Peotone School District has a new board member to replace former President Rick Uthe, who abruptly resigned last month.
The 207-U Board policy states when the president resigns, the vice president assumes the president’s position, making Dawn Love the new president.
But that left an open seat at the table.
After posting the position and interviewing candidates, the board voted to approve the appointment of Robert (Bob) Janeliunas. Board members Tim Stoub and Mark Jones voted no, with the rest of the board voting to approve.
Janeliunas is currently a sitting board member of the Peotone Educational Foundation, which raises money for the district. Janeliunas and his family live in town and have three children in the district. He is an active member of the community.
Janeliunas told The Vedette: ”I am honored to have been appointed to serve on the Peotone School District 207-U Board of Education. As I begin this role, my top priority is to listen, learn, and understand the current challenges and opportunities facing our district. I recognize we are entering a difficult period as we address a significant budget deficit, and I am committed to working collaboratively with fellow board members, administrators, teachers, staff, and our community to find responsible, student-centered solutions.
“I will strive to be a team player and to communicate openly and transparently within the guidelines of our board bylaws. Above all, my decisions always will prioritize the quality of education and support for our staff. I look forward to meeting many community members at our school events and engaging in positive, productive conversations about how we can continue to move our district forward together.
“Together, we can overcome challenges, celebrate our successes, and continue to build a strong future for all Peotone students. Go Big Blue!”
Before the appointment, Business Manager Adrian Fulgencio reviewed the tax levy and bond issuance information.
Because the district is filing for just over 5 percent, it will require a truth in taxation hearing to be held in December. Property Tax Extension Limiting Law limits school districts to 5 percent, or it requires a hearing. The ballooned levy – otherwise known as what they’re asking for – with debt service is $17,653,698. The projected actual is $17,460,386.78. Debt service represents $1,995,825 of that total. The district is requesting a 2.9 percent increase over the 2024 levy, which is in line with CPI (consumer price index).
Fulgencio then proceeded to propose the working cash bond issuance of $4.8 million to cover part of this year’s deficit. The district has $2 million left from the last working cash bond issuance, but still needs an additional $2 million to provide for this year. As proposed, the district would issue the $4.8 million in bonds, at an estimated true interest cost of 5.08 percent and an estimated debt service cost of $6,567,320, with the final debt service payment in 2033. The estimated median home value impact on a $357,000 home would be $92.
Even with issuing the bonds, the district is estimated to be out of money by February 2028 and negative $4.8 million by the end of June 2028. Also, by leveraging the full $4.8 million in bonds, the district will not be able to leverage any more working cash bonds till 2033, when their final debt service payment is made. The debt service extension base will be maxed out through 2032, but if the district does not take any more working cash bonds, they would be debt free in 2034.
Next steps include passage of resolutions of intent and a public hearing at the November monthly board meeting.