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District 57 approves 2025–26 tentative budget; referendum bonds and construction plans highlighted
Summary
Board approved the 2025–26 tentative operating budget and discussed referendum bond proceeds and capital projects. The budget shows an operating surplus (before capital) and staff said referendum bond sales and planned construction work (Westbrook, Lincoln) are proceeding with bid schedules set.
Chief School Business Official Dr. Kaes presented the district’s 2025–26 tentative budget and explained revenue and cash flow timing issues before the board approved the budget on a roll call.
Why it matters: The tentative budget frames the district’s operating finances for the coming year and separates ongoing operating funds from one-time referendum capital proceeds. The board approved the tentative budget so the district can publish the document and hold the statutorily required public hearing before final adoption.
Key budget details: Dr. Kaes told the board that the operating budget (excluding capital projects and debt service) shows just over $2,000,000 in surplus; after accounting for $2,000,000 earmarked for construction, the net surplus in operating funds is roughly $180,000. She said the district recently learned it would receive Title I, II and III grant awards and those revenues were added to the tentative budget. She warned that Cook County changes to property-tax bill timing may delay some property-tax receipts into November or December, but said cash flow should be adequate through the fall.
Referendum bonds and capital projects: Kaes reported the district sold roughly $35 million in referendum bonds in July and expects to spend just under $24 million this fiscal year on referendum-funded projects; additional bond sales are planned to reach the $85 million referendum authorization. Construction director Dr. Case said the village planning-and-zoning commission approved the Lincoln project 7–0; pre-bid meetings drew strong attendance (about 60 contractors at Westbrook). Bid due dates include Westbrook in early September and Lincoln bids due Sept. 11; the board will review bids on Sept. 25.
Safety audit and tariffs: Dr. Case said the district will conduct a safety audit in September and will present audit findings when available (likely October). He also said district and architects continue to monitor potential cost impacts from national tariffs but have not yet seen a material change that would delay bid approval; the district will report any changes at the Sept. 25 meeting.
Board action: The board moved to approve the 2025–26 tentative budget by motion and roll-call vote. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from Member Kwalcek, Member Leto, Member Nelson, Vice President Cho, Member Doerner, Member Faye and President Bennett Kilt (recorded in the meeting transcript). The budget will proceed to the required public hearing at a later board meeting.
Ending: Administrators said they will continue to separate referendum/capital funds from operating comparisons in future reports and will return with project-specific bid recommendations and a safety-audit report when available.
