CHSD 155 board approves budget steps, $11.7M in bills and a $300 all‑inclusive student registration fee; board also approves an honorable dismissal

At its meeting hosted at Prairie Ridge High School, the Community High School District 155 board approved multiple routine financial measures and a personnel action affecting a classroom position.

Dr. Warner, assistant superintendent for finance and operations and chief school business official, reported a February ending fund balance of $81,000,000 and a coverage ratio of 53.5%, which he said complies with board policy 420. He asked the board to approve board bills totaling $11,700,000 covering Feb. 11 through March 11; the board moved, seconded and approved the measure by roll call. Dr. Warner said the bills include approximately $7,500,000 in payroll‑related items (about 65%) and $4,200,000 for vendor payments.

Dr. Warner also sought and secured approval for a budget officer resolution directing the superintendent or designee to begin preparing the tentative 2026‑27 budget and for an associated budget calendar consistent with prior years.

The board approved a recommended structure for 2026‑27 student fees and facility rental rates that includes a new all‑inclusive student registration fee intended to replace separate athletic and activity fees. The fee was described as $300, with an early‑payment rate of $275 if paid before the first day of school; the district said the fee will be waived for students who qualify for free and reduced meals. Dr. Warner described the fee as covering registration, unlimited participation in extracurriculars, a CHSD 155 athletic pass and Chromebook access.

The personnel consent agenda for March 2026 was presented by the assistant superintendent for human resources and approved by the board.

Later in the meeting the board voted on a resolution to honorably dismiss Nellie (transcript alternately spelled "Neli") Adelard, reducing that staff member from 1.0 FTE to 0.0 FTE for the 2026‑27 school year because of a significant drop in French enrollment. The assistant superintendent of human resources said the reduction was due to lower course demand; the board approved the honorable dismissal by roll call.

The board also approved renewal of the district’s Illinois High School Association (IHSA) membership for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

All recorded roll‑call votes reported in the transcript were in the affirmative; the meeting then moved into and out of executive session and adjourned.

Notes and clarifications: the transcript records a Pathful recognition in which the district was awarded an amount listed as "$6.50," which appears to be a transcription error; the exact award amount should be verified with the district before publication.

The board’s actions set the district on a budget calendar toward the tentative 2026‑27 budget and adopt a consolidated fee intended to simplify student charges while preserving waivers for low‑income students. The honorable dismissal will be processed according to district personnel policies and state law.