After the Board: August 25, 2026

Dear Sycamore Community School District 427 Community,

Thank you for taking the time to review After the Board, a brief recap of each month’s regular Board of Education meeting, designed to keep our community informed. Below are the major highlights from the Board of Education meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Superintendent Video Recap

In addition to this written summary, we are pleased to include a special video recap from our Superintendent, Dr. Kristen Campbell. This brief update is designed to keep you well-informed of district happenings and provide additional context from the meeting.

 

Superintendent Report

Superintendent, Dr. Kristen Campbell, celebrated a successful start to the 2026-27 school year, including opening week activities, the district theme, Stronger Together: One Sycamore, Many Leaves, and the all-staff “427” formation. She also highlighted the first days of school and the Spartans’ FNBO Challenge victory.

Communications & Community Engagement Department

The Communications Department highlighted the Back2School Bash, new Family Communication Guide, Superintendent Listening Tours, and the expansion of Spartans Read Together. The department also shared that SpartanTV students will broadcast the Homecoming football game nationwide on Marquee Sports Network for the second consecutive year.

Human Resources Department

Human Resources highlighted recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts, including eight hires resulting from three community hiring events. The district also began the school year fully staffed in certified positions and continues to focus on employee support, wellness, and retention.

Chief Operating Officer Report

Master Facility Plan

 

FGM Architects presented an updated districtwide facility assessment outlining long-term needs related to roofing, mechanical systems, building exteriors, doors, windows, and other infrastructure. The Board discussed prioritizing projects based on urgency, safety, student impact, and available resources, with community engagement playing an important role in developing a long-term facilities plan.

 

District Debt and Financing Options

 

PTMA reviewed the district’s existing debt and potential financing options for future facility needs, including non-referendum, Health/Life Safety, and referendum bonds. No financing decisions were made, with the Board emphasizing the need to first prioritize facility projects, engage the community, and understand potential financial impacts.

Chief Academic Officer Report

The Learning & Teaching Department highlighted professional learning completed before the start of school, including training related to new English Language Arts resources, vertical alignment, the PaCE Framework, instructional technology, and Crisis Prevention Intervention. Ongoing support will continue throughout the year as staff implements new resources and instructional practices.

Action Items

Board Action

Old Business

11.01 Consideration to Approve Resolution Regarding FY27 NIA Budget

The Board reviewed and approved the tentative FY27 budget, which projects approximately $74.17 million in revenue and $74.11 million in expenditures. The Educational Fund remains an area of focus, with administration planning monthly budget-to-actual reporting and continued work to strengthen fund balances. The Board also established Monday, September 28, 2026, as the date for the public hearing and consideration of the final FY27 budget.

New Business

12.01 Consideration to Approve Student Transportation Lease

The Board approved a five-year lease-purchase agreement for replacement school buses, allowing the district to spread the cost over multiple years rather than using current cash reserves for the full purchase.

12.02 Presentation of Sycamore FY27 Tentative Budget and Establishment of a Hearing Date

The Board reviewed the FY27 tentative budget, which projects approximately $74.17 million in revenue and $74.11 million in expenditures. The Board discussed fund balances, financial priorities, and continued monitoring of district finances.

12.03 Consideration to Approve Resolution to Adopt Sycamore FY27 Tentative Budget and Establishment of a Hearing Date

The Board approved the FY27 tentative budget and established Monday, September 28, 2026, as the date for the public budget hearing and consideration of the final budget.

12.04 Consideration to Approve Agreement for Insurance Consulting and Services

The Board approved a 60-day agreement with Keppel Consulting to provide additional expertise related to the district’s employee health insurance program, including plan design, stop-loss coverage, and potential cost-saving opportunities.

Stay Connected

You can view the full agenda and attachments from the meeting on Diligent Community. You can also view the full recording on [YouTube].