Reavis High School Addresses Staircase Safety Issues

Reavis High School in Burbank has taken measures to repair a deteriorating exterior staircase following a directive from the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The actions were prompted by a complaint filed in April, which highlighted safety concerns regarding eroded stairs at the school’s Austin Avenue entrance. This complaint included photos showing significant wear along the edges and crumbling concrete around the stair railing.

Initially, Illinois OSHA issued a complaint to the school, but there was no immediate response, according to information obtained via the Freedom of Information Act. In May, the agency sent a follow-up letter, insisting on a response or an on-site inspection could be scheduled.

Recent repairs are visible on the stairs at the Austin Avenue entrance to Reavis High School, captured on July 16, 2026, by Evy Lewis for the Daily Southtown.

Despite the recent repairs, some damage remains evident on the Austin Avenue stairs. Reavis High School District 220 Superintendent Dan Riordan did not comment to the Daily Southtown but provided OSHA with photographs showing the repaired area near the railing.

In correspondence with OSHA, Riordan disclosed plans for a comprehensive renovation of the main gym and auditorium entrances. The bidding process for this project is set to begin later in the year, with construction slated for 2027. Riordan assured that plans are underway to replace and renovate the entire area in the next 12 to 18 months.

Riordan also noted that an independent team conducted an annual audit walk-through of the entire building, with no unsafe areas identified. He acknowledged that the steps and railings might lack visual appeal but refuted claims of them being unsafe or not up to code.