Peotone 207U Board Approves Budget, Technology Fee Amid Concerns Over Staffing Changes

By Andrea Arens

Financial updates, student achievements and a wave of public concern over staffing changes highlighted the Peotone Community Unit School District 207U Board of Education meeting on May 18.

The board approved several key measures, including an amended fiscal year 2026 budget, new student fees and updated job descriptions, while hearing extensive public comment focused on proposed changes to a high school registrar position.

District Spending Down, Special Education Costs Remain High

During the consent agenda, district officials reported a continued reduction in purchasing card (P-card) spending compared to last year. May expenditures totaled just over $9,300, down from more than $17,000 during the same period a year ago. Year-to-date P-card spending stands at approximately $104,600, less than half of last year’s $228,700.

At the same time, special education outsourcing remains a significant cost driver. The district spent nearly $119,000 in May alone, bringing the year-to-date total to about $1.2 million, with at least one outstanding bill expected next month.

Outstanding student fees decreased slightly—dropping by roughly $6,300 to just over $230,000.

Recognition of Staff, Students and Career Success

The board also recognized staff and students for exemplifying the district’s “Portrait of a Graduate” traits, including leadership, empathy and perseverance. Staff honorees included Amanda Faber, Amy Sadler, Colleen Grimmett, Kim Horn and Mike Heywood. Student honorees were Emma Drake, Aubrey Pogose, Matthew Harrington and Lindsay Villalobos.

SkillsUSA student achievements were also highlighted, including a first-place state finish in robotics by two students who will represent Peotone at the national competition in Atlanta. Several other high school and junior high students earned top finishes in robotics, quiz bowl and other technical competitions. Notably, Kaleb Schirmer was recognized as the district’s first SkillsUSA state officer in more than a decade.

Public Comments Focus on Registrar Relocation

The most significant portion of the meeting came during public comment, where multiple speakers raised concerns about proposed administrative changes at Peotone High School—particularly the relocation of the student services secretary/registrar position to the main office.

Teachers, staff, and union representatives argued that the role requires confidentiality and proximity to counselors, which they said would be compromised in a high-traffic main office setting. Several speakers warned of potential risks to student privacy under federal FERPA regulations if sensitive records are handled in a more public environment.

Union Vice President, Laura Fitzpatrick, said, “Quite honestly, it appears administration may want to place this position in the main office to help support front office operations.”

Kathy Derkacy, the current registrar, stated the position already constitutes a full-time workload and expressed concern about being expected to take on additional responsibilities if moved. She also emphasized that the decision was made without consultation from student services staff.

“I strongly oppose this plan because it would effectively require one person to perform two full-time jobs while also creating serious concerns regarding student privacy and record security,” said Derkacy.

Other speakers echoed concerns about workload, safety, and the reduction of front office staffing, with one former employee warning that operating the office with fewer support staff could create security risks and inefficiencies.

Board member Tim Stoub added before the vote that speakers’ concerns reflected on location, and as a result, he motioned to approve the updated job description to accurately reflect the work she is doing.

Additionally, Jim Bowden raised his usual financial concerns, noting the district faces a projected $3.6 million budget shortfall and urging the board to examine spending practices and administrative costs.

$50 Technology Fee Approved

The board approved, with board member Steven Clark voting no and Board members Jennifer Moe and Robert Janielunas absent, a new $50 annual technology fee for students beginning in the 2026–27 school year. Board members explained the fee will help sustain the district’s 1:1 Chromebook program, which was initially funded using federal COVID-19 relief funds.

Board Vice President Ashley Stachniak said, “It comes down to these Chromebooks were purchased with ESSER funds, COVID funds. We don’t have those funds anymore. If we want to continue having the Chromebooks be a part of the curriculum, the cost needs to be shared.”

Officials said future plans may allow students to retain their Chromebook after graduation if fees are paid throughout their enrollment, though details are still being finalized.

Budget, Job Descriptions and Other Measures Adopted

The board approved the amended FY26 budget after disclosing district cash balances of approximately $16.22 million as of April 30.

Additional approvals included:

• Updated parent-student handbooks for all schools
• Meal and milk pricing for the upcoming school year
• A fiscal year 2027 consolidation plan
• A new HVAC technician job description
• Personnel changes and the appointment of the district treasurer

While board members acknowledged concerns raised during public comment, they clarified that the registrar job description itself accurately reflects current duties and does not dictate the position’s location within the building.

Looking Ahead

Administrators reported strong community engagement events, including a final walkthrough of a closing school building attended by more than 200 people. Upcoming events include junior high graduation on May 22 and high school graduation on May 23, with the last day of school set for June 3.

As the district prepares for consolidation and a busy summer of facility updates, staffing decisions and financial constraints are expected to remain key issues in the months ahead.