TTHS D205 approves ‘balanced’ final budget and projects $3.2 million operating surplus
Thornton Township High School District 205 finalized its 2027 fiscal year budget at approximately $143.7 million. Superintendent Nathaniel Cunningham, Jr. described the district as being in its “strongest financial position” to date.
The Thornton Township High School District 205 board approved its 2027 fiscal year budget during its Sept. 9 meeting, foreseeing a $3.2 million surplus in operating funds.
Shelia Johnson, assistant superintendent of finance and operations, presented a breakdown of the total budget. Unlike the preliminary budget, the final budget breakdown excluded capital project funds and bond proceeds and transfers.
The budget starts with a $140.5 million balance and projects an ending balance of approximately $143.7 million. Operating revenues and expenditures show $178.6 million and $175.5 million, respectively, projecting an operating surplus of about $3.2 million. Johnson said there were no changes to budgeted figures following a review by the finance and facilities committee.
“Approximately $32 million is budgeted for capital improvements, funded primarily through bond proceeds,” Johnson said as she presented a stand-alone breakdown of the capital projects fund. The starting fund balance is about $7.3 million and projects an ending balance of approximately $5.3 million.
“District administration is presenting a balanced operating budget for FY2027,” Johnson said, concluding her presentation.
During his report, Superintendent Nathaniel Cunningham, Jr. said District 205 is in its “strongest financial position” after conducting an assessment with the district’s financial advisor over the summer.
“Our financial conversations are no longer familiar about instability, emergencies, or how we’re going to make it through to the next challenge,” Cunningham said. “Today, our conversations are about how we responsibly use financial strength to create long-term assets while protecting the district’s operating stability for the next generation.”
New business
The board approved three transportation agreements for the 2026-27 school year to serve students attending out-of-district programs and students with specialized transportation needs.
The first agreement was with R&W Transportation for out-of-district therapeutic transportation. Standard transportation for routes under 20 miles costs $50 to $100 one-way, plus mileage and bus aide costs when required. Wheelchair transportation costs $250 to $350 one-way, plus applicable mileage. Estimated round-trip costs range from $500 to $750 for standard transportation and $500 to $700 for wheelchair transportation, plus applicable mileage and bus aide costs.
The board also approved an agreement with Abundant Living Transportation for out-of-district therapeutic settings and McKinney-Vento students. Wheelchair transportation costs $150 one-way, with an estimated round-trip cost of approximately $300. McKinney-Vento transportation carries a $25 base rate plus $5.50 per mile, with an estimated round-trip base cost of $50 plus mileage.
A third agreement was approved with Visions Transportation for out-of-district therapeutic settings and McKinney-Vento transportation, including transportation between the district and therapeutic settings twice weekly.
Standard transportation costs $375 one-way, while wheelchair transportation costs $325 one-way. Estimated round-trip costs are approximately $650 for standard transportation and $750 for wheelchair transportation. A bus aide costs an additional $80 when required. McKinney-Vento transportation is charged at $2.37 per mile, with total costs varying based on mileage.
Associate Superintendent Jerry Doss presented the first reading of the PRESS Plus policy update for Issue 122. The policies will remain available for review at the district office until the next meeting for the board’s final approval.
A moment of silence for Charissa Berrini
The board held a moment of silence for Charissa Berrini, assistant principal at Thornton Township High School, who passed away Sunday, Sept. 6. The district announced Berrini’s death the next day on its official Facebook page, remembering her for her “warmth, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our school community.”
Berrini was the sister of Fred Bilotto, a math teacher at Thornwood High School and mayor of Blue Island. She was also the sister-in-law of Stephanie Bilotto, assistant to the district superintendent.
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