Flossmoor SD 161 board approves March bills and staff reappointments; discusses Heather Hill and Serena Hills playgrounds, E‑rate cabling and asbestos abatement

The Flossmoor SD 161 Board of Education voted to approve the district's March bills and to reappoint and increase compensation for administrators and non‑administrative staff for the 2025–26 school year, and it approved the superintendent's employment contract after one board member voted no.

The board approved the bills for March in the amount of $1,544,781.92, and later approved reappointments and a compensation increase for administrators and non‑administrative staff for the 2025–26 school year as presented. The superintendent's employment contract also passed after a roll‑call vote in which Board Member Childress voted no and other named members voted yes; the motion passed.

Why it matters: the votes commit the district to current expenditures and personnel budgets and finalize the superintendent's contract while staff pushed ahead with planned capital and infrastructure projects that will affect school facilities this year and next.

During the discussion portion of the meeting staff detailed plans and costs for two playground replacements, low‑voltage cabling work planned to use E‑rate reimbursements, and limited asbestos abatement tied to work at Heather Hill and Serena Hills elementary schools.

Playgrounds: staff presented mockups and costs for full playground replacements at Heather Hill and Serena Hills. The Heather Hill project as presented includes artificial turf and accessible equipment and was shown with a total cost of $294,239. The Serena Hills swing replacements were listed with a cost of about $204,005.59; staff said both sites will include inclusive swings and artificial turf to replace existing mulch. A staff member identified as Fran said the playground designs reflect student input and aim to be handicap‑inclusive so “all of our students can participate in the fun.” Board members asked whether a multi‑user (group) swing could be added to Heather Hill; staff said they would get a cost breakout and return the detail at a future meeting. One board member estimated a single large group swing piece at about $14,000, and staff said the swing structures themselves were about $12,000 with the remainder of the project cost attributable to turf, concrete and site work.

Low‑voltage E‑rate cabling: staff described a district‑led low‑voltage cabling project for Heather Hill and Serena Hills to replace aging cabling while ceilings are removed for construction work. The district put the work under contract directly so it can seek E‑rate reimbursement (staff said the project qualifies for a 60% reimbursement rate). The bid for the low‑voltage work was presented at $141,403; staff said most of that qualifies for the E‑rate discount. Staff also said access points will be repurposed where possible, potentially extending their useful life by five to seven years and saving future costs. The board heard that E‑rate reimbursements come after work is completed and receipts are submitted.

Asbestos abatement: staff reported a small asbestos abatement package needed where tile and carpet work are underway in toilet rooms and a small adjacent office. Hygienering prepared specifications and NES submitted the low bid for the combined work at approximately $28,087.50; NES also provided a separate quote of $3,800 for a small adjacent room, keeping the work under competitive thresholds. Staff noted the abatement scope was limited to areas being disturbed and that additional asbestos likely remains under tile that is not being removed.

SteamLab and devices: a board member raised a question about SteamLab replacement costs and asked staff to verify the per‑device pricing. The board member said the listed total, when divided by units, “seems high” and cited a calculation of roughly $262,700 per computer; staff responded they would check the original bids and bring alternatives and clarifications to the next meeting. No action was taken on the SteamLab materials at this meeting.

Public comment and FOIA: a resident, Ms. Tropp, used the public comment period to press the board for full printed board packets and answers to pending Freedom of Information Act requests and accounting questions. She said she was seeking only aggregate numbers (for example, attendance at counseling sessions) and raised questions about an APR grant calculation and an ISBE accounting entry she believes shows $38,200 paid; she asked whether any late fee had been incurred. Ms. Tropp said she had provided documents and requested staff correct calculation errors where they exist. The board did not take immediate action during the meeting but acknowledged the comment.

Procedure and next steps: staff said construction at Heather Hill began with a groundbreaking and exterior work will continue over the next 11 weeks, with interior connections scheduled after the school year ends. Staff also said similar cabling and renovation steps will be scheduled at the other district buildings as ceilings are addressed. Board members asked for additional cost breakdowns (including the group swing option) and requested staff return with clarifying documents at a future meeting.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the March bills totaling $1,544,781.92 (motion moved and seconded; roll call in favor), approved reappointment and compensation increases for 2025–26 staff (motion moved and seconded; roll call in favor), and approved the superintendent's employment contract (motion moved and seconded; Childress voted no; motion passed).