Chicago Public Schools
Special Consultant to the Board of Education

In early 1997, Eldertree Stoneoak & Brookings, Inc. was selected to create a new environmental program for the Board. Based upon the scope of the program, we created LYCEUM Environmental Specialists LLC, dedicated to developing, implementing, and managing all aspects of the program. We created an entirely new program structure, with new specifications and procedures for asbestos, lead, underground storage tanks, PCBs, emergencies, and any other environmental concern that might arise.

An independent auditor found that in the first year of operation, greater accountability and controls saved the system more than 43 million dollars over the previous program and significantly enhanced the schools' health and safety record. This was accomplished with a 92% program involvement by minority and women-owned business enterprises -- nearly triple that of the previous program. We currently supervise 18 environmental consultants and 38 abatement contractors in this program. The program has been heralded in national media, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, for its innovation and efficiency. Eldertree Stoneoak & Brookings, Inc. has implemented a similar program in the Detroit Public Schools.