Kaneland board adopts tentative 2025–26 budget, hears referendum and safety updates

Kaneland CUSD 302’s board of education on Monday approved a tentative 2025–26 budget and heard updates on a planned facilities referendum and a recent bus accident.

During a presentation the district’s finance presenter, Dr. Bogan, told the board the district’s total tentative budget is about $91,700,000, with operating expenditures of roughly $77.5 million and operating revenues of about $77.4 million, leaving a narrow projected operating deficit of approximately $38,000. He told the board final adoption of the budget is scheduled for Sept. 15 and that the tentative budget must be placed on public display for at least 30 days before that vote.

“We are looking at an operating deficit of just over $38,000,” Dr. Bogan said, adding that the district expects a mix of late state and federal receipts that could change the figures before final adoption. He noted the district projects about $3.3 million in additional levy‑driven revenue tied to new equalized assessed value and new construction, and said debt service will remain a significant line item at about $12.4 million annually as the district continues restructuring from the referendum.

Board members pressed for fund‑level detail. Dr. Bogan identified the transportation fund as a concern, projecting a deficit of roughly $555,000 driven by higher operating costs and anticipated state reimbursement proration. The operations and maintenance fund showed a projected deficit of about $160,000 largely attributable to a 20% increase in utilities. Dr. Bogan said the working cash fund remains positive and could be used to cover shortfalls if necessary; staff signaled they will return to the board with any recommended interfund transfers.

The board unanimously approved the tentative budget on a roll‑call vote (6–0). Dr. Bogan said the district will provide regular updates to the community and staff as the numbers evolve over the summer.

Referendum and construction planning

Superintendent Dr. Rolling reported on referendum planning tied to earlier voter-approved projects. The district selected Nicholas & Associates as construction manager at risk and completed a first round of bond issuance, with bonds scheduled to close July 8, 2025. The administration said early bond proceeds will primarily cover planning costs such as architect fees and early design work; major construction is expected to be bid in late 2025 and ramp up in 2026.

Dr. Rolling described three core planning teams the district is forming — academic/renovation, PE/athletics and playgrounds — and said community applications to serve on those teams will be open through July 11, with selection the week of July 14.

Safety update after bus crash

The superintendent also updated the board on a serious school‑bus crash on Route 47 last week. Dr. Rolling said transportation employee Alan Mikulski was released from the hospital and “is doing well,” and that transportation aide Missy Braswell sustained injuries and is recovering. He thanked Sugar Grove police and fire for their response and said the district will work with the village and IDOT to address the intersection where the crash occurred.

What’s next

The board will display the tentative budget publicly for the required period and return to the item for final adoption on Sept. 15. Planning for referendum projects will continue through the summer with community engagement and design work.