Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education met Sept. 23
Here is the agenda provided by the board:
Call to Order: President Arvanitis called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Board of Education Members:
Present- Mrs. Athena Arvanitis, President; Dr. Kelly Henry, Vice-President; Mrs. Kelly Asseff, Secretary; Mr. Brian Bresnahan; and Mrs. Nikki Slowinski
Absent- Mrs. Courtenae Trautmann; and Mrs. Beth Hosler (arrived during closed session)
President Arvanitis stated there are 5 board members present, 2 board members absent, a quorum is present.
Administration:
Present- Dr. Keisha Campbell, Superintendent; Mrs. Tonya Daniels, Chief of Staff & Communications; Mr. Rudy Gomez, Exec. Dir. Technology; Mrs. Katie Lyons, Asst. Superintendent of Teaching & Learning; Mr. Joe Blomquist, Asst. Superintendent of Finance & Operations; Dr. Joe Schumacher, Asst. Superintendent of Human Resources; Dr. Kevin Rubenstein, Asst. Superintendent of Student Services; and Ms. Kerry Leuschel, Asst. Superintendent of School Leadership
Absent – none
Closed Session:
President Arvanitis asked for a motion to adjourn to closed session at 5:31 p.m. to discuss collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2); AND the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10); AND discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21).
Mrs. Asseff moved and Mrs. Slowinski seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Slowinski, Dr. Henry, Mr. Bresnahan, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.
Reconvene to Open Session:
The Board adjourned from closed session and 7:00 p.m. and reconvened to open session.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Board members led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Spotlight/Recognition:
Lincoln ES Spotlight
Principal Smith shared a presentation highlighting how the Lincoln Lions bring P.R.I.D.E. to life at Lincoln Elementary. This work in the learning environment establishes a strong foundation for success, ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging and connection. Their efforts reflect the district’s mission of Educating, Engaging, and Empowering Students.
Bryan MS Spotlight
Principal Discipio shared highlights of how school teams collaborate to meet their goals, with a focus on the learning environment and school improvement efforts. By targeting key areas within the 5Essentials, the school achieved year-over-year growth.
The Board questioned or commented on the following:
Thanked both principals for attending tonight’s Board meeting, highlighting their schools, and acknowledged their dedication and daily efforts while expressing excitement about the continued progress being made.
Public Comments:
There was one public comment at tonight’s meeting.
Public Comment #1- A community member spoke about the importance of bike safety and asked the District to consider adding it to the curriculum. She noted that there are many available options that would not require additional staff and suggested fun ideas, such as bike rodeos, to engage students. She also expressed interest in partnering with the District to help build a bike safety program.
Public Hearing- Annual Budget 2025-2026
President Arvanitis declared the public hearing open at 7:23 p.m.
Overview of Annual Budget 2025-2026
Mr. Joe Blomquist, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, presented the Tentative Budget for FY2026 (July 2025–June 2026), which was first shared at the August 19 Board of Education Meeting. District 205 continues to demonstrate fiscally sound practices, with FY2025 unaudited results showing approximately $5 million in savings compared to budget. The FY2026 Budget reflects a 0.92% increase in revenues, driven primarily by local property taxes, while state and federal revenues are expected to decline. Expenditures were carefully analyzed to balance high-quality learning with efficient use of funds. Since the tentative presentation, adjustments include federal grant savings (-$47,921), additional costs for new athletic programs (+$22,810) and copier maintenance (+$20,000), along with other cost-neutral reallocations. Administration will recommend adopting the FY2026 Budget as presented later in the evening under agenda action items.
Public Hearing Public Comments
There were no public comments at this meeting.
President Arvanitis declared the public hearing closed at 7:32 p.m.
Approval of Board Meeting Minutes:
Approval of Regular and Closed Session Board Minutes- August 19,2025
President Arvanitis asked if there were any changes to minutes and hearing no changes, the minutes were declared to stand as presented.
Reports and Presentations:
Learning Environment: Cultivating Positive Culture & Relationships
Dr. Kevin Rubenstein, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, reported continued improvements in the learning environment, a key driver of student success. Data from 2024–25 shows chronic absenteeism has declined significantly, with rates at York High School now half of what they were three years ago. To further support student belonging, new sports and activities have been added, while survey results from both the Illinois 5Essentials and Panorama SEL reflect growth in school climate and social-emotional skills. For more detailed information, please refer to the presentation on BoardDocs.
