CHSD 155 board approves $12 million in bills, delays performing‑arts activity fee until 2026‑27

The CHSD 155 Board of Education voted to approve board bills totaling $12,000,000 covering the period April 9 through May 13 and approved delaying implementation of a performing‑arts student activity fee until the 2026‑27 school year, district officials said.

Acting in the treasurer role, Dr. Lesinski reported the district’s April ending fund balance was $79,000,000 and said the overall revenue‑coverage ratio remained materially unchanged at about 50 percent; he noted alternative revenue bond proceeds are excluded from the district’s revenue‑coverage calculation under policy. He asked the board to approve invoices and payroll charges totaling $12,000,000; the board voted to approve the board bills. The district said payroll‑related items represented $6,800,000 (57 percent) of the total and vendor payments represented $5,200,000 (43 percent).

Board member Dave Jenkins moved to approve the board bills; Amy Blasier seconded. A roll‑call vote recorded “yes” responses from board members present at roll call: Dave Jenkins, Amy Blasier, Steve Keefer, Elizabeth Lund, Stephanie Macra, Ryan Olsen and Nicole Pavorek; the motion carried.

Later in the meeting the board voted to delay implementation of a proposed performing‑arts student activity fee to the 2026‑27 school year. The motion to delay the fee was made by Ryan Olsen and seconded by Stephanie Macra; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote of the members present.

The finance committee had discussed the items in advance and district staff said the delayed implementation was discussed in committee.