March 24, 2026
Elmhurst District 205
Board of Education Meeting Highlights
York Senior Hunter Stepanich Earns IHSA All-State Academic Team Honors
The Board of Education recognized York Community High School senior Hunter Stepanich for being named to the 2026 Illinois High School Association All-State Academic Team. Stepanich was one of just 26 students selected statewide from hundreds of nominees, earning recognition for his excellence in the classroom, commitment to athletics, and leadership within the school community. At York, Stepanich balanced a rigorous academic schedule while competing in three varsity sports, including basketball, football, and volleyball. His accomplishments reflect a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence, and the Board commended him for representing York Community High School and Elmhurst District 205 at the highest level.
York Senior Skylar Adams Wins IHSA State Championship in Impromptu Speaking
The Board of Education recognized York Community High School senior Skylar Adams for winning the Illinois High School Association State Championship in Impromptu Speaking. The event challenges students to quickly organize and deliver an original speech with minimal preparation, requiring strong critical thinking, communication, and composure under pressure. Adams’ performance demonstrated exceptional creativity, clarity, and confidence, earning her the highest distinction at the state level. The Board commended her achievement and recognized the strength of York’s speech program in supporting student success at the highest level.
York Students Named National Merit Finalists
The Board of Education recognized seven York Community High School students for being named Finalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing them among the top high school scholars in the nation. York’s finalists are Gabriel Boutin, Liam Fahey, Caroline Hammond, John Kattoor, Colin Mahoney, Anand Peel, and Alexander Sjullie. Finalists are selected based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and demonstrated commitment to scholarship, leadership, and character. The Board commended the students for their achievements and recognized the role of York Community High School and Elmhurst District 205 in supporting their academic success.
Edison Instructional Coach Honored with Those Who Excel Award
The Board of Education recognized Edison Elementary School instructional coach Kate Cortez for being named a 2026 Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel Award recipient, earning the Award of Meritorious Service in the category of Student Support Personnel. The recognition honors educators across Illinois who demonstrate exceptional commitment, leadership, and impact in supporting students and school communities. In her role, Cortez supports teachers, strengthens instructional practices, and helps ensure high-quality learning experiences for all students. The Board recognized her leadership and the positive impact she continues to make within the Edison Elementary School community.
Emerson Elementary School Spotlight
Emerson Elementary School shared a presentation on promoting student discourse within their school. They talked about the instructional habits of communicating effectively, thinking critically and analytically and problem solving.
Reports and Presentations
Board Reviews Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2025
The Board of Education reviewed the District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2025, conducted by external auditors Wipfli in accordance with state and national auditing standards. The report provides an independent assessment of the District’s financial position, internal controls, and compliance with applicable laws and Board policies. The District is expected to maintain its top Financial Profile Score of “Recognition.” The balance to revenue ratio decreased from the previous year, reflecting a planned use of fund balance to support additional projects connected to the 2018 Referendum. The Board also reviewed key financial figures, including revenues, expenditures, and overall fund balance.
Board Receives Staffing Update for Upcoming School Year
The Board of Education received an update on preliminary staffing plans for the upcoming school year, including both certified and classified positions. Staffing adjustments are guided by enrollment trends and programmatic needs to best support students across the District. District administrators shared an overview of the staffing review process and how projected needs are aligned to next year’s programming.
Consent Agenda
Board Approves Refuse and Recycling Services Agreement
The Board of Education approved a three-year agreement for refuse collection and recycling services for the 2026–27 through 2028–29 school years. The contract was awarded to Waste Management of Illinois, Inc. following a competitive bidding process, resulting in cost savings for the District. District administration completed reference checks and a review of submitted proposals, determining that Waste Management was the lowest responsible bidder. The agreement ensures continued waste and recycling services across the District while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Board Approves Copier and Managed Print Services Agreement
The Board of Education approved a new six-year Copier and Managed Print Services agreement with Konica Minolta, following a comprehensive Request for Proposal process. The District evaluated multiple vendors based on equipment, pricing, service, and experience to determine the highest-ranked proposal. Konica Minolta, a long-standing partner of the District, earned the top overall score and provides a plan that delivers cost savings through more efficient device usage, flexible pricing models, and alignment of expenses with actual printing needs. The District anticipates approximately $132,000 in annual savings over the next six years under the new agreement. The proposal also includes a structured replacement schedule that ensures predictable costs and long-term savings over the life of the contract. The agreement supports operational efficiency, service continuity, and ongoing savings while maintaining high-quality print services across the District.
