Lincoln‑Way 210 presents tentative FY2026 budget; earmarks $3 million for capital projects, notes one‑time bus payment

Lincoln‑Way 210 Board of Education members heard a presentation Aug. 18 on the district’s tentative fiscal year 2026 budget that emphasizes local property‑tax revenue, modest state funding gains and a $3,000,000 transfer for capital projects connected to planned life‑safety work. The board set a public hearing date by resolution for the final budget.

The budget presentation was given by Dr. Dubeck, district staff member, who told the board that “local property tax receipts represent about 70% of our annual revenue.” He said local revenues are expected to rise about 3.6% for FY2026. The presentation noted a recent decline and then stabilization in Personal Property Replacement Tax receipts — PPRT — which the presenter described as a “not a small budget line.” Dr. Dubeck recounted PPRT totals: about $2,100,000 in FY2023, $1,300,000 the next year, then roughly $860,000, before stabilizing this year.

Why it matters: Lincoln‑Way 210 depends heavily on local taxes, so relatively small changes in state or federal aid shift local planning. The tentative budget allocates operating dollars for staff, routine services and a capital transfer intended to support life‑safety HVAC work and other summer projects.

Most fiscal details are in the operating fund. Dr. Dubeck told the board that salaries and benefits are the district’s largest cost and…