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Stevenson board approves five-year audit extension, puts tentative budget on display and schedules public hearings

3104794 · April 24, 2025
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Summary

The Board of Education approved a five-year extension with auditing firm Lauterbach & Amen LLP and voted to place the tentative FY 2025–26 budget and the FY 2024–25 amended budget on public display, setting public hearings for June 16.

At its May 12 meeting the Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 Board of Education approved several routine but consequential fiscal actions: a five-year extension with the district's auditor, tentative display of the FY 2025–26 budget, and procedural steps to amend and hear the FY 2024–25 budget.

Audit contract: The board voted to extend the contract with Lauterbach & Amen LLP for five fiscal years (FY25–FY29) at an average annual cost of $35,000, for a total not to exceed $176,000. The administration said the proposed extension represents a 4.4% annual increase and remains below regional market rates. The contract includes the district audit and the single audit required for federal grant reporting. The motion passed with an affirmative vote (recorded as 6–0 in the meeting transcript).

Budget display and hearings: The board voted to place the tentative FY 2025–26 budget on public display beginning Monday, May 12, as required by state procedures, and set a public hearing and final adoption for the board meeting on Monday, June 16. Separately, the board also voted to place the FY 2024–25 amended budget on public display and set its public hearing for June 16 to reflect changes related to the recent bond sale and to consolidate end-of-year transfers. The administration told the board its preliminary numbers show expenditures rising about 1.8% and revenues growing about 3%; final figures will be developed before the June hearing.

Guidebook and consent agenda: The board approved changes to the district 2025–26 guidebook (changes were tracked in the packet) and approved a consent agenda that included routine personnel recommendations, retirements and other items. Administrators said the personnel slate reflected standard end-of-year hiring, rehiring of part-time positions and several leadership appointments (names and details were included in the consent materials).

Other business: The board heard first readings on routine items including the treasurer's surety bond and a music instrument bid; those items will return for action in June after bid opening and more detailed pricing information. The administration reported about 4,822 students currently enrolled, with a projection that enrollment could approach 4,900 next year.

No executive session was required following the meeting.