Wendy Dulakis

The committee reviewed several operational and financial items. Key topics included a report on the volume of work orders, the selection of an auctioneer for the district's disposal program, and the proposed awarding of contracts for 2026-2027 furniture and art station purchases. The committee also discussed efforts to secure federal tax incentives for geothermal projects and received an update regarding referendum bonding timelines and reimbursement resolutions. Additionally, the committee discussed plans to consolidate the facilities and grounds committee with the finance committee.

The committee meeting addressed financial and facility updates. Finance discussions focused on budget amendments regarding revenue and expenditure adjustments, as well as a review of operating fund trends. Facility reports covered the progress of the Ball Elementary HVAC project, lighting conversions at the high school, various summer maintenance projects, and the scheduling of a surplus equipment auction. Additionally, administration provided updates on referendum planning and the assignment of projects for future fiscal years.

The committee discussed the FY26 amended budget and preliminary FY27 budget planning, focusing on adjustments for actual receipts, staffing changes, and operational needs. Key facilities items included updates on 187 work orders, a new classroom temperature procedure, the BES HVAC project, and the purchase of a new truck. Additionally, the committee reviewed a lighting project grant for Glenwood Middle School, a custodial supply agreement, a snow removal contract increase, and provided an update on the referendum and upcoming construction management procurement.

The committee held a meeting to conduct a review of the IASB PRESS Issue 121 Update Memo concerning board policies. The review focused on various policy changes, including legal updates related to the Open Meetings Act, the Freedom of Information Act, Title 1 Parent and Family Engagement policies, School Code Article 27 reorganization, and new personnel leave entitlements. The committee examined drafts reflecting these policy updates, which incorporate recent legislative changes and continuous improvement standards.

The meeting included student recognition for track and field, girls' softball, and tennis achievements. The board held a budget hearing for the FY26 amended budget and subsequently approved it. New business items included the approval of a new special education teacher hire, a contract for LED lighting installation at the high school, Key Club travel to a national convention, the renewal of spring sports coaches, the re-establishment of team leaders and department chairs, and the acceptance of a grant for the band program. Additionally, the board approved a reimbursement resolution for upcoming projects and an addendum to the School Resource Officer contract.