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Finance update: Skyward go‑live, audits on track, $45.9M levy request and substitute rate increase
Summary
Finance staff reported Skyward financial software went live Oct. 1 and described steps to reach zero-audit findings; the committee recommended a $45.9 million levy request (4.99% increase with a $350,000 abatement) and the board approved raising the daily substitute rate for retired certified staff from $150 to $180.
Finance staff and committee chair Miss Reyes briefed the board on Nov. 17 about the district's finance-improvement plan, implementation of the Skyward financial system, audit status, the proposed tax levy and a recommended increase to the daily substitute rate for retired certified staff.
Judy, who led the Skyward implementation update, said the system’s go‑live date was Oct. 1 and described a multi-department implementation that included accounting, payroll, HR and benefits. "Our go live date started well, our go live was October 1," she said, and noted district staff produced in-house documentation and training materials to support adoption and internal controls.
Committee chair Miss Reyes reported the finance and personnel committee reviewed September financial reports, district donations, and the tax-levy presentation. The committee recommended a total levy request of approximately $45,900,000, a 4.99% increase covering operating and bond funds, and noted a planned $350,000 abatement. She said the district fund balance remains strong at 63%, within statutory limits.
The committee also recommended a change to the daily substitute rate for retired certified staff from $150 to $180 to help retain institutional knowledge and address an anticipated wave of retirements. The board moved and approved the rate adjustment on the meeting floor.
Audits were described as underway: the ISBE audit and a Crowe audit began work in July; finance staff expect the Crowe audit to be finalized and presented to the board on Dec. 1, 2025. Finance staff framed these actions as part of a broader goal to show "financial responsibility" and achieve timely submissions with zero audit findings.
Next steps include monitoring Skyward roll‑out items (benefit management, student‑activity accounts), finalizing audit presentations, and following procedures for levy and open-enrollment communications with staff during benefits season (open enrollment runs Dec. 1–15, with new cards mailed in January per the finance report).
