The Community High School District 94 Board of Education convened on September 16, 2025, for a public hearing and subsequent meeting focused on the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The meeting began with an overview of the budget, presented by Dan, who emphasized that the school budget reflects the district's financial, operational, and instructional goals.

Dan outlined the budget preparation process, noting that the tentative budget was presented on August 5 and made available for public review shortly thereafter. The public hearing aimed to finalize and adopt the budget, which must be submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the county clerk by September 30.

Key highlights from the proposed budget included updates on revenue and expenditure changes. Revenue adjustments were primarily based on revised estimates from the corporate personal property replacement tax and evidence-based funding. Notably, the budget anticipates a deficit across all funds, with the operations and maintenance fund balance earmarked for upcoming capital improvements.

The budget presentation detailed the five operating funds: education, operations, transportation, IMRF, and tort immunity. It was noted that the anticipated ending fund balance would provide nearly nine months of savings. The budget also reflects a projected 5.5% increase in operating fund expenditures, driven by rising salaries, transportation, and energy costs.

Capital projects planned for the year include significant facility improvements, such as roof replacements and parking lot renovations, as recommended by the district's architects. The board discussed the importance of maintaining a healthy fund balance to accommodate future projects and potential revenue fluctuations.

Following the public hearing, the board moved to adopt the budget as presented. The motion was unanimously approved, with all board members voting in favor. The meeting concluded with a reminder for board members to sign the budget documents before leaving.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to financial transparency and strategic planning as it prepares for the upcoming school year.