Lincoln Way District 210 board adopts FY2026 budget, records planned one‑time deficit for bus purchases

The Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education unanimously adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget at its September meeting after a budget presentation by district finance staff.

Finance staff summarized changes since the tentative budget, saying “stable is the word for this budget,” and pointed to several reallocations across funds, updated facility rental rates, and a large transportation purchase. The presentation showed a 3.73 percent increase in operating revenues and a 7.71 percent increase in operating spending compared with the prior year; staff said much of the spending increase reflected a one‑time capital purchase recorded in an operating fund for accounting purposes.

Why it matters: the board must set an approved budget before the fiscal year begins so administration can process…