Elmhurst D205 board approves fees, cooperative bylaw changes and personnel resolutions in unanimous votes

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education on March 18 unanimously approved a series of routine measures including facility rental and student fees for the 2025–26 school year, amendments to a regional cooperative’s bylaws and two personnel resolutions concerning non‑tenured teachers.

The board recorded seven ayes and zero nays on each of the formal votes. Board members recorded in the roll call and subsequent votes were Mrs. Trautman, Mrs. Cafforio, Mrs. Assaf, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Hosler, Mr. Collins and Mrs. Arvanites.

Why it matters: The fee and bylaw actions set the district’s cost and access rules for next school year and confirm routine staffing processes that allow the district to notify non‑tenured employees of potential dismissals as part of annual personnel planning.

Most important actions

- Facility rental usage fees for 2025–26: The board approved an increase tied to the consumer price index (3.4% referenced in the staff presentation) and added language addressing AV/auditorium use and staffing for upgraded performance spaces. Vote: 7–0.

- Student fees for 2025–26: The board approved a $10 technology fee increase for K–5 students and a $15 increase for grades 6–8 and 9–12; all‑day kindergarten tuition remains at $2,700 and Madison tuition remains $2,500. The board also noted that athletic fees remain unchanged for 2025–26 and that the administration will conduct a sports cost analysis for 2026–27. Vote: 7–0.

- DuPage West Cook cooperative bylaws amendment: The board approved proposed changes that convert the previously active DuPage West Cook board into an oversight committee; staff said the change is structural and will not change services to families. Vote: 7–0.

- Consent agenda and travel approval: The board approved the consent agenda of personnel, financial and policy items (with one travel item pulled for separate consideration) and later approved the International Travel recommendations for 2025–26. Both motions passed 7–0.

- Personnel resolutions: The board approved a resolution authorizing notice of dismissal to certain non‑tenured teachers (those not in their final probationary year) and a separate resolution authorizing honorable dismissals for part‑time probationary or prorated contract teachers. Administration described these as routine, annual actions that preserve placement flexibility and noted that recalled staff remain subject to recall if needs change. Both motions passed 7–0.

Votes and movers (as recorded in the meeting)

- Motion to approve facility rental usage fees: moved by Dr. Henry; second by Mrs. Hasler. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. - Motion to approve student fees for EC–8 and high school: moved by [motion recorded]; second by Dr. Henry. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. - Motion to approve DuPage West Cook bylaw changes: moved by Mrs. Hosler; second by Mrs. Arvanites. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. - Motion to approve consent agenda (items A–L, excluding pulled item D): moved by Mrs. Troutman; second by Mrs. Cafforio. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. - Motion to approve school year 2025–26 international travel recommendations (pulled item D): moved by Mrs. Troutman; second by Mrs. Hosler. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. - Motion to approve the resolution authorizing notice of dismissal to non‑tenured teachers: moved by Dr. Schumacher; second by Mrs. Caporio. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. - Motion to approve the resolution authorizing honorable dismissal of teachers (part‑time/pro rata): moved by Mrs. Assaf; second by Mrs. Hosler. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays.

What administration said: Staff presentations accompanying the fee and personnel items emphasized that the district’s preliminary staffing plan for 2025–26 is neutral relative to current allotments despite retirements and enrollment shifts, and that the fee increases reflect technology infrastructure investments and a desire to remain cost‑neutral for facility rentals. Administration told the board it will run an updated sports cost analysis for 2026–27 and pursue a comparative review of facility rental rates with peer districts.

Looking ahead: The board scheduled a policy committee meeting April 9 and a regular board meeting April 22, when the district will return with additional updates, including final instructional materials approvals after a public review period.