Elmhurst SD 205 board adopts FY2026 budget, approves insurance changes, working‑cash bond notice and energy procurement agreement

The Elmhurst SD 205 Board of Education on Sept. 23 approved the district’s fiscal year 2026 budget and several operational measures intended to stabilize district finances and benefits costs.

Budget adoption: the board voted 6–0 (1 absent) to adopt the FY2026 budget as presented. District staff described the budget as the product of six months of planning for the fiscal year running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The district reported an unaudited FY2025 savings of about $5,000,000 compared with budget; staff said the FY25 result included an intentional $7,000,000 payment related to referendum scope and ongoing capital transfers. The administration told the board that 91% of anticipated revenues are local and that salaries and benefits account for roughly 75% of expenditures.

Insurance plan changes: the board approved recommended medical and dental plan changes (motion passed 6–0, 1 absent) that the district’s insurance committee and consultant Alliant recommended. Key elements presented by Melanie Gruss of Alliant included a pharmacy carve‑out (Vital1) for PPO and high‑deductible plan members, removal of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drug coverage for certain plans effective Jan. 1, elimination of district‑funded biometric screening events, elimination of retiree dental for employees without a contractual entitlement, and plan‑design changes to the PPO and HSA/HDP plans. The committee’s cost estimate reflected an overall premium increase of about 8% effective Jan. 1, 2026; the dental premium equivalent rate increase was presented as roughly 11.5% (year two of a two‑year strategy). The district noted that industry trend estimates are nearer 11% and said the committee will continue outreach and education for staff during open enrollment in November.

Working cash bonds: the board adopted a resolution declaring its intent to issue $8,500,000 in working‑cash fund bonds and directing publication of the statutorily required notice (motion passed 6–0, 1 absent). District counsel explained that publication of the notice triggers a 30‑day petition period; if 3,423 registered voters submit a valid petition within that 30‑day window the working‑cash bond issuance would proceed to referendum (March election). If no petition is filed in that period the board may proceed to issue the bonds without referendum. A public hearing on Oct. 21 will consider both working‑cash bonds and life‑safety bonds.

Energy procurement: the board approved a master agreement with Nania Energy Advisors for procurement of natural gas (motion passed 6–0, 1 absent). District staff said the district’s existing natural gas contract had expired and that Nania would help secure a fixed‑rate agreement intended to stabilize energy costs and reduce budget volatility.

Consent agenda and other approvals: the board approved the consent agenda (6–0, 1 absent), which included the personnel report, financial report, FOIA responses, adoption of out‑of‑district meal reimbursements, compensation compliance reports, special‑education supplemental staff contracts and procurement of an Incident IQ IT and facilities work‑management platform. The board also approved the minutes from prior meetings and the agreement to move into and out of closed session earlier in the evening.

Why it matters: the FY2026 budget and the insurance plan changes set the district’s operating parameters for the coming year and affect employees’ out‑of‑pocket costs. The working‑cash bond notice begins a statutorily prescribed public process that could lead to a referendum if sufficient voters petition. The energy procurement contract is intended to limit budget exposure to market price swings.

Votes at a glance

- Adopt FY2026 budget: motion by Dr. Henry; second by Ms. Arvanites. Vote: Dr. Henry — yes; Ms. Arvanites — yes; Ms. Asif — yes; Ms. Lewinsky — yes; Mr. Bresnahan — yes; Ms. Hosler — yes; Ms. Strautman — absent. Outcome: approved (6–0, 1 absent).

- Approve 2026 medical and dental plan changes: motion by Ms. Hosler; second by Ms. Lewinsky. Vote: yes (6–0, 1 absent). Outcome: approved.

- Adopt resolution declaring intent to issue $8,500,000 working‑cash bonds and publish notice: motion by Dr. Henry; second by Ms. Asif. Vote: yes (6–0, 1 absent). Outcome: approved; starts 30‑day petition window and schedules Oct. 21 hearing.

- Approve master agreement with Nania Energy Advisors for natural gas procurement: motion by Ms. Lewinsky; second by Ms. Hosler. Vote: yes (6–0, 1 absent). Outcome: approved.

- Approve consent agenda (personnel, financial, FOIA, meal reimbursements, compensation compliance, special‑education supplemental staff contracts, Incident IQ platform): motion by Ms. Asif; second by Board member. Vote: yes (6–0, 1 absent). Outcome: approved.

Implementation notes and next steps: open enrollment for benefits will occur in November; the insurance committee scheduled follow‑up meetings and the district said it will provide staff education and benefits counseling ahead of plan changes. Publication of the working‑cash bond notice will start the 30‑day petition period; the board will hold a public hearing Oct. 21 that will also address proposed life‑safety bonds. District staff said they will return with additional budget and program details as required by the board’s finance cycle.

Ending: board members thanked committee volunteers and staff for the work that informed the recommendations and voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m.