Elmhurst District 205 employees will see a smaller health insurance rate hike next year after the school board approved plan changes that trimmed a projected 12.6% increase down to 8.6%.
The board also adopted a fiscal year 2027 operating budget projecting a $501,095 surplus at its Sept. 22 meeting, according to minutes approved Oct. 21.
Four board members were present: Vice President Kelly Henry, who presided, along with Courtenae Trautmann, Beth Hosler and Brian Bresnahan. President Athena Arvanitis, Secretary Kelly Asseff and Nikki Slowinski were absent. All four votes on the night were unanimous.
Budget details
Joe Blomquist, assistant superintendent of finance and operations, presented the FY2027 budget during a public hearing that opened at 7:03 p.m. No residents spoke.
Blomquist said unaudited FY2026 results showed roughly $4 million in savings compared to budget, producing an estimated $1 million surplus. Projected FY2027 revenues are up 2.34%, with about 92% of funding coming from local sources.
The district plans to continue spending $4 million a year on capital projects. When those projects and lease obligations are factored in, the overall budget shows a deficit of roughly $3.99 million.
Insurance changes
The District Insurance Committee reviewed plan design options after an initial projected health insurance increase of 12.6%. In accordance with contractual language, the committee sought to reduce the overall increase by at least four percent. It unanimously recommended changes to the PPO1, high-deductible health plan and HMO plans, including higher deductibles, increased out-of-pocket costs, and adjusted emergency room and specialty office visit copays. A 3.4% increase to dental premiums was also part of the package.
The resulting plan design changes bring the rate increase to 8.6%.
Donation funds disability-awareness program
Board member Trautmann pulled a consent-agenda item to highlight a cash donation from Manu Lail. The gift will cover the cost of bringing the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association program to all D205 elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year, including lunch. The program provides recreation and leisure services for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities and promotes disability awareness among students.
The dollar amount of the donation was not disclosed in the minutes.
The board also approved a $138,345.92 transfer from the Education Fund to the Debt Service Fund for FY2027 capital lease payments on equipment such as copiers and Chromebooks. Blomquist said the transfer is nearly $400,000 less than the previous year as the district phases out capital leases. Once all leases are paid off, the district expects to save about $75,000 a year in interest.
