District 207U Board Tables Technology Fee, Advances Long-Term Facilities Planning

By Andrea Arens

PEOTONE — The Peotone Community Unit School District 207U Board of Education addressed a wide range of issues at its latest packed meeting, including proposed student fees, long-term facility planning, and updates on academic and extracurricular programs.

One of the most notable actions was the board’s decision to table a proposed student technology fee for the 2026–27 school year following public comment and board discussion. The $50 fee, which would have built some revenue for technology replacements, raised concerns among residents about affordability and the potential for increasing financial burdens.

“I support improving our technology—it’s much needed—but can our families bear the brunt of this?” parent Victoria Theodossopoulos told the board, noting that cumulative fees could significantly impact households with multiple children. “Basically, it’s a variable tax rate for any family with more than one child.”

Prior to 2026, Chromebooks were purchased using the Covid funding. Now that that money has ceased, and device costs have increased by 20-25%, the Director of Instructional Technology recommended the fee to assist in the cost of device replacement. Many local districts charge a technology fee such as Manhattan and Beecher. Manhattan charges $25 and Beecher charges $50. Annual projected cost for student devices is $128,500 with total projected costs for devices being approximately $515,000. The annual projection of collected fees is $37,000 with a total projection being $185,000 through 2031.

Board members acknowledged the concerns and agreed additional analysis was needed, including comparisons with neighboring districts. The item is expected to return for further discussion at an upcoming meeting.

The board also approved moving forward with an expanded feasibility study tied to the district’s long-term facilities planning. The updated study will now include the potential development of athletic fields and a stadium complex at the high school as part of a broader evaluation of space, enrollment trends, and building needs. Wight & Company would provide an analysis on the existing conditions, village zoning, layout, parking, infrastructure, stormwater, and agency permitting for $8,600 and up to $500 in reimbursable expenses.

Board members Tim Stoub, Bob Janeliunas, and Steven Clark emphasized that the study does not commit the district to construction but instead ensures all options are considered before future decisions are made.

“This is about having a complete picture,” Clark said. “We don’t want to move forward with building projects only to realize later there was a better use of space.” Stoub concurred, “It could be money well spent if it avoids us making more mistakes in the future.”

In other action, the board:

• Approved a 3% pay increase for Director’s contracts with Building & Grounds Director Mike Singleton receiving $105,987, Peotone Junior High Principal Natalie Harden for $93,200, and Transportation Director Jennifer Haag for $69,835
• Approve an updated job description for a school psychologist
• Approve a proposal for photography services for the district, with no cost to the district, from HR Imaging Partners, Inc.
• Accepted proposals for auditing, financial services, and moving services related to district planning from Gassensmith & Michalesko, Ltd.
• Approved a moving services bid from Mid-West Moving & Storage out of Elk Grove Village for approximately 45 moves at $69,600
• Approve the hiring of 17 summer custodian/maintenance employees
• Approved a new student-led organization, “Friends and Faith,” at Peotone High School
• Continued progress on hiring a new superintendent, with a candidate expected to be presented soon
• Resignations of PHS Principal Angela Patrick, Superintendent Brandon Owens, and District Business Manager Adrian Fulgencio

District administrators also shared updates on academic progress and school activities. Spring state testing is nearing completion, with preliminary results expected this summer. Schools across the district reported strong participation in events ranging from academic testing to music programs, athletics, and fundraising efforts.

At Peotone Junior High, a recent St. Baldrick’s fundraiser raised more than $7,000 for childhood cancer research. Meanwhile, high school students are preparing for upcoming performances and a career exploration event featuring dozens of guest speakers.

Technology staff also highlighted a successful cybersecurity awareness initiative, reporting a high rate of staff engagement in identifying simulated phishing attempts.

The meeting concluded with discussion of ongoing information requests submitted to the district under the Freedom of Information Act, as well as continued planning for summer projects and the upcoming school year.

In the good news portion, Go Big Blue Staff Winners were Lida Widmayer-PHS, Colleen McIntyre-PJHS, Lindsay O’Neill-PIC, Hailey Palella-PES, and Kim Blair-District. Student winners were: Kolten Koehn-PHS, Reagan Plastiak-PJHS, Max Norwood-PIC, and Willem Stoub-PES.

The board is expected to revisit the technology fee proposal and continue discussions on long-term facility planning in the coming weeks.