The Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education adopted the district's 2025-26 legal budget during a public meeting on Sept. 8 after closing the budget public hearing and taking a roll-call vote approving the budget as presented.

District business office staff told the board the final budget is substantially the same as the tentative budget presented in August and posted for 30 days. The office projected an operating-year excess of just under $211,000 and an estimated year-end fund balance equal to about 34% of operating revenues, above the board's 25% policy target. The budget also includes a $12,100,000 one-time operating transfer into the local capital projects fund dedicated to a multiyear classroom technology initiative.

Why it matters: the adopted budget sets the district's spending and financing plan for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and funds both day-to-day operations and capital work tied to the voter-approved Safer, Stronger 204 referendum. Maintaining a fund balance above policy provides the district a cushion against potential state or federal funding delays the staff said.

Business office staff described the district's revenue mix and key assumptions. Property taxes are the largest source of operating revenue, representing about 77% of operating revenues in the budget. State and federal revenues were recorded at currently approved amounts; staff said they were not aware of any funding freezes or delays but continued to monitor state and federal developments. During the presentation staff noted the district's operating expenditures per pupil remain below the state average and comparable high-performing unit districts.

The budget also accounts for the district's nonoperating funds, including referendum bond proceeds received and closed July 15. The district confirmed principal and interest schedules for outstanding bonds are fixed-rate and included to the dollar in the budget; the bond-and-interest tax rate is projected to be at or below $0.37 for taxpayers across the district, consistent with commitments made during the referendum campaign.

Action taken: the board voted to adopt the 2025-26 budget as presented. Roll-call votes recorded in the minutes show unanimous approval: Mister Rising, Miss Gintz, Miss Fosdick, Miss Deming, Mister Karubas, Miss Donahue and Miss Jane all voted yes. The motion to approve was made and seconded on the record; the motion passed.

Next steps: after board approval the Business Office will complete required budget filings with both counties, the regional office of education and the Illinois State Board of Education; filings are due by Sept. 30. Staff said budget development for 2026-27 will begin in November with the tentative tax levy presentation and continue through levy approval in December.

Quotes: Business office presenter: "We are projecting a small excess of just short of $211,000 across all operating funds, and we are projecting to end this budget year with a fund balance that represents about 34% of district revenues." (Statement presented during the Sept. 8 budget hearing.)

Ending note: board members said they were satisfied with the process that produced the budget and cited prior presentations and extended discussions earlier in the summer as having resolved major questions before the adoption vote.