The Board questioned or commented on the following:
A Board member asked about the data wall and how student needs are identified, specifically whether there is a pre-assessment before meeting with a counselor or beginning group work.
A Board member asked if there are specific thresholds used to determine when interventions should begin and how those decisions are made.
A Board member clarified that Panorama data is also reviewed as part of the assessment process.
A Board member asked whether support at that level typically begins with the teacher, counselor, or District level.
A Board member expressed excitement about the additions to co-curricular activities and shared interest in hearing more in the future about how teachers and staff are encouraging students to get involved.
A Board member asked if, at the high school level, there are ways beyond standardized assessments to identify students who may be struggling with SEL while performing well academically.
A Board member asked whether reports monitoring these students are provided to leaders, or if leaders know how to access summative, academic, and real-time data.
A Board member asked at what point students and/or parents are engaged when a risk is noticed.
A Board member commented that they appreciated the questions included on the “Further Inquiry into School Climate” slide, noting their importance in helping the District better understand the student perspective.
Medical/Dental Benefit Contracts
Mr. Joe Blomquist, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, presented information on District 205’s employee insurance program, which provides Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage through a self-managed, self-funded plan. The District Insurance Committee—comprised of representatives from the Board, Administration, and employee groups—met six times over the past two months to review plan performance and recommend updates for 2026. Their recommendation, unanimously supported by the committee, includes an 8% premium increase (below the 11% industry trend), a shift to Vyttl-1 for pharmacy coverage, elimination of GLP-1 coverage for PPO and HSA plans, elimination of mandatory wellness screeners, sunset of retiree dental benefits for those eligible for state-provided plans, and increased deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for PPO1. The Dental Plan will also continue its phased-in rate adjustment. Administration recommends approval of the 2026 Medical and Dental Insurance Plan changes as presented.
The Board questioned or commented on the following:
A Board member highlighted that the committee was faced with many challenges and expressed gratitude for their hard work. They noted the importance of providing high-quality insurance for employees and gave special recognition to Ms. Monique and Ms. Dolores for their dedication and collaboration.
A Board member emphasized the importance of ensuring that employees currently using options being eliminated receive clear explanations and all necessary information to make the best choice moving forward.
Consent Agenda Items:
Personnel Report
Financial Reports
FOIA- Freedom of Information Act Requests
Adoption of Out of District Meal Reimbursements
Approve Compensation Compliance Reports
Special Education Supplemental Staff Contracts
IncidentIQ IT and Facilities Work Management Platform
President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the following consent agenda items: A. Personnel Report; B. Financial Reports; C. FOIA- Freedom of Information Act Requests; D. Adoption of Out of District Meal Reimbursements; E. Approve Compensation Compliance Reports; F. Special Education Supplemental Staff Contracts; G. IncidentIQ IT and Facilities Work Management Platform.
Mrs. Asseff moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Hosler, Mr. Bresnahan, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Slowinski, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.
Agenda Action Items:
Approve Resolution Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
As presented earlier this evening, Administration is requesting Board approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. The plan reflects District 205’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, with FY25 closing nearly $5 million under budget. FY26 includes a modest 0.92% revenue increase, primarily from local property taxes, and maintains high-quality learning opportunities while maximizing efficiency. Updates since the tentative budget include adjustments to federal grants, athletic programs, and copier maintenance costs.
President Arvanitis asked for a motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget as presented.
Dr. Henry moved and Mrs. Arvanitis seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Dr. Henry, Mrs. Arvanitis, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Slowinski, Mr. Bresnahan, and Mrs. Hosler voted aye. Motion carried.
Approve Medical & Dental Benefit Contracts
Administration is seeking Board approval for the 2026 Medical and Dental Insurance Plan changes, unanimously supported by the District Insurance Committee. Key updates include an 8% premium increase, pharmacy plan shift to Vyttl-1, elimination of GLP-1 coverage, removal of mandatory wellness screeners, and higher PPO1 deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. The Dental Plan will continue its second-year phased-in rate adjustment.
President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the 2026 Medical and Dental Insurance Plan changes as recommended.
Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Slowinski seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Slowinski, Mr. Bresnahan, Mrs. Asseff, Dr. Henry, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.
Resolution declaring the intention to issue $8,500,000 Working Cash Bonds for the purpose of increasing the District’s working cash fund.
