just perform, they will master technical complexities such as sound engineering, stage management and lighting design.

“The lessons students will learn on that stage - confidence, collaboration and discipline - will stay with the students forever,” Tafoya said.