Wilmette SD 39 unveils 2026'2031 strategic plan and approves tentative FY27 budget, treasurer bond and admin raises

The Wilmette SD 39 Board of Education on June 15 received the final draft of the district's 2026'2031 strategic plan, a report on five years of progress, and a presentation of the tentative fiscal year 2027 budget before approving the consent agenda that included the plan and budget-related actions.

Administrators described the outreach and development process for the new five-year plan, saying more than 450 people participated in focus groups and more than 550 people completed the follow-up survey. Pat Greco, the plan facilitator, and district staff presented five strategic priority areas (learning and growth; student experience and community; professional experience; family experience and partnership; and stewardship of resources) and detailed commitments inside each priority. The administration said the plan emphasizes shorter-cycle measures and scorecards so the district can monitor incremental progress more frequently than on five-year lagging indicators.

Officials highlighted outcomes from the concluding strategic plan cycle: the district reported it had met its early literacy and numeracy KPIs and said NWEA MAP achievement and growth goals for ELA and math had been reached. "I am really excited to report that we've officially met our early literacy goals," a presenter said, describing instructional changes and investments that contributed to those results.

On finance, business officer Corey Boltzer summarized the FY27 tentative budget: a roughly $740,000 operating surplus before transfers, a projected net deficit of about $3.5 million after planned transfers and debt repayment, and an estimated ending operating fund balance exceeding the board's 40% target. The board set a public hearing on the tentative budget for Aug. 24.

On the consent agenda the board approved multiple items by roll-call vote, including the Wilmette SD 39 2026'2031 strategic plan, the district's and Wilmet community special education agreement tentative budgets for FY27, renewal of the state-required school district treasurer bond in the amount of $5,500,000, and an aggregate administrative salary increase indexed to CPI with a recommended 3.9% merit pool for 2026'2027. The clerk called the roll and board members voted in favor; the consent agenda was adopted.

The meeting also included a required state bullying report and administrative updates on reunification training, FOIA requests and personnel actions. The board adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel, individual student matters and negotiations.