Celebrating Our Campus Refresh: Safety, Accessibility, and Community Support

As a local nonprofit microschool operating independently of government funding, Vanguard Gifted Academy relies on the generosity of community partners, donors, and grants. We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our campus safety and accessibility restoration project, made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. Being named among the Foundation's Spring 2026 Discretionary Program Grantees allowed us to carry out vital physical improvements that directly benefit our students, families, and visitors.

The restoration touched multiple areas across our campus to ensure a safer and more inviting environment. Improvements included repairing our handicap-accessible sidewalk and textured warning surfaces, filling pavement holes to prevent tripping hazards during student free time and daily upkeep, thoroughly power-washing windows, and color-matching and repairing exterior peeling paint. Additionally, our front sign was successfully mounted, greatly enhancing visibility for anyone driving past the facility.

The success of this project was amplified by the dedication of our contractor, Aaron Nellessen of Aaron's Home Repair. Finding a contractor who aligned with our community-first values was a top priority. Looking through the Batavia Chamber of Commerce directory, we connected with Aaron—a fellow Chamber member deeply invested in our local community. Despite unexpected challenges like weather-dependent concrete drying constraints and a hollow building facade requiring specialized hardware, Aaron's team went above and beyond, putting in extra labor and time without increasing the agreed-upon project cost.

"Aaron and his team have been absolutely amazing to work with," shares Amy Trujillo, Head of School. "They handled unexpected structural hurdles with professionalism and care, and they have officially become our go-to partner for maintenance needs beyond our internal capabilities. Combined with the support from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, our campus now looks clean, beautiful, safe, and truly reflects the quality of education happening inside."