Hinsdale High School District 86
Among other business Jan. 16, school board members:
• voted to spend $58,437 on capital expenditures for security items including additional hallway mirrors, a CEIA Opengate Unit and security film.
• awarded the regular bus transportation services bid to First Student and rejected all bids for the special education portion. New pricing will increase 6.25 percent for the 2025-26 school year and 4.25 percent for the subsequent two school years. The district will ask for a one-year contract extension with the current provider for special education busing.
• approved a settlement agreement of about $48,000 with an employee. Board President Cat Greenspon said an error regarding this employee’s compensation was brought to the board’s attention.
“We appreciate the opportunity to correct this issue,” she said.
• voted to have CFO Josh Stephenson execute a new 24-month natural gas contract effective July 1 at a rate at or below 50 cents per therm
Community Consolidated District 181 Board
Among other business Monday, board members:
• approved school fees for the 2025-26 school year. Catie Norton, director of finance, presented updates to the fee plan, which includes a $25 early registration discount to encourage families to register and pay fees by specified deadlines to help the district with planning. With the implementation of a full-day kindergarten program, the kindergarten registration fee was increased to $295 to match the fee for first and second grades.
• celebrated the launch of the newly redesigned district website, which features a more modern design, improved navigation and enhanced functionality, including school-specific pages, said Jeffrey Alstadt, communications director.
• recognized Hinsdale Middle School teacher Kelly Pelak for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The national award honors teachers who demonstrate distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education. Pelak, along with three other teachers from the Chicago area, will receive $10,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., for a recognition ceremony and professional development events.
• accepted a $20,00 donation from resident Ken Moy to be put toward furnishing the welcome area in the new district administration center currently under construction
