Rockford Public Schools officials presented their FY26 budget preview to the Committee of the Whole, highlighting rising employee health costs, large capital projects and several contract renewals that together shape next year’s spending plan.

Why it matters: The district is projecting higher operating costs — in benefits, facilities and contracted services — while anticipating relatively flat revenue. Administrators framed the review as preparatory work for a tighter FY27 budget and for decisions the next superintendent and board will face.

Chief Human Resources Officer Takana Crowder and benefit director Tannell Barnes reviewed benefit fund items, and reported a large increase in anticipated medical and dental claims. Barnes said projections include a $4.5 million variance for Blue Cross Blue Shield medical and dental claims and an $830,000 projected increase for prescription spending managed by Express Scripts. The district will change its broker from Gallagher to Alliant effective July 1, 2025; administrators said that shift followed a competitive procurement and expanded scope of services.

Barnes also described the district’s two off‑site employee wellness clinics operated with UW Health: "We make available, if it can be handled at the locations, it is of no cost to the employees," she said. Administrators reported roughly 1,100 employees and dependents have used the clinics, and said clinics are intended to reduce high‑cost claims by providing earlier, low‑cost care.

Operations Chief Mike Phillips summarized capital work and facilities contracting: the district plans approximately $36 million in facilities projects in FY26, including the College and Career Education Center (CCEC) renovation, roofing replacements, an Auburn High School parking lot scope and elevator and industrial fan replacements at Jefferson High School. Phillips said staff will issue a competitive bid to renew the district‑wide custodial services contract (GSF) during FY26 and that several current contracts ended, allowing savings through new bids.

Transportation and security contracts were also discussed. The district recommended increasing the First Student contract from 25 to up to 30 routes next year, citing route needs and a 3% CPI adjustment. First Student has been assigned 25 routes this year and administrators said the company is fully staffed for 30 routes, with backup drivers available. Security services will see a roughly $200,000 increase, which administrators said reflects a new guard contract and added coverage at the CCEC. Technology budget reviewers flagged higher IT security and connectivity costs driven in part by the CCEC fiber build.

Nutrition services reported roughly 18,000 lunches and 10,278 breakfasts served daily across the district and a capital request of about $700,000 for kitchen equipment replacement. Athletic and fine‑arts budgets showed modest changes reflecting staffing and event costs; the district added OSF athletic trainers after a competitive process.

Several trustees asked for additional detail on key cost drivers. Board Member Pearson asked about the payroll and return on investment of the UW Health clinics; administrators said clinics aim to reduce future claims by expanding early access to care. Board Member Haley raised concerns about renting meeting space (NIU) during facility renovations and asked that district facilities be prioritized when possible.

No budget items were approved at the meeting; administrators said many line items will return to the board as consent or action items in upcoming meetings.

Ending: Administrators said the FY26 preview is intended to position the district for a more constrained FY27 outlook and to provide the incoming superintendent and board with a clearer picture of recurring costs and capital priorities.