Board approves consent agenda, facility fee schedule, insurance renewal and staff compensation changes

The District 196 school board on June 22 took several administrative votes, all passing with recorded unanimous support.

Consent agenda: The board approved a 24‑item consent agenda that included minutes, gifts and grants, personnel items, contracts (including FastBridge assessment platform), investment instruments, and the added listing for termination and non‑renewal of probationary teachers. Motion to approve was moved and seconded on the record and the board recorded the motion as passing 5‑0.

Community facility rental rates: Community Education Director Kaya Bruce presented proposed rental rates for two new activity‑center gymnasiums and revised high‑school gym rates. The recommended structure ranges from no charge for class‑one users up to $60 per court per hour for class‑four users; an additional $5 daily charge for audio‑visual equipment was proposed. The board approved the regulation update (Administrative Regulation 801.5 AR) by a 5‑0 vote.

Insurance renewal: The district recommended renewal of participation in the ALPS property and casualty insurance pool. The total cost to District 196 for the coverage was reported as $2,317,766.66, a 3.7% decrease from the prior year despite added properties. The board authorized the renewal 5‑0.

Compensation and benefits: The board approved recommended changes for non‑licensed specialists, non‑union administrators and special staff: a 2.1% increase in wages and longevity in each of the next two years, a district health‑insurance contribution increase of 12% in year one and 9% in year two, and a $100 per year increase to the 403(b) match. The motion passed 5‑0.

All of these items were handled as routine business with no substantive amendments during the meeting.