Addison SD 4 accepts FY25 audit, approves contracts and routine finance items

At its Feb. 18 meeting, the Addison School District 4 board accepted the district’s FY25 audit, approved routine finance and personnel items and authorized several contracts and E-rate technology projects.

Auditor Don Shaw reported the district received the highest ISBE financial profile score of 4 and provided a narrative of the financial statements. He noted the general fund had an operating increase “about $1,600,000” in the year but that a transfer to capital projects left a net decrease and an ending fund balance discussed in the audit narrative. Shaw also described one current-year management-letter recommendation related to the IT control environment — documentation of patch testing — which he characterized as a generic policy recommendation prompted by a rise in cyberattacks across clients.

The board voted to accept the FY25 financial statements prepared by Lauterbach and Amon; administration reported a combined governmental fund balance of $37,900,000, including nearly $19,000,000 in early property tax receipts. The board also approved E-rate FY29 Category 2 projects covering SmartNet coverage for 76 switches, replacement of 342 wireless access points and mounts, and upgrading Wi‑Fi cabling to single-run CAT6a across buildings, with 85% E-rate reimbursement and a 15% Addison responsibility.

Other approvals included a one-year extension of Berry Landscaping’s maintenance agreement (a 6% decrease in cost attributed to sale of Old Mill), an amendment to the crossing guard services contract (a 2.5% pay increase for Andy Frane), authorization to begin the tentative FY2027 budget process and the personnel report listing new hires, resignations and leaves of absence. The administration said FY26 is trending on track, and staff are planning for a 15–17% increase in health insurance costs and a 3% increase in certified staff salaries per contract for FY27 planning.

The board also approved a memorandum of agreement with the Addison Teachers Association to resolve a VINIA grievance on terms reviewed in closed session.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the auditor’s IT recommendation and whether it indicated missing controls; the auditor said it was a generic recommendation and that district policies/procedures may already address some items. Superintendent Dr. Sutton noted the district responded to one FOIA this month with details in the board packet.

Next steps: administration will present budget details to the finance committee in May and return with project-level bond proposals after the health/life safety survey related to the bond hearing.