At the August 5 Finance and Operations Committee Meeting, District Administration reviewed historical financial performance and recent investments, including $21 million from the fund balance for additional building projects. As of June 30, 2025, the unaudited fund balance is approximately 24.6% of revenues, slightly below the level needed to cover the fiscal year’s low point. With expiring debt service from the 2018 issuance, the District has the capacity to issue Working Cash Bonds to strengthen the fund balance and support the annual $4,000,000 Capital Projects Transfer. Administration recommends adopting a resolution declaring the intention to issue up to $8,500,000 in Working Cash Bonds, with a public hearing scheduled for October 21. The bond issuance, along with proposed Life Safety Bonds, would fund essential statutory projects while maintaining the current debt service tax rate.
President Arvanitis asked for a motion to adopt the Resolution declaring the intention to issue $8,500,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds of Community Unit School District Number 205, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, for the purpose of increasing the Working Cash Fund of said School District, and directing that notice of such intention be published in the manner provided by law.
Dr. Henry moved and Mrs. Asseff seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Dr. Henry, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Slowinski, Mr. Bresnahan, Mrs. Hosler and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.
Approval of Energy Services Agreement with Nania Energy Advisors
In FY2025, District 205 spent $512,466 on natural gas, with costs projected to rise about 20% over the next year. To mitigate energy market risks, the District is seeking approval to partner with Nania Energy Advisors, who will help secure competitive long-term natural gas rates. Becky Thompson from Nania Energy Advisors will present the proposed process, and Administration recommends approving the Master Agreement for natural gas procurement.
President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the Master Agreement with Nania Energy Advisors for the purpose of Natural Gas Procurement.
Mrs. Slowinski moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Slowinski, Mrs. Hosler, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Asseff, Mr. Bresnahan and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.
Superintendent’s Communication:
D205 Highlights
13th Edition of the Community Connections Newsletter
The 13th Edition of the Community Connections Newsletter is coming soon to mailboxes! Topics covered in the newsletter include a recap and highlights video of the newly renovated Madison Early Childhood Center, the introduction of the Elmhurst D205 Podcast and the launch of the We are Dukes Video Series/Podcast with Dr. Hurt – Episode 1 is a Q and A with Dr. Hurt.
State of the District
I’m excited to share that the District’s Annual State of the District will be held on October 30 at 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary. We look forward to sharing data and information and reflecting on the 24/25 school year.
State Reporting (IAR/ISA/ACT will be shared with families on 10/17) – New, Unified Performance Levels for All State Tests
Families will receive students’ individual score reports on the Spring 2025 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) and Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) with families by the end of October. PDF copies of the reports will be sent digitally to authorized parents & guardians via ParentSquare. Results from our PreACT and ACT state testing for high school students were shared in the spring. These reports will reflect student performance through a new framework adopted this summer by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The new framework contains four performance ratings – Below Proficient, Approaching Proficient, Proficient, and Above Proficient – for all state assessments, including IAR ISA, PreACT, and ACT.To establish score ranges for the performance ratings, ISBE analyzed how previous proficiency levels in Illinois compare with those in other states, and how proficiency ratings align with evidence of students’ readiness for college and careers. At the October Committee of the Whole, we will review the new proficiency thresholds and D205’s performance on all state summative assessments, including IAR, ISA, and ACT. Importantly, ISBE has made no substantial changes to the underlying assessments. The individual score reports provided to families will also contain the scale score along with much more detailed information regarding the students’ performance on the assessment.
October 10th Institute Day – Engage 2025!
Over the past several years district educators have partnered with school and district leaders and instructional coaches to deepen their knowledge of curricular resources, engage in new teaching strategies, expand their understanding of educational research, and execute standards-aligned practices. At the upcoming October 10th Institute Day, ENGAGE 2025, D205 is excited to provide the space for EC-8 educators to share all that they’ve learned with their fellow colleagues. As a way to foster continued growth and development and to expand leadership opportunities, D205 has encouraged staff to propose a 1.5 hour or 3-hour workshop session to share their expertise with one another. We’re looking forward to engaging in an enriching learning experience on the 10th!
Communications Highlights
Mrs. Daniels introduced the communications highlight video, which can be viewed on BoardDocs.
Board Communications: If applicable, Board members present reports and/or share information to the full Board.
Upcoming Meetings:
October 8, 2025- Parent/Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m.- District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, and 217
October 21, 2025- Committee of the Whole & Regular Board of Education Meeting, 5:30 p.m.- District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, and 217
November 5, 2025 Finance and Operations Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m.- District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, and 217
Adjournment- End of Meeting:
The open session of the board meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/elmhurst/Board.nsf/Public
