NORMAL - The Unit 5 school board voted Wednesday to spend some of the $96.7 million voters approved in February for construction and renovation projects across the district.

To oversee the projects, the district also approved spending about $4.4 million for architect fees for Peoria-based LZT Associates Inc. and Chicago-based Perkins and Will. The amount was very close to original plans.

"We're confident that it's the right group with the right contract and the right price," Superintendent Gary Niehaus said.

Board member Gail Ann Briggs said this will help bring the "lean, mean project forward" and meet the goals of the board and expectations of the community.

The board also accepted the bid of Forsyth-based Illini Supply of $374,785 to equip and furnish classrooms at Towanda, Glenn and Oakdale schools this summer.

It also OK'd creating one model classroom each at Carlock, Fairview, Hudson and Brigham elementary schools this summer. The classrooms will give teachers a chance to test and provide feedback for the future renovations and students and families a preview of what renovated classrooms will be like.

Superintendent pay

In another matter, the board approved a 4.5 percent raise for Niehaus as he nears completion of his first year in office.

His 2007-08 salary and benefits package was $175,000, and the raise will increase that to $182,875. The raise was built into his three-year contract.

The raise is similar to the increase received by others in the district. Teachers packages increased by about 4.6 percent, board member Scott Lay said.

Lay said the board is pleased with the direction, the work ethic, the depth of knowledge and involvement with the community Niehaus brought to the job.

Tax money

Jim Gillmeister, the district's chief financial officer and treasurer, said he doesn't have exact figures for how a delay in McLean County property tax payments will affect the district. County tax bills that typically go out in early May are expected to go out by the end of the month, delaying the deadline for when the first-installment payments are due.

The district receives about $40 million in such taxes. Lay said the district could lose about $340,000 when lost interest income and interest to be paid on short-term borrowing are figured in.

On the positive side, Bruce Boswell, the district's energy educator, announced the district has saved more than $3 million in energy costs in the few years the district's energy-saving program has been in place.

He also announced that 10 district buildings received Energy Star recognition. It is based on how the building's energy consumption from last year compares to that of buildings of similar size, use and age.

"This is no insignificant matter," he said. "We're among the first in the state to achieve this."