June 23, 2026
Elmhurst District 205
Board of Education Meeting Highlights
Spotlight and Recognitions
York Girls Water Polo Team Recognized for State Runner-Up Finish
The Board of Education recognized the York Girls Water Polo Team for an outstanding 2026 season that culminated in a runner-up finish at the IHSA State Finals. The Dukes posted a 24-7-1 record and advanced to the state championship match after capturing the Fenwick Sectional title, defeating New Trier in the Super-Sectional, and earning a semifinal victory over St. Ignatius. The team's historic postseason run showcased the dedication, resilience, and competitive spirit of its student-athletes and coaches while bringing pride to the entire York and District 205 community.
York Girls Lacrosse Team Recognized for State Runner-Up Finish
The York Girls Lacrosse Team was honored by the Board of Education for an exceptional 2026 season that culminated in a runner-up finish at the IHSA State Finals. The Dukes compiled a 21-4 record and entered the postseason as one of the top teams in the state, earning a No. 1 seed in the IHSA Tournament. York captured a sectional championship with victories over Montini, Glenbard West, and Benet Academy before defeating Hinsdale Central in the Super-Sectional and Marist in the state semifinals. The team's remarkable season showcased the dedication, talent, and perseverance of its student-athletes and coaches while bringing pride to the York community and Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205.
York Special Olympics Track and Field Athletes Recognized for State Success
The Board of Education recognized members of the York Special Olympics Track and Field program for their outstanding performances at the 2026 Illinois Special Olympics State Track and Field Championships. Competing against athletes from across the state, York student-athletes earned multiple gold medals, including first-place finishes by Mark Falco in Shot Put and Grace Jyotishi in Softball Throw. The 4x100-meter relay team of Kate Sloan, Abby Paske, Kylie Story, and Grace Jyotishi also captured a state championship. Their accomplishments reflect the dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship that define the York Special Olympics program and serve as a source of pride for the entire District 205 community.
Karlin Janowski Recognized for Outstanding State Finals Performance
The Board of Education recognized York student-athlete Karlin Janowski for her outstanding performance at the 2026 IHSA Girls Track and Field State Finals. Competing against the state's top distance runners, Janowski recorded a personal-best time of 10:24.62 in the 3200-meter run, showcasing her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Her achievement reflects countless hours of training and determination while serving as an inspiration to her teammates and the broader York community. Janowski's success brings pride to York Community High School and Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205.
Reports and Presentations
SASED Partnership Overview
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 partners with the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED) to provide specialized programs, services, and staffing supports for students whose needs cannot be fully met within the District. District administration shared a presentation provided an overview of this partnership, the services SASED provides, and recent updates related to the cooperative's governance and organizational planning.
Consent Agenda
Board Reviews Foreign Exchange Student Request
The Board approved a request to approve a foreign exchange student from Italy to attend York Community High School during the Fall 2026 semester through the EF Foreign Exchange Year program. The student would enroll as a junior, reside with a local host family, and participate in school activities while studying in the United States. Approval of the request would allow the District to provide the required letter of acceptance for the student's J-1 visa application and continue its support of cultural exchange opportunities for students.
Board Approves Extension of Athletic Training Services Agreement
District administrators proposed a two-year contract extension with Rush Physical Therapy to continue providing certified athletic trainers for York Community High School athletics through June 30, 2028. Rush has partnered with the District since 2018, supplying athletic trainers who support student-athlete health, safety, and injury care. The proposed extension is intended to retain the current trainers serving York while ensuring continued compliance with labor regulations and maintaining high-quality athletic training services.
Board Approves FY 2027 Consolidated District Plan
The FY 2027 Consolidated District Plan is a comprehensive document required by the Illinois State Board of Education for approval of federal grant funding. The plan combines requirements for IDEA and ESSA grant programs into a single application that outlines district needs, goals, and planned use of federal funds. Board approval of the plan is required before the District can receive funding through these federal programs.
