Hinsdale D86 board adopts FY2026 amended budget, approves $2.7M transfers and $5.5M Honeywell solar contract

The Hinsdale Township High School District 86 board on May 28 adopted an amended FY2026 budget and approved two interfund transfers totaling $2.7 million to shore up the district transportation fund, board records show.

The board, meeting at Hinsdale Central Library, voted to move $1.35 million from the education fund and $1.35 million from the working cash/interest earnings fund into the transportation fund to offset a sustained shortfall driven by rising transportation costs and reduced state reimbursement, Chief Financial Officer Stevenson told the board during the public hearing and discussion. Stevenson said the transfers are balance-sheet adjustments and that the district is expected to end the year with an overall positive financial position.

Why it matters: the district’s state reimbursement for special-education transportation has fallen in recent years, Stevenson said, from roughly 80% several years ago to about 48% this year, contributing to a negative transportation fund balance that the transfers are intended to correct without cutting day-to-day educational services.

In related business, the board approved a contract with Honeywell International Inc. for a district solar project discussed by the finance committee. Committee members reported the estimated district cost has decreased to approximately $5.5 million because of space limitations at Hinsdale Central; projected savings and return-on-investment estimates were discussed but not changed, and officials said the project is not expected to affect roof life or warranties.

Other board approvals included renewal of the public official treasurer bond ($12,750,000, representing 10% of a projected highest fund balance of $127.5 million), authorization for the FY2026 audit, membership renewals for the Illinois Association of School Boards and the Illinois High School Association, acceptance of a $2,500 Rotary Club donation for college starter kits, and adoption of SY2027 curriculum materials and the consolidated district plan required for federal grants.

Votes at a glance: the board recorded votes (motion carries) for the following key items during the meeting: adoption of the FY2026 amended budget; resolution 26.12 (transfer of $1.35M from education to transportation); resolution 26.11 (transfer of $1.35M from working cash/earned interest to transportation); authorization of the FY2026 audit; approval of the Honeywell solar contract; acceptance of the Rotary donation; approval of SY2027 curriculum materials; and approval of the SY2027 consolidated district plan. The board also approved a retirement agreement for Superintendent Dr. Michael Lock and other routine items by recorded roll call.

What board members said: during the finance discussion members asked about the trajectory of transportation reimbursement and whether the transfers would affect day-to-day operations. Stevenson responded the transfers are intended to correct an individual fund imbalance and that overall district reserves remain strong. Members also noted interest‑earning gains in recent years helped the district’s cash position.

Next steps: the solar contract and budget adjustments move forward with implementation tasks assigned to district administration; the board directed the recording secretary to post the superintendent retirement agreement following the meeting. Several items—including committee schedules and the regular-meeting calendar change to Tuesdays beginning in FY2027—were left for final action at a future meeting.