Highlights of the meeting include:
Five-year facility plan reviewed; 2018 plans proposed - At the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, the Board reviewed progress on the five-year Master Facilities Plan, which includes projected Health Life Safety, critical infrastructure and capital projects to be completed annually through 2021. Most recently in summer 2017, the District invested $4.5 million in improvements, including the updating of the Lincoln Middle School Learning Resource Center and installation of an adjacent secure vestibule and reconfigured office, among a host of projects completed across the District. Discussion got underway on recommended summer 2018 projects totaling $8.4 million, which include a focus at Roosevelt School, another of the District's oldest trio of buildings dating to 1928. Roofing, asphalt and site drainage at several schools also are targeted for 2018, as the District focuses on creating "safe, warm and dry" buildings. The financial framework in place to fund proposed work also was reviewed. Summer 2018 recommendations will return for continued discussion at future meetings.
Surplus expected for proposed 2017-18 budget - The tentative budget currently projects an operating surplus of just under $1 million, as expenditures were trimmed and state revenues added based on recent legislative action. The Board is expected to adopt the final budget at the September 25, 2017 meeting, concluding a process initiated in early 2017.
Compensation increases for administrators and exempt staff approved - Initiated in July, the Board concluded its review of compensation for administrators comparing data from like districts used as benchmarks and performance evaluation expectations before authorizing the Superintendent to issue a total of 2.62% increases in pay and to provide market adjustments as needed for some, with the total allocation not to exceed $75,000 for the 2017-18 school year. The Board also approved a total of $34,000 in increases for three categories of exempt employees.
Policy updates approved - The Board continued its periodic updating of policies to align them with current legal rulings and changes recommended through the Illinois Association of School Boards policy service.