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Votes at a glance: OPRF SD 200 adopts $87.073M tax levy, approves contracts and capital bids
Summary
At its Dec. 4 special session the Oak Park–River Forest board approved the 2025 tax levy of $87,073,000, ratified a classified staff agreement with SEIU Local 73, adopted the district e‑learning plan (2026–2028), approved summer 2026 CIP bids including an asbestos abatement contract, and authorized an interfund transfer for bond payments.
The Oak Park–River Forest School District 200 board approved a slate of fiscal and contract items during a Dec. 4 special session following public hearings.
Key votes
- Tax levy: The board adopted a 2025 tax levy resolution in the amount of $87,073,000 and directed the business office to file required documents with Cook County by Dec. 30, 2025.
- Collective bargaining: The board approved a 2025–2029 agreement with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73 representing classified personnel.
- E‑learning plan: The board approved the district’s e‑learning plan for 2026–2028 (see separate story on debate and public comment). The plan authorizes up to five emergency e‑learning days per year and standardizes a Monday–Friday synchronous schedule.
- Capital projects and CIP bids: The board approved summer 2026 capital improvement bids (total bid package and selected alternates) and awarded a contract to Gilbane Building Company. The posted figures during discussion included a $150,800 asbestos abatement bid (with alternates), selected alternates totaling roughly $648,890.78, a Gilbane contract figure cited as $631,000, and a total approved budget cost noted in the meeting as $5,868,264.36 for the summer package.
- Interfund transfer: Administration presented and the board approved the annual interfund transfer to cover bond payments and working cash for capital projects.
Board discussion and context: Several members raised questions about recapture mechanics for the levy and asked the administration to identify lines where future efficiencies could be found; the community finance committee had reviewed levy options and recommended a specific plan to preserve future flexibility. On the e‑learning vote, several board members reiterated a preference to “err on the side of snow days” when feasible but supported having the option of e‑learning in emergencies.
The motions were moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The board adjourned the session after completing the agenda.
