The Examiner U-46 News Feed

Dist. U-46 bond issuance given expedited approval

By Seth Hancock
  The Board of Education in School District U-46 unanimously approved of a resolution allowing the issuance of bonds and $122,843 in expenditure proposals at its meeting on Monday, Dec. 11.
  As previously reported, the items were presented on Dec. 4 with expected approval dates at the regularly scheduled Dec. 18 meeting. The board, however, chose to use the optionally scheduled Dec. 11 meeting to approve the items.
  The bond issuance, part of a voter approved referendum, is not to exceed $62 million. The resolution sets the parameters which sets the bond date as “not later than June 18, 2024.
  The principal payment will be between January 2025 to January 2037, the first interest payment is July 1, 2024, levy years are 2023 to 2035, maximum annual principal is $14 million, maximum annual debt service is $15.5 million, maximum interest rate is 6 percent, minimum purchase price is 98 percent and a call date of Jan. 1, 2033.
  The expenditure items include $72,843 with Apple Inc., paid for by the nation’s taxpayers through grant funds, to purchase 100 iPads or communicating with “students with speech and language challenges,” the proposal states.
  “The Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools on these devices can facilitate better communication for students with speech and language challenges,” the proposal states. “The inclusion of AppleCare and high-quality protective cases ensures the devices remain functional for an extended period, safeguarding our investment. All devices and accessories will be procured from Apple, ensuring consistency in quality and service. The comprehensive warranty services provided through AppleCare+ for schools will also reduce potential downtime and repair costs. These iPads replace devices with outdated operating systems that can no longer be supported effectively.”
  Costing $50,000 (education fund), the district is seeking a contract with Collaborative Leadership Consulting Group for bargaining facilitations.
  “In the school year 2023-2024, School District U-46 Administration, on behalf of the Board of Education, continues to bargain a successor agreement to the one-year extension with the Elgin Teachers Association (ETA),” the proposal states. “Facilitation of this work by the CLC Group provides support for creating structures, systems, culture, and communication practices to reach a successful collective bargaining agreement.”