The Kaneland Board of Education on Sept. 30 approved the district’s 2025–26 budget following a public hearing and presentation by Dr. Bogan, approving the operating budget of $77,900,000 and a total district budget of $115,900,000. The larger total reflects recording of bond proceeds in the capital projects fund.

Dr. Bogan told the board that the district’s operating deficit for the year is projected at $183,000, down from a prior-year shortfall of about $4.2 million. She said the district reduced overall expenditures by about 1.3 percent from last year and that only two of the four operating funds are projecting deficits. "We did significantly reduce the deficit from that 4.2 to the $183,000," she said.

The nut of the discussion was transportation funding and a one-time transfer. Board members and staff said transportation reimbursements are being prorated by the state and remain uncertain. Dr. Bogan provided projected reimbursement figures of $1,600,000 for regular transportation and $1,500,000 for special education transportation and noted that if the state reimbursed at the full targeted level—previously described at an 80 percent proration—the district would be roughly flat. The approved budget also includes a $1,000,000 transfer from working cash into the operations and maintenance fund.

Board discussion acknowledged the difficult prior-year decisions that reduced the deficit and thanked administrators and union partners for help negotiating the district onto a more sustainable path. Board members asked whether the transfer would need to be repeated next year; Dr. Bogan said the goal is not to rely on another transfer and that the district will monitor and plan during the year for 2026–27.

Other revenue notes in the presentation: state foundation funding was described as essentially flat at $7,300,000; the district received a prorated teacher vacancy grant budgeted at about $66,000 (down from an initial allocation of just over $100,000); and the budget reflects the district’s local levy as the primary driver of operating revenue. Dr. Bogan emphasized the budget is a snapshot in time and may be amended if significant changes occur.

The board voted 7–0 to approve the 2025–26 Kaneland Community Unit School District 302 budget. The motion carried by roll call vote.

The approval sets the district’s operating plan for the year and commits staff to continue monitoring transportation reimbursements and other revenue streams; any material changes will return to the board for amendment.