The Geneseo Board of Education is set to meet Thursday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the district office, with agenda items ranging from solar energy planning and cafeteria meal prices to staffing changes, vocational partnerships, grants, and end-of-year recognitions.
One of the evening’s major discussion items will involve a presentation and Q&A regarding solar energy opportunities for the district. Mike Ellis of E-Quantum Consulting is scheduled to speak with the board regarding a proposed solar project tied to Geneseo Middle School.
According to board materials, the proposal outlines a potential 201.84 kW solar installation capable of producing an estimated 270,633 kWh annually and offsetting approximately 37.6% of the middle school’s energy use. The proposal estimates a total project cost of approximately $569,000 before incentives. However, federal direct-pay tax incentives and Illinois renewable energy incentives could reduce the district’s estimated net cost to roughly $115,000. (Find solar plan details here.)
The board will also consider proposed cafeteria meal price increases for the 2026-27 school year as the district works toward federally required Paid Lunch Equity pricing targets.
Under the proposal:
Elementary lunch prices would increase from $3.10 to $3.20
Grades 6-12 lunches would increase from $3.30 to $3.40
Adult lunches would increase from $4.75 to $5.00
Student breakfast prices would increase from $2.25 to $2.35
Milk prices would remain unchanged at $0.50 per carton
District officials note the recommendations are based on federal Paid Lunch Equity requirements under the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act. (See lunch price details here.)
Several agenda items focus on personnel and staffing ahead of next school year. Board materials include anticipated teaching assignments, extracurricular sponsors, coaching positions, internal transfers, and student teacher placements for 2026-27. Proposed assignments include positions tied to National Honor Society, Dance Marathon, Special Olympics, vocal music, science, and athletics. (See details here.)
The board is also expected to review proposed ESP (Educational Support Personnel) handbook and policy changes for the 2026-27 school year. Proposed revisions involve overtime procedures, time sheet submissions, sick leave requests, bereavement leave documentation, insurance language updates, and wage schedule adjustments. (Details available here.)
Another notable topic involves vocational and career education partnerships. The board is expected to review intergovernmental agreements tied to Geneseo’s vocational center programming, including partnerships with Cambridge and Annawan school districts. The agreements would allow eligible students from participating districts to attend Geneseo vocational courses, subject to enrollment capacity and available space. (Details available here.)
Financially, the district’s May financial report shows monthly expenditures totaling approximately $2.9 million, including both payroll and board bills. Board materials describe expenditures as “typical expenditures for this time of year.” (See report here.)
The district’s education fund cash balance has continued to decline through the fiscal year, with the report showing the education fund balance at approximately $57,105 at the end of April. Other operating funds, including operations and maintenance, transportation, and debt service, remain substantially higher.
The meeting will also include several recognitions and celebrations.
The board plans to recognize Pinks’ Bus Service for 80 years of partnership with the district. Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado’s report notes that Pinks’ has transported Geneseo students since 1946.
Several retiring educators and staff members will also be recognized, including:
Kathy Buysse
Scott Christensen
Darren Hall
Larry Johnsen Jr.
Dean Johnson
Steven LaCroix
Bob Thomas
Dr. Delgado’s report additionally notes that the final student attendance day for the 2025-26 school year will be May 22 with an 11:30 dismissal, while the first student attendance day for the 2026-27 school year is scheduled for August 12. (See the report here.)
Board materials also include a lengthy list of Geneseo Education Foundation spring grants supporting classroom and extracurricular initiatives across the district. (Details can be found here.)
Some of the larger grants include:
$9,900 for a Cirque Amongus circus arts program
$7,596 for marching band trumpets
$6,120 for middle school science and math calculators
Robotics and STEM-related classroom equipment
Literacy and guided reading resources
Communication tools and adaptive learning materials
The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Geneseo CUSD #228 District Office located at 648 N. Chicago Street.