January 27, 2025 - Board Brief
Board President, Mrs. Caitlin Sendaydiego, welcomed everyone to the Board’s September meeting. The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m. No public comment attendees were present.
Board President’s Report
Mrs. Sendaydiego thanked Miller Cooper partner Betsy Allen for being with us in person this evening to present the FY 2024 Audit. She noted that the Board appreciates her presentation each year, and we look forward to hearing from her in a few minutes. She also welcomed a member from the public and the Administrative team in attendance.
Superintendent’s Report
Presentation of the FY 2024 Audit - Betsy Allen, Miller Cooper & Co.
Dr. Coffey introduced Miller Cooper partner, Betsy Allen who has overseen the team conducting D101’s annual financial audit. Ms. Allen provided the Board with a thorough review of both the auditing process and D101 results for the 2024 fiscal year. She noted that the District has received a “clean” audit, which is the highest level of rating an auditor can give.
Ongoing Bond Abatement Resolution
Dr. Coffey introduced Zach Stokes, the Director of Finance and Operations, who gave an overview of the strategy to not abate bonds. This approach was previously used to recover revenue losses when EAV decreased during the referendum period. Mr. Stokes outlined the financial impact of either continuing or discontinuing this strategy over the next five years.
Action Items Approved by the Board
The Board accepted the Accept FY 2024 Audit.
The Board approved the 2024-25 Vendor List.
The Board approved the employment of non-certified staff:
Ella Centraccio, 1.0 Paraprofessional at Laidlaw
Kristina Quaid,
1.0 Paraprofessional at Forest Hills.
The Board approved leave of absence requests for Suzanne Osterheld and Doreen Hill.
The Board accepted the retirement of Dr. Julie Fredericks-Tuzzolo effective the end of the 24-25 school year.
The Board authorized the district to move forward with the Transportation Bid process.
Additional Items Discussed by the Board of Education
The Board discussed the following issues:
Dr. Coffey updated the Board on student behavior from the last meeting to present. She reported 0 incidents of bullying and 0 new incidents of discriminatory language.
Zach Stokes, Director of Finance and Operations, along with Dr. Coffey, presented the Board with a detailed overview of the Lyons Township School Treasurer’s Office (LTTO) and its role in the day-to-day financial operations of D101. They explained that while membership in the TTO has traditionally been required by law, a new law passed on August 9, 2024, now gives school districts the option to withdraw from the LTTO if they choose. Mr. Stokes noted that several districts have recently opted to leave the LTTO and suggested it was important for the Board to evaluate the pros and cons of continuing membership. The Board then engaged in an extensive discussion, asking Dr. Coffey and Mr. Stokes about the potential impacts of either staying with or withdrawing from the LTTO. The Board requested a Special Meeting be scheduled to consider a resolution to exit the LTTO at the conclusion of the fiscal year.
The Board discussed and supported a recommendation to maintain the current school fees structure for the 2025-26 school year.
Past Board Briefs