Superintendent search survey results

With the upcoming retirement of Dr. Patrick Broncato at the end of the 2026-27 school year, the Woodridge School District 68 Board of Education is conducting a search for a new superintendent, and the Board has hired the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) to assist in the process. As part of this search, the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) invited staff, parents and community members to provide input through an anonymous online survey. A total of 626 stakeholders participated, including 378 parents, 222 staff members and 26 community members.

Survey results presented to the Board of Education highlighted several priorities for the district’s next leader. The five most frequently selected characteristics included maintaining an inclusive and safe school environment, strong communication and collaboration, fostering a professional culture for educators, supporting curriculum and instruction, and meaningful family and community engagement. Across the open-ended responses, stakeholders also emphasized an experienced, visible and transparent leader who listens to staff and families, supports diverse student needs, uses resources responsibly and keeps student learning at the center of decision-making.

The Board and IASB screening team will use this community feedback to help inform the superintendent search process.

Sixth day enrollment report

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. William Schmidt presented the Sixth Day Enrollment Report. Enrollment is higher than both projected numbers and actual numbers from last year. Total September 1 enrollment for 2026-27 was projected at 2,902 with an actual enrollment of 2,887. Class sizes remain well within Board policy guidelines, and all buildings in the district are adequately utilized.

Salary & wage report

Section 10-20.47 of the School Code requires school districts to report administrator and teacher salary and benefits to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) by October 1. Prior to this annual reporting to ISBE, the information must be presented at a regular school board meeting and then posted on the school district website. Also, under an amendment to the Open Meetings Act, within 6 business days after an employer participating in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund approves a budget, that employer must post on its website the total compensation package for each employee having a total compensation package that exceeds $75,000 per year.

Battery energy storage system

Performance Services presented the Board of Education with an overview of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and their potential use in Woodridge 68. Battery systems store electrical energy for later use and could help the district reduce capacity and transmission costs while generating additional revenue. Performance Services noted that advances in battery technology, available incentives and the district’s existing solar infrastructure make battery storage a potential next step in its energy strategy.

The presentation evaluated potential systems at Edgewood, Meadowview and Thomas Jefferson Junior High, which were selected based on electrical load and available land, with projected payback periods of approximately five to seven-and-a-half years and significant long-term savings. The presentation also addressed safety standards, installation considerations and a potential construction timeline, with any project schedule dependent in part on ComEd’s interconnection review and approval process.

The Board agreed to additional research and evaluation of Meadowview as a potential pilot school location for this project.

2026-27 budget approved

A public hearing regarding the annual budget was held at the Board of Education meeting with no comments from the public. The Board of Education approved the Resolution establishing the fiscal year and adopting the budget for Woodridge School District 68 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 (FY27) as presented.

The budget includes about $65.9M in planned spending that will be covered by $65.8M in expected revenues and the remaining in available fund balance reserves. This planned spend down of fund balances will help keep the school district's reserves at adequate, but not excessive, levels to maintain appropriate fund balances. This budget is conservative in its approach and based on recent results from operations over the past five years. The budget is available for review on the district website and in paper form at the district office.

Woodridge 68 is on very solid financial footing and expects to earn a perfect 4.0 Financial Profile Score from ISBE and maintain an AAA credit rating from the bond rating agencies.

Capital improvement plan projects for 2026-27

The Board of Education approved a three-year service agreement with Interactive Building Solutions (IBS) for maintenance and support of the district’s Building Automation and Energy Management Systems (BAS/EMS). IBS currently supports five schools already using the Tridium platform. Following the conversion of Murphy and Jefferson to the Tridium platform this fall, all seven Woodridge 68 schools will operate on the same system, allowing the district to consolidate service and support with a single provider.

The approved agreement totals $28,800 over three years, or $9,600 annually, and locks in the service rate for the full term. The cost will be paid from the district’s Operations and Maintenance Fund.

Professional services for 2027 capital projects

The Board of Education approved professional service agreements with Wight/AMSCO for architectural and engineering services and International Contractors, Inc. (ICI) for construction management related to the district’s summer 2027 capital improvement projects. The firms will develop designs and project specifications, prepare bid documents and assist with the competitive bidding process for approximately $1.1 million in planned construction work.

Professional fees are estimated at 9% of construction costs for Wight/AMSCO and 3% for ICI, with final fees based on approved contractor pricing. Costs will be paid from the district’s Capital Projects Fund.

Student photography service contract

The Board of Education approved VIP Imaging as Woodridge 68’s student photography provider beginning with the 2027–28 school year. The selection followed a competitive RFP process that included six qualified proposals, district review and evaluation by a Parent Advisory Committee with representatives from each school. After presentations from four finalists, the parent committee unanimously recommended VIP Imaging based on its evaluation and scoring across areas including picture day operations, pricing and customer service, safety and data privacy, additional services, and financial considerations.

VIP Imaging will provide services under an initial five-year agreement with fixed pricing and annual renewal based on successful performance. Families will continue to pay directly for photography services, with no direct financial obligation to the district. Planning for the transition will take place throughout the remainder of the school year, with the district’s current provider continuing services through 2026–27.

Discussion items

The following topics were discussed by the Board of Education. Any action has not yet been taken.

• Intergovernmental agreement between Woodridge Park District and Woodridge School District 68
• Summer construction update
• FY26 interest income analysis and investment program review

Next meeting

The next Woodridge School District 68 board of education regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7:30pm at the District Administrative Center. All regular Board meetings are also streamed live on the Zoom platform; links to the livestream will be posted on the district calendar. A schedule of upcoming meetings, notices and agendas are posted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/) on the district website through BoardBook.