Board Approves Disposal of Surplus Equipment
The Board was presented a request to dispose of surplus equipment that is no longer useful or efficient for its intended purpose. The items, which include two indoor scoreboards, will be sold as-is through GovDeals, donated, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with District procedures. Approval allows the District to remove outdated equipment and repurpose or recover value where possible
Action Items
Board Reviews and Approves Proposed Amendments to SASED Joint Agreement
The Board of Education reviewed proposed amendments to the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED) Articles of Joint Agreement. The revisions are intended to align the cooperative's governing documents with current Illinois law while clarifying procedures related to member district withdrawal, financial obligations, and future property ownership. Approval of the resolution would ratify the updated agreement and support the District's continued participation in the special education cooperative.
Board Approves Transfer of Interest Earnings to Education Fund
The Board of Education reviewed a proposal to transfer $200,000 in fiscal year 2025-2026 interest earnings from the Debt Service Fund to the Education Fund. District officials determined the interest earnings are not needed to meet current or future debt obligations and may be transferred in accordance with Illinois School Code. The transfer would provide additional resources to support educational programs and operational expenses while maintaining sufficient balances to satisfy all debt service requirements.
2026-27 Parent/Student Handbooks Updated for New School Year
Proposed revisions to the District's 2026-27 Parent/Student Handbooks
include updates to reflect current Board policies, changes to grading practices at York Community High School, and revisions to student assessments, fees, discipline procedures, and behavioral expectations. Annual updates to calendars, contact information, fees, and other handbook content were also incorporated as part of the review process.
Board Approves New Security Services Platform
Following a competitive request for proposals process, District 205 selected CrisisGo as its new emergency notification and crisis response platform beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The system will replace the District's current BluePoint services while expanding capabilities related to emergency communication, incident management, medical response, student reunification, and post-incident recovery. The new platform will also help ensure compliance with Illinois' Mobile Panic Alert System Act (Alyssa's Law) while enhancing coordination between school staff and first responders during emergencies.
Approval of the 2026-2030 District 205/SEIU Local 73 Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Board of Education approved the new 4-year agreement with the Union which will assist in attracting and retaining high-quality employees while remaining fiscally responsible.
Superintendent's Communication & Communications Highlight
Data Showcase & School Improvement Planning Collaborative
This June, we hosted our Data Showcase and School Improvement Planning Collaborative, bringing together school teams to review and celebrate preliminary summative data while identifying key goals and priorities for the upcoming school year. New this year, every school established a School Improvement Planning (SIP) team that included administrators, instructional coaches, department and division chairs, and teachers, ensuring broad stakeholder involvement in the planning process. During the collaborative, schools shared their initial data analysis, improvement priorities, and planning strategies with colleagues, fostering authentic partnerships and cross-school learning. School teams will now work with their leadership teams to refine and finalize professional learning plans and establish support structures to advance their identified goals for the coming year.
Summer School is Underway
It’s hard to believe, but in a few short weeks Summer Academic, Athletic, and Arts programs will be wrapping up! We’re thrilled that enrollment in these important and engaging programs remains strong with each program remaining in the same range as the last few years. Feedback is being gathered from staff, families, and high school students to continuously improve program offerings and participant experiences. We look forward to reporting on a summer full of discovery, creativity, and connection at the Board meeting in August.
Capital Projects are in Progress
Our summer capital projects are in full swing. Roofs at York, Bryan, and Churchville are well underway, with work scheduled for completion by the middle of July. Also at Churchville, the third floor has undergone an extensive ceiling and lighting replacement. As part of the bathroom renovations at Emerson and Jefferson, new epoxy floors are being laid this week, and equipment should be in place by the end of July. Also at Emerson and Bryan, identified classrooms have gone through flooring removal including asbestos abatement, and the new floors are expected to be put in place in mid-July. Edison has finished its installation of the expanded fencing encircling the entire playground and adjoining grass field. The Sandburg drainage project is entering Phase II, which entails replacing some cracked piping under the auditorium floor. Additional testing will take place immediately following its replacement to ensure all areas of need are addressed. Projects will continue into July and even into the fall, with the installation of boilers at Jackson and Edison, replacement of chillers at Bryan and Churchville, continued replacement of exterior doors at all schools, and installation of new cafeteria tables at Fischer and York.
COMMUNICATIONS HIGHLIGHT: