Reavis High School in Burbank addressed issues with a deteriorating exterior staircase following an order by the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A Freedom of Information Act request revealed details about the matter.

In April, a complaint was filed alleging that eroded stairs at the school’s Austin Avenue entrance posed a trip and fall hazard to employees. Photographs included in the complaint highlighted worn edges and partially crumbled concrete near a stair railing.

Illinois OSHA issued a complaint to the school but initially received no response. A second letter was sent in May, urging a reply or the possibility of an on-site inspection.

As of July 16, 2026, visible repairs have been made to the Austin Avenue entrance stairs, though some damage remains apparent.

Superintendent Dan Riordan of Reavis High School District 220 did not comment to the Daily Southtown. However, he provided OSHA with photos showing repair work around the damaged railing area.

In communications with OSHA, Riordan mentioned plans for a comprehensive renovation of the main gym and auditorium entrances. The project is set to go out for bid later this year with work commencing in 2027. “There is a plan in place to replace and renovate the entire area within the next 12 – 18 months,” Riordan stated.

Riordan added that a recent independent audit of the entire building found no unsafe areas. “We do agree the steps and railings are not aesthetically appealing, but we refute any claim that they are unsafe or out of code,” he wrote in an email to Illinois OSHA.