The Geneseo Community Unit School District #228 Board of Education will meet Thursday, November 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Millikin Elementary School. Principal Philip Moe will lead a building tour beginning at 5 p.m. for anyone interested in attending.
The meeting will include discussion of the district's proposed property tax levy, building improvements, new high school course offerings, employee health insurance costs and progress toward the district's 2030 strategic plan.
Proposed Property Tax Levy
One of the meeting's most significant financial items is the district's tentative 2026 property tax levy.
District documents project a total levy of approximately $25.31 million, including $21.29 million excluding bonds.
The proposal includes:
A projected overall school tax rate of $4.4097 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation, compared with $4.4441 in 2025.
An anticipated 4.5% increase in the district's equalized assessed valuation.
A 4.51% increase in the aggregate levy excluding bonds.
An estimated annual school property tax bill of $4,385.64 for a home with a projected market value of $298,364, compared with $4,196.78 the previous year.
Although the projected tax rate is slightly lower, the district's example illustrates how property tax bills can still increase as assessed property values rise.
The board will also consider a resolution abating taxes associated with the district's 2015 alternative revenue bonds. The district reports that it uses surplus sales tax revenue, rather than a separate property tax levy, to cover approximately $745,000 in annual principal and interest payments on those bonds.
Building Improvements and Facility Proposals
The board will review proposals from the district's Buildings and Grounds Committee, including improvements to the Geneseo High School cafeteria and commons.
The committee has recommended moving forward with planning for renovations involving HVAC systems, flooring, lighting and other improvements. The project would use health/life safety funding for qualifying HVAC work and 1% sales tax revenue for other renovations.
Other proposals reviewed by the committee include playground swings at Southwest Elementary, outdoor seating at Millikin Elementary and potential improvements at Geneseo Middle School.
The committee previously recommended postponing a proposed middle school expansion and a new greenhouse because of their estimated costs.
New Courses at Geneseo High School
The board will consider proposed courses for the 2027–28 school year, including automotive maintenance and repair offerings.
The automotive proposal would provide students in grades 10–12 with opportunities to learn vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, braking systems, electrical systems and other technical skills.
Students could potentially earn up to six college credits through the proposed courses. The materials list a dual-credit cost of $30 per credit hour, with possible textbook expenses.
Employee Health Insurance
The board will review proposed 2027 employee health insurance rates.
The district's financial comparison projects a $243,110.98 reduction in annual board insurance costs, or approximately 5.45%.
Employee contributions for spouse, child and family coverage would also decrease under the proposal.
These figures represent proposed rates and projected costs, not a final board decision.
Strategic Plan and Student Achievement
The board will receive a progress report on the district's 2025–2030 strategic plan, adopted in October 2025.
The report outlines work underway to improve student achievement, strengthen curriculum alignment, expand learning opportunities and evaluate district finances.
The district reports that K–12 literacy and mathematics curriculum maps have been developed and published. Other initiatives, including implementing research-based instructional practices, remain in progress.
The board will also review the recently released Illinois School Report Card results. Geneseo High School and Millikin Elementary received Exemplary designations, while Geneseo Middle School received Approaching Exemplary and Northside and Southwest elementary schools received Commendable designations.
Student Behavior and Bullying Prevention
The board will receive information from its Behavioral Interventions Committee, which met November 3.
The committee reviewed student behavior data, bullying reports, discipline procedures and plans for a Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee.
Topics included a proposed universal mental health screener for the 2027–28 school year and updated laws governing discipline for younger students.
Financial Report and Personnel
The district's November financial report lists approximately $3.2 million in monthly expenditures, including payroll and bills.
The report also shows approximately $24.14 million in total district cash balances at the end of October, representing 147 days of cash on hand.
Personnel recommendations include several student-teaching placements, coaching and instructional positions, and the planned June 2027 retirement of Geneseo High School administrative assistant Tamara DeBisschop.
School Presentations
Millikin Elementary Principal Philip Moe will be joined by students Cora George, Lyla Gorman, Weston Nordstrom and RJ Southwick for a presentation on Millikin's LEAFS Skills program.
Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado will also present information about the Illinois School Report Card.
The board is scheduled to enter closed session to discuss specific employee matters and evidence or testimony related to the denial of admission to school events or property, as permitted under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
The agenda also provides for possible action following the closed session, although the specific action is not identified in the screenshots.
The November meeting includes several matters that could affect district finances, facilities and educational opportunities in the coming years. The tax levy, proposed high school courses, and potential facility renovations are among the items to watch as the board considers its next steps.
This preview is based on the district's published meeting materials. Proposed actions and financial projections should not be interpreted as final board decisions.