Valley View board approves transfers to capital projects fund and awards R.C. Hill parking-lot contract

The Valley View CUSD 365U Board of Education on Feb. 24 approved a plan to shift funds into the district’s capital projects fund and awarded a contract to repair parking facilities at R.C. Hill Elementary.

The board voted to transfer $1,269,305 from the education fund and $1,836,367 from the operations and maintenance fund into the capital projects fund under Resolution 25-23. The vote followed a public hearing the board opened and closed during the meeting. The board also approved a $694,078 contract with McGraw Construction Co. for site improvements at R.C. Hill; the district said it has a $750,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help pay for the work.

The transfers and contract award fund planned capital work. Mr. Renich, speaking for district administration, said the transfers were “planned during the budget process” and recommended the board approve them as presented. On the R.C. Hill contract, Renich told the board that four contractors submitted bids and that McGraw Construction was the lowest responsible bidder. He said the grant will be used for the site improvement project and recommended the board approve a contract totaling $694,078.

The board approved Resolution 25-23 by roll call and later approved the McGraw Construction contract by roll call. In response to a board member’s question about surplus grant funds, Renich said, “We’ll make sure that we spend all $750,000.” The administration indicated it expects to use the full grant amount on district capital needs.

The district presented the transfers as part of regular budgeting practice: administration said interfund transfers to capital are used “frequently when need be” and that final accounting can be adjusted later in the fiscal year. The transfers are scheduled to be made effective prior to June 30, 2025.

What the board approved - Resolution 25-23: Permanent transfer of $1,269,305 from the education fund and $1,836,367 from operations and maintenance to the capital projects fund, effective prior to 06/30/2025 (approved by roll call). - Contract award: McGraw Construction Company for R.C. Hill site improvements, $694,078; administration noted a $750,000 non-match grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support the project (approved by roll call).

Both actions carry implementation steps: administration will finalize contract documents with McGraw Construction and schedule the capital transfer before the end of the fiscal year. No specific project start or completion dates were given during the meeting.

The board heard no public opposition during the hearing on the transfers and moved back into regular session to complete the votes.