Summer construction at Woodridge School District 68's six elementary schools finished roughly $370,000 under budget.
Mr. Saindon, who presented the construction update to the board at its Sept. 21 meeting, reported the final cost at roughly $1.18 million against a $1.55 million budget. That amounts to about 24% in savings. All work was certified substantially complete on Aug. 7, meeting the district's target date, according to board meeting minutes.
Board approves final budget
At the same meeting, the board held a public hearing on the final budget. The agenda heading and hearing title labeled it the FY2027 budget, though the recorded motion text referred to "the FY26 final budget." Board President Stuart Vanorny opened the hearing at 9:05 p.m. Board Secretary Kim Superits confirmed no comments had been received in person, online or by mail. The hearing closed one minute later.
Lorie Barber made the motion to approve the budget. Donna Hebreard seconded it. All seven members voted yes: Barber, Josh Christ, Hebreard, Bob Lathrop, David Madden, Dr. Cricel Molina de Mesa and Vanorny.
Enrollment, superintendent search and battery storage
Dr. Schmidt, assistant superintendent for human resources, presented the Sixth Day Enrollment Report and the district's annual salary and wage report, which is required to be posted by Oct. 1. Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) representative Kevin Carey presented results from a recent superintendent search survey.
The board also heard a presentation from Performance Services on options for installing Generac battery energy storage systems at up to three district sites: Edgewood, Meadowview and Thomas Jefferson Junior High. No vote was taken.
Other board action
The board unanimously approved three contracts: a three-year building automation and energy management service contract with Interactive Business Systems, an architect and construction manager service contract for 2027, and a student photography service contract.
Dr. Broncato presented an updated intergovernmental agreement between the district and the Woodridge Park District. The agreement, last signed in 2018, is scheduled to return for a board vote. Dr. Schmidt also reported five Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the board.
