At its regular meeting on Monday, September 21, held at Plano Middle School, the Plano Community Unit School District 88 Board of Education officially approved the District’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget.
Tim Campbell, Board President, stated, “Responsible financial stewardship means finding the right balance, providing meaningful relief to our taxpayers while continuing to invest in the schools, facilities, and learning environments our students deserve.”
The FY27 budget reflects the four core financial commitments established by the Board of Education to ensure long-term stability and responsible stewardship. These commitments include: taxpayer relief, program continuity, fiscal contingency, and facility enhancements and maintenance.
As part of the annual budget process, the District adopts a property tax levy, which determines the amount of property tax revenue the District requests to support its schools and programs.
As part of the FY27 budget, District 88 plans to abate $2 million in property taxes. By abating these funds, the District will collect $2 million less in property tax revenue, providing direct property tax relief to local taxpayers.
This action continues a long-standing commitment by the Board of Education to balance responsible financial stewardship with relief for our community. Since 2015, the Board has abated nearly $17.5 million in property taxes, reducing the amount collected from local taxpayers while continuing to support the District’s educational and operational priorities.
The approved budget meets the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) criteria for a balanced budget, projecting $50,133,134 in total revenue against $49,577,997 in expenditures. In addition to the $49,577,997, the board is committing an additional $6.3 million to a 8-classroom addition at PH Miller Elementary School that is expected to be completed for the 2027-28 school year.
“Our goal is to be thoughtful with every dollar entrusted to us, reducing the burden on taxpayers, maintaining our facilities, and investing strategically in spaces that directly support our students,” said Chief School Business Official, Luke Baughman.
The FY27 budget includes $1.5 million for ongoing facility maintenance, improvements, and safety upgrades across the District. Projects include roof repairs, ceiling tile replacement, and parking lot enhancements West of the football field at Plano High School, as well as installing automated, accessible door operators at every District school. These investments support the District’s commitment to maintaining safe, accessible, and well-maintained learning environments for students, staff, and the community.
In addition to ongoing facility investments, the Board of Education has budgeted $6.3 million for a 8-classroom addition at P.H. Miller Elementary School. In addition to classroom space the addition will house a new library and cafeteria. Once completed, this addition will enable the district to relocate students currently attending the Plano Early Learning Center (PEL) at the YMCA back to P.H. Miller School.
Superintendent Dr. Tracy Thurwanger states, “The P.H. Miller addition is an investment in our youngest learners and in the future of District 88. This additional space will strengthen our early childhood program, expand opportunities for students and families, and build upon the community partnerships that continue to play an important role in serving our youngest learners.”