The Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, was dominated by news that the district’s support staff union had voted down a tentative five-year contract. The rejection sends both sides back to the bargaining table after eight months of negotiations. For more on this developing story, see the full article.

The board also celebrated the academic achievements of nine students who earned perfect ACT scores and honored a teacher named Music Educator of the Year. Additionally, the administration outlined a plan to purchase 28 new school buses and smaller activity vehicles to help alleviate transportation challenges. More details on these topics are available in standalone stories.

Board Approves Over $3.8 Million in Payments
The Board of Education approved invoices for the period of September 19 through October 16, 2025, totaling $3,845,154.22. Major expenditures included nearly $1 million for September medical and dental claims with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, over $575,000 to DLA LTD Architects for capital project professional services, and over $401,000 for tuition and transportation to the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843.

Treasurer’s Report Shows Strong Financial Position
Assistant Superintendent Michael Duback presented the treasurer’s report for September 2025, noting revenues of $47 million and expenses of $9.6 million. The district’s cash balance stood at $116.9 million as of September 30, its highest point in the fiscal year due to the influx of property tax receipts. The district has received 35.8% of its budgeted operating revenues and has spent 25.1% of its operational budget, both trending within 1% of the previous year.

New Student Activity Clubs Approved
The board approved the creation of two new student activity accounts. The first is for a district-wide Special Olympics Basketball team, which is entering its second year and beginning fundraising efforts. The second is for “Knightmares – Central,” a new student club at Lincoln-Way Central dedicated to promoting school spirit and encouraging attendance at sporting and club events by organizing themed activities.

Advisory Committee to Study Summer School Options
The district’s advisory committee, with newly appointed members approved by the board, has been tasked with reviewing the format of summer school. Board liaison Catherine Johnson reported the group will explore the pros and cons of online versus traditional in-person classes. The study was prompted by staffing challenges and upcoming summer construction projects. Recommendations will be presented to the board later in the year.

Financial Forecast Postponed
A presentation on the district’s 5-Year Financial Forecast, originally scheduled for the meeting, was postponed. Officials stated the forecast will be brought back to the board for review once all financial elements related to the upcoming year, likely including the new union contract, are finalized.