Lincoln Way Board adopts 2024 tax levy, approves $3.6 million in invoices and multiple capital and technology purchases

The Lincoln Way CHSD 210 Board of Education on Dec. 19 adopted its 2024 tax levy and approved a series of budget and capital actions, including vendor invoices, multiple construction bid awards and planned technology purchases.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the district's operating levy of $88,510,500, a 4.96% increase from last year that administration said results in an overall levy increase of 4.11% after debt-service adjustments. Because the change was below the Truth in Taxation threshold, no public hearing was required, administration said.

Treasurer (unnamed) told trustees that revenues for November totaled $4,100,000, expenditures $11,200,000, and the all-funds cash balance was $74,300,000; year-to-date operating revenues were 44.4% received and year-to-date spending was 42.1% of budget. After questions about timing and interfund loans, the board approved the treasurer's report and a motion to approve invoices totaling $3,599,026.90 by unanimous vote.

The board also awarded multiple capital bids. Administration described nearly $30 million in life-safety funding recently authorized by the state that could accelerate HVAC and boiler upgrades across campuses; the district said detailed plans and financing options will be returned to the board in January and February. Trustees approved the paving bid (motion passed with six ayes and one abstention), the roofing bid (six ayes, one abstention), Lincoln Way West track replacement (unanimous) and a general remodeling package that includes bleachers, track and a bathroom building (six ayes, one abstain).

Technology staff recommended purchases included 1,750 Lenovo student laptops from CDW for $743,750 and 250 staff laptops for $299,500, both priced the same as last year under a vendor price freeze. "We recommend the same device this year to allow for standardization across our fleet of devices," Sheryl said. Board members asked about parts availability and warranty decisions; technology staff said repair parts spending since July totaled $6,600 and noted student devices remain the students' to keep at graduation after a factory reset. The board approved both device purchases unanimously.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (D1—D4): approved unanimously. - Invoices: $3,599,026.90, approved unanimously. - Treasurer's report: approved unanimously. - 2024 tax levy: operating levy $88,510,500; adopted unanimously. - Student devices: 1,750 Lenovo laptops, $743,750; approved unanimously. - Staff devices: 250 Lenovo laptops, $299,500; approved unanimously. - Paving bid award: passed (6 ayes, 1 abstention). - Roofing bid award: passed (6 ayes, 1 abstention). - Lincoln Way West track replacement: passed unanimously. - General remodeling bid award: passed (6 ayes, 1 abstention).

The board closed the meeting after routine informational reports and recognitions, and set its next meeting for Jan. 16, 2025.