Superintendent Search Update and Deficit Plans

The board approved $3 million in budget cuts and discussed strategies for addressing an $18 million deficit, including using the fund balance. Members voted to hire an individual roofer for district facilities and added a middle school wrestling program to the budget. Updates included celebrations, upcoming events, and the Superintendent search process. 13mins

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Original Meeting

Monday, September 15th, 2025
7843.0
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Brian Wojcicki
Springfield, Illinois
Government Relations & Legal Services Professional
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In This Video
  • Superintendent Gill recognized a Southeast High School senior for completing an Eagle Scout project that provided a Gaga ball pit to Fairview Elementary.
  • Superintendent Gill highlighted the Southeast Band's participation at a University of Illinois game and described it as a great experience for the group.
  • Superintendent Gill announced the MLK Junior Essay contest for students in grades five through twelve and reminded families about upcoming deadlines for required school physicals and immunizations.
  • Superintendent Gill announced that Doctor Shelley Moore would speak at the upcoming Empower All Abilities conference, which will also feature a community fair for students and families.
  • Board Member Lael-Wolf provided an update on the Superintendent search process, including the launch of a community survey, plans for focus groups, and upcoming presentations of survey results and a draft notice of vacancy.
  • Administrator Ackley provided an overview of the STRIVE program, which supports students with autism and complex learning needs through structured teaching, visual supports, and evidence-based practices, and shared plans for future program expansion.
  • Director Miller presented an overview of the FY26 budget, noting $3 million in cuts, explaining which funds were included in the summary, and highlighting a trend of expenditures exceeding revenues since FY24, resulting in a declining fund balance.
  • Director Miller explained that the district plans to address the $18 million deficit by monitoring expenditures to stay below budget and using the fund balance to cover the shortfall, as most spending is already committed to personnel and programs.
  • After a public hearing on the budget, the Board amended the budget to add funding for a middle school wrestling program.
  • Director Miller outlined the possible vote options on whether to add a roofing solution to the FY26 budget.
  • The Board recorded five votes in favor and two against during a vote for adding a roofing personnel or contractor to the budget.
  • Director Miller and Superintendent Gill explained that the board would next vote on whether to contract with a roofing company or hire an individual roofer.
  • The Board voted with one in favor of option A and six in favor of option B for an individual roofer.
  • Director Miller confirmed that the roofing decision would be added to the O&M fund and concluded the Business Report.
  • Superintendent Gill described the annual agreement with the city for school resource officers at each high school, with costs not to exceed $275,000 per year.
  • The Board recorded six votes in favor and one abstention during a vote for the consent agenda, which includes the SRO agreement.
  • The Board considered a resolution to adopt the fiscal year 2026 budget, with Director Miller outlining the budget period and adoption process.
  • The Board recorded six votes in favor and one against during a vote on the budget as amended.
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