Updated School Resource Officer Agreement Approved
The Board of Education approved a new ten-year intergovernmental agreement with the Elmhurst Police Department to continue providing School Resource Officers in District 205 schools. The updated agreement reflects changes in state and federal guidance and ensures continued alignment with current safety and compliance standards. The revised agreement also includes an updated financial structure, shifting the District’s responsibility of each officer’s total compensation package, including salary and benefits
Action Items
Board Approves Audit RFP Results
The Board approved the District 205 audit services RFP results, during which proposals were reviewed and evaluated by a committee of board members, administrators, and business office staff. After a thorough review and interview process, Baker Tilly was identified as the top-ranked firm based on its strong focus on financial management, internal controls, and proactive support for the district. The administration recommended awarding Baker Tilly a three-year contract for auditing services for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, at a total cost of $298,125, to support the district’s ongoing financial health and strategic goals.
Approval of Student Fees
The Board of Education approved the student fee structure for the 26/27 school year. The majority of school fees remain unchanged for the 2026–2027 school year in an effort to minimize the financial impact on families, while still maintaining program quality. Targeted adjustments were proposed, including an increase to paid transportation fees, a shift to an annual Chromebook fee at the high school level to reduce upfront costs, and modest increases to parking and yearbook fees to better align with actual expenses. The updated fees also continue to prioritize equitable access by providing fee waivers or reductions for families who qualify.
Roof and Intercom Bids
The Board approved the results of recent roof replacement bids for multiple District 205 schools, including Bryan Middle School, Churchville Middle School, and York High School. After reviewing submissions, the district recommended awarding contracts to the lowest responsible bidders and accepting selected alternates to address priority roofing needs while staying as close as possible to budgeted allocations. While some project costs exceeded initial estimates, the administration plans to align scope with available funds and phase work as needed. The Board also approved the rejection of the bids for an intercom replacement project at York High School which came in higher than expected. The Intercom will be rebid at a later time.
Superintendent's Communication & Communications Highlight
D205 Parent Education Series
The D205 Parent Education series continues, following Spring Break, with speaker Karilyn M. Orr from the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, Investigations and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Karilyn will speak about the ICAC program, CyberTipline, screen time impact on youth mental health, predatory risks, issues related to AI, sextortion scams targeting children/teens, and share recommendations and resources for parents. The presentation will be on April 7th at Bryan Middle School.
Wellness Committee
The District 205 Wellness Committee is a team of staff and parent representatives that provide guidance to specific Wellness-related programs and departments in District 205, such as Food Services, Physical Education, and Health Services. This committee reviews and makes recommendations for changes or enhancements to the District Wellness Policy The Wellness Committee is seeking additional parent representatives for this Wellness Committee, which meets virtually three times a year. If you are interested in serving on the committee, look for more information in upcoming District and building communications and newsletters.
Reverse Energy Auction
As part of the discussion at the March 4th Finance and Operations Committee Meeting, District 205 accelerated the timeline for securing electricity supply rates for the upcoming electricity renewal. The reverse auction was conducted on March 11th, and the results exceeded expectations. The final accepted rate was a 4-year fixed rate of 5 cents per kWh, which will save the District an estimated $120,000 per year over previous assumptions.
Update to Instructional Materials Recommendation
On February 24th, during the Monitoring Progress & Taking Action presentation, recommendations for new instructional materials in a world language course, French 3H-ACP, and four Advanced Placement Courses including AP Language and Composition, AP Literature, AP Biology, and AP Physics. The instructional materials have been available for public display at the district office and posted on our website since Monday, March 2nd. Community members can view the materials and provide feedback using the Review Form linked on the website or by coming into the district office until Friday, April 10th. As of today, we have not received community feedback on these materials. During the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, a update was provided and a formal recommendation for approval from the board of education for these instructional materials to be used for the 2026-2027 school year.
COMMUNICATIONS HIGHLIGHT