Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for May 21, 2026

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | May 21, 2026

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education held its regular meeting Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Lincoln-Way Central High School, taking action on several financial and operational items and recognizing students for a statewide reading program. The board’s most significant actions included voting to support the Village of Mokena’s request for a 12-year extension of its Downtown TIF District (see full story), approving a $210,000 rental agreement for a television production company to film a pilot at the closed Lincoln-Way North High School (see full story), and approving more than $5.5 million in invoices. Superintendent Dr. Scott Tingley also highlighted the district’s comparatively low tax rate (see full story), and Transportation Director Andy Rezer presented a department update (see full story).

The board approved the consent agenda, the April 2026 treasurer’s report, the April student activities report, and the FY2027 workers’ compensation insurance renewal, all by unanimous votes, before adjourning to closed session and approving non-union support staff salaries for FY2027 upon returning. The next meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2026.

Read for a Lifetime Recognition

The board opened with its annual recognition of students in the Read for a Lifetime program, a statewide high school reading-for-pleasure initiative in which the state issues a list of 25 book titles. Students who read at least four are recognized by Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, with the highest honor for those reading all 25 titles in all four years. Districtwide, students read 2,387 books with 215 participants, 22 staff members, and 61 readers completing all 25 titles. Librarians from Lincoln-Way Central, East, and West honored their top readers, including 100-title club members and four-year participants. Central’s Rachel Veis was the school’s only 100-title club inductee this year.

Invoices Approved at $5.5 Million

The board approved invoices from April 17 through May 21, 2026, totaling $5,517,346.79. During discussion, board members asked about several line items, including roughly $1.28 million in HVAC equipment from Thermos Systems Inc. for life-safety renovations — described as partial payment for equipment delivered so far — as well as combined April medical and dental claims and CDW laptop purchases. Administrators said the district tracks life-safety expenses through Fund 90 and that insurance claims remain within budget. The motion was made by Joseph M. Kosteck and seconded by Catherine Johnson, passing unanimously.

April Treasurer’s Report

The board approved the treasurer’s report for April 2026. Revenues for the month totaled $3.6 million against $9.5 million in expenses, with a total cash balance of $48.2 million on April 30. Administrators reported that 57.8% of budgeted operating revenues had been received and 78.0% of budgeted operational spending had occurred through April 30 — figures tracking closely with the prior year. Liquid investment rates held at 3.6%, and officials said they are monitoring the timing of Q4 mandated categorical payments, which could affect how the FY2026 books close. The motion was made by LaCien and seconded by Kosteck, passing unanimously.

Workers’ Compensation Renewal Decreases

The board approved the workers’ compensation insurance renewal for $443,056, a 3.4% decrease from the FY2026 premium of $458,455 and the second consecutive year of decline, even as payrolls increased 5%. Coverage is provided through the Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust, with renewal data presented by DeGeus & Associates. The motion was made by Olejnik and seconded by Stokes, passing unanimously.

Student Activities Report

The board approved the student activities report for April 2026, showing an activity fund balance of about $2,553,000 with revenues near $880,000 and expenditures of $650,000. One account, music booster scholarships at East, was temporarily negative pending a transfer from the booster club account. The motion was made by Olejnik and seconded by Stokes, passing unanimously.

Closed Session and Staff Salaries

The board adjourned to closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of employees; purchase or lease of real estate; and student-related matters. No formal action can be taken in closed session. Upon returning to open session, the board approved the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of employees as presented, and approved the non-union support staff salaries for FY2027.

Informational Items

The board received several informational items, including the report of the Lincoln-Way Special Education District 843 governing board meeting held April 28, 2026; FOIA requests; the buildings and grounds report; and the quarterly insurance report. The board also noted a first reading for a single textbook adoption (AP Business and Personal Finance) for the 2026–27 school year, a first reading of policy updates, and a legislative report in which Tingley said the district is monitoring bills in Springfield, including teacher-remediation legislation and homestead legislation referenced in a letter from Mokena Mayor George J. Metanias.