On Wednesday, Jan. 18, Kaneland Community Unit School District 302 hosted its regularly scheduled board meeting at 7 p.m. in the sixth-grade team room at Kaneland Harter Middle School. All board members were present at the meeting. The meeting was a closed session and there were no public comments. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, District Director of Special Services Fran Eggleston thanked the Elburn Lions Club. 

     “On Jan. 7, the Elburn Lions Club hosted a movie at the Sycamore Public Library for students with disabilities and their families. While it was their first annual one, they plan on continuing it,” Eggleston said. “[There] were not many students and families who attended, but we look forward to growing this. We appreciate the Elburn Lions Club and all they have done on behalf of our students.”

     Eggleston and District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Todd Leden served food to the students and families. Following the thank you to the Elburn Lions Club, the board moved on to new business. 

     Senior Vice President and Managing Director for PMA Securities LLC Robert Lewis gave a presentation on the market update and new money options. 

     The Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) is a group of citizens that meets four times a year to discuss the district’s financial issues with Kaneland’s administration. The recommendation was to go with the shortened wraparound structure of the bonds as it has the least amount of cost associated with it, the lowest amount of tax increase and a shorter payback period. 

     Should the referendum pass in April 2023, the board decided they will work with PMA Securities to plan for the shortened wraparound option.

     The next two items under new business followed the request for proposal (RFP) process as it is time to interview new vendors for auditing services and a health insurance broker.

     Employees from accounting firm Lauterbach & Amen presented the 2021-22 audit reports for the Fox Valley Career Center (FVCC) and Kaneland district, which fulfills their three-year contract plus a two-year extension. Board members Ryan Kerry and Bob Mankivsky volunteered to assist in the screening and interview process of potential vendors. 

     Similarly, the contract for the district’s health insurance plan ends on June 30, 2023. With the new broker and health insurance renewal being on July 1, 2023, it is also time for this to go through the RFP process. Vice President Jennifer Simmons and board member Addam Gonzales volunteered to help with the screening and interview process. 

     The board will approve these contracts on March 13, 2023.

     The last item under new business was to accept the donations made to the FVCC. 

     “The total amount [in this year alone] has been impressive. [The FVCC] has done a nice job seeking [and getting] donations. The total amount [in donations] is $90,767, and I know the administration and staff are very grateful for the individuals, companies and departments,” District Associate Superintendent Dr. Julie-Ann Fuchs said. 

     Following the approval of donations for the FVCC, the superintendents and student ambassador and senior Lindsay Yost gave their reports.   

     “This weekend is the winter play. It is called Puffs, and it is [based] on Harry Potter. Since the auditorium has construction right now, this will be in the black box theater [at the high school],” Yost said. “It is more of a personalized viewing, which should be [enjoyable]. If you are getting tickets, get them soon because they will sell out faster. Opening night will be on Friday, Jan. 20.” 

     The next board meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 30.