November 18, 2025
Elmhurst District 205
Board of Education Meeting Highlights
Spotlight and Recognitions
York Boys Golf Recognition
The Board of Education is proud to recognize the York High School Boys Golf Team for their outstanding 2025 season. The Dukes advanced to the IHSA Class 3A State Tournament, where they delivered an exceptional performance and secured a third-place finish in Illinois with an impressive team score of 607. Their achievement reflects the skill, discipline, and consistency of the student-athletes, the leadership of their coaches, and the steady support of their families and school community. The Board congratulates the team for bringing pride and recognition to York High School and Elmhurst District 205 through their commitment, sportsmanship, and excellence on and off the course.
PSRP Appreciation Day
Elmhurst District 205 is proud to celebrate PSRP Appreciation Day and recognize the many Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel who support our students and staff each day. From keeping our buildings running smoothly to providing essential instructional and classroom support, PSRPs play a vital role in creating safe, welcoming, and successful learning environments. We are grateful for their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they make across all of our schools.
Agenda Action and Consent Items
ISBE School Report Card Posting
District Administration presented the annual release of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) School Report Cards. ISBE published the 2024–25 report cards for all Illinois districts and schools on October 30, 2025. These reports provide key information on academic progress, school climate, student demographics, staffing, and finances. Following Board approval, the updated report cards for District 205 and each school will be posted on the District website, as required by law. Information about the release has already been shared with families through ParentSquare, the District website, a press release, and social media.
Illinois School Maintenance Grant & York High School Roof Project
At the Board meeting, District Administration presented a recommendation to apply for the Illinois School Maintenance Grant to support upcoming capital work. In partnership with Wight Architects, the District identified portions of the York High School roof that require replacement as part of the 2026 Capital Projects Plan. The estimated cost of the project ranges from $750,000 to $1.5 million, with grant funding helping offset a portion of the expense. Administration also confirmed that District 205 has reserved the required local funds to meet the State’s matching requirement and recommended authorizing both the roof project and the grant application.
2026–27 Course Proposals
At the November 18 Board meeting, District Administration presented updates to the 2026–27 Course of Study for York Community High School. One new course—Recreational Games for Life—was proposed to replace Dance Fitness and expand opportunities for lifelong physical activity. Administration also recommended shifting Manufacturing 2H from a year-long course to a semester-long format to increase access and scheduling flexibility. In addition, two existing courses were proposed for name changes to better reflect course content. These items were brought forward for approval as part of the consent agenda.
2026–27 and 2027–28 District Calendars
At the November 18 Board meeting, District Administration presented the proposed academic calendars for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years. The Calendar Committee—made up of staff and district representatives—reviewed key considerations such as balancing instructional days between semesters, aligning breaks with DuPage ROE recommendations, and supporting professional learning needs. Notable updates include starting the school year slightly later, maintaining alignment for winter and spring breaks, and moving the October Institute Day to August in 2027–28 to provide additional time for staff collaboration and beginning-of-year preparation. Administration recommended approval of both calendars as presented.
Tax Levy Presentation
District Administration presented the proposed 2025 tax levy, which is based on multiple factors including a 2.9% CPI. District 205 continues to maintain high-quality programs and facilities while holding the lowest tax rate among comparable districts. The Board of Education approved the 2025 Estimated Levy and set a hearing date for December 16, 2025.
Life Safety Bond Issuance
The Board of Education approved the issuance of bonds not to exceed $15,000,000 for the purpose of addressing life safety survey work items. Staff presented the recommendation to issue Life Safety Bonds to support required facility improvements identified in the 2024 Life Safety Survey. The survey, completed with Wight & Company and approved by the ROE and ISBE, identified $19.6 million in work items to be addressed within five years. Administration proposed issuing up to $15 million in Life Safety Bonds to fund the majority of these projects while keeping the District’s debt service tax rate stable. Remaining work items would be supported through the annual Capital Projects Plan.
Working Cash Bond Issuance
The Board of Education approved a recommendation to issue Working Cash Bonds to support the District’s ongoing annual capital project needs. With referendum construction now complete and existing Debt Service Extension Base (DSEB) payments nearing expiration, the District identified the need for a stable annual funding source to continue to maintain and enhance facilities. Issuing up to $8.5 million in Working Cash Bonds would provide funding for future capital work while keeping the debt service tax rate stable.
Capital Lease Fund Transfer
The Board approved a recommendation related to the District’s ongoing capital lease obligations for technology equipment, including copiers and Chromebooks. State law requires lease payments to be made from the Debt Service Fund, and a transfer from the Education Fund is necessary to support these costs. As included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget, Administration recommended transferring $1,423,119.50 to the Debt Service Fund to cover required capital lease payments.
Superintendent's Communication & Communications Highlight
Recognizing York Academic Achievements
We are proud to recognize several outstanding York High School students who have achieved extraordinary academic honors this year. Earning a perfect ACT score and being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist represent the highest levels of academic distinction—accomplishments reached by fewer than one percent of students nationwide. These achievements reflect not only exceptional talent and hard work, but also the dedication of our educators and families who support a culture of excellence across our schools.
Please join me in celebrating these remarkable students for their commitment to learning, perseverance, and leadership. They exemplify the very best of our district and serve as inspiring role models for our entire school community.
NMSQT
Gabriel Boutin
Liam Fahey
Caroline Hammond
John Kattoor
Colin Mahoney
Anand Peel
Alexander Sjullic
Perfect ACT Scores
Gabe Boutin
Liam Fahey
John Kattoor
Colin Mahoney
Maya Osterman
Alex Sjullie
State of the District
On October 30, the State of the District highlighted the remarkable growth, achievements, and continued areas of focus across District 205. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students, staff, and community partners who make this progress possible.
For anyone who was unable to attend the event, we wanted to share that we have a link to the recording on our Youtube page.
Board Member Appreciation Day
In recognition of Illinois School Board Members Day, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Elmhurst District 205 Board of Education. Thank you for your leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and unwavering dedication to our students, staff, and community. At tonight’s Board of Education meeting, we were proud to recognize and honor each of you for the volunteer work you do. Your service strengthens our district and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of families across Elmhurst.