Regular Meeting - Aug 11 2026

The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Board of Education held a regular meeting on August 11, 2026, focusing heavily on the presentation and discussion of the fiscal year 2027 tentative budget. The budget presentation highlighted a planned deficit spending due to capital projects, with total revenues budgeted at $134.2 million and expenditures at $137.4 million, resulting in a $3.16 million deficit. The board discussed the need to maintain fund balance reserves between 90 to 180 days, with considerations to increase the minimum reserve due to financial uncertainties related to Cook County tax collections and inflation. Special education out-of-district tuition and purchased services were noted as significant expenditure drivers. The board also approved an intergovernmental agreement for early childhood education services and authorized the superintendent as a signatory on district bank accounts. Additionally, the board approved a resolution to authorize administration to conduct a reverse auction for electricity procurement and a traditional RFP for natural gas to secure fixed-rate contracts, aiming to mitigate energy cost volatility. Other agenda items included amendments to the school calendar, personnel actions, and policy reviews. The meeting emphasized fiscal responsibility, capital project funding strategies, and energy procurement to support district operations.