NORMAL - A gutted classroom at Oakdale Elementary School is becoming a showcase for discussion as part of a plan for a possible $96.7 million plan for renovations and construction of Unit 5 schools.

Oakdale Principal Marlys Bennington welcomed about 35 guests to her school Wednesday at a wrap-up workshop for efforts to plan the construction and proposed Feb. 5 referendums to pay for it and operating expenses associated with enrollment growth.

The model room, which is expected to be ready for viewing Dec. 12 will show what classrooms would be like in the new and remodeled schools if the Normal-based District moved ahead. It will feature white boards, Smart boards - a cross between a blackboard and a wall-mounted computer - portable book shelves, and different doors and windows in existing classrooms.

"It's something we've never done before," John Pye, assistant superintendent of operations/human resources for the district, said about making the model rooms.

At Wednesday's meeting, teachers discussed their ideas for the project with school board members. They also examined paint and carpeting samples, prototype lockers and sketches of furniture that may be considered for the renovations and new schools.

Another model room will be created at Glenn Elementary School, he said.

Architect Mark Jolicoeur, of Chicago-based Perkins and Wills said discussion centered around four key areas:

- Maximizing learning by creating designs friendly to team teaching

- Inclusive practices, especially involving special education students

- Technology, for now and the future

- Safety and security

"Safety and security is a selling point for a referendum," said Kurt Swearingen, director of elementary education.

Gloria Jameson, who has taught in the district for more than 30 years, said safety was the most common concern she heard when asking parents and other teachers for their input.

Jameson, a Prairieland Elementary School teacher, met with architects over the last two months as an elementary school representative.

Having taught at the now-closed Eugene Field Elementary School for 22 years, she knew how important it is for families whose children attend older schools to know there is equity among old and new schools.

Families want to have it "the same or just as good" at the older schools, she said.

Kelly Lyle, an eighth-grade teacher at Parkside Junior High School, said it is important that middle school classrooms are large enough for classes of 32 to 34 middle school students.

Overcrowding at his school presents challenges in the classroom and in moving through the hallways, he said. Adding a new school would reduce some of the overcrowding at Parkside Junior High school.

School board members will vote on Nov. 28 whether to hold the referendums. More financial information will be available at the Nov. 14 school board meeting.