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Berkeley SD 87 reviews FY26 finances, considers food purchasing co-op and flags inflationary pressures
Summary
Superintendent reported the district has spent about 75% of budgeted expenditures and received roughly 86% of budgeted revenues; administrators flagged CPI-driven inflation, a potential 10–15% workers' compensation premium increase, and plans to explore joining a food purchasing co-op to reduce costs.
District leaders told the board May 21 that the district had expended about 75% of its budgeted expenditures and received roughly 86% of budgeted revenues as of April 30, 2026, and that the FY26 amended budget will be reviewed during a budget hearing scheduled for June 22.
The superintendent noted inflation pressures: April’s consumer price index (CPI) rose to 3.8% year-over-year (up from 3.3% in March). The district identified higher fuel, energy and food costs as drivers and is examining cost-saving measures. Officials said they expect workers’ compensation premiums may increase 10–15% and that a midyear insurance proposal was pending.
To address food-service costs, the district is exploring membership in a food purchasing cooperative used by more than 70 Northern Illinois districts; administration said joining would provide competitively bid contracts for paper and food products and could eliminate the district’s need to bid those items separately.
Administrators also reported the audit team will be onsite soon and the district must complete a full actuarial report as part of the audit process. Board members were told that some technology purchases planned for next year will be accelerated into the current fiscal year to avoid price increases and allow time for programming and setup ahead of fall.
A budget hearing on the FY26 amended budget is scheduled for June 22, 2026, where board members will consider the proposed adjustments.
