Huntley Community School District 158 officials reviewed four options for the high‑school graduation venue and recommended continuing the multi‑year arrangement with Northern Illinois University (NIU) while asking administration to survey students and families about venue preferences.

Dr. Bielen and Superintendent Lombard presented a side‑by‑side analysis of the NOW Arena, Willow Creek South Barrington, NIU, and the district’s Red Raider Stadium. The team evaluated parking, security, acoustics, capacity, concessions, day‑of logistics and contingency options for bad weather. NIU was the least expensive of the indoor arena options the district examined, offers on‑site security through NIU Police and the Huntley SRO, and does not open concessions during district graduations — a feature staff said helps preserve the ceremony atmosphere.

Board members raised concerns about travel time and acoustics at NIU. One member said Willow Creek offered the best sound and stage experience but noted higher costs and a volunteer staffing model that could complicate event operations. Members also discussed the on‑campus stadium option, which would reduce travel but raised questions about limited parking, exposure to weather, and lack of a reliable indoor contingency space for large graduating classes.

Board members asked administration to create a brief survey for freshmen, sophomores and juniors to gather preferences and to consult with Huntley police and other local emergency and traffic partners about feasibility for on‑campus events. Administration said it would prepare both a community survey and operational planning information, and then return to the board with survey results and additional logistics and cost estimates.

Why it matters: Graduation venue choice affects family travel, attendance limits, security planning and ceremony quality for nearly 700 graduates and their families. The decision also has multi-year implications for contracts and capital choices.

What’s next: Administration to send a survey to underclass families and students, consult with local police about capacity to support on‑campus events, and return with findings to inform a final venue decision. The board will keep NIU as the working default while it gathers more input.