Lincoln Way CHSD 210 Board Reviews Textbook, Handbook Changes and Announces Moody's Upgrade

At its April 18 meeting, the Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education received several non-voting updates: a first reading of proposed textbook adoptions, proposed student handbook changes and an update on the district's credit rating.

Administration presented a first reading of textbooks for forensics, geology and American civics (American government) that will be on display for 30 days; the materials will return for board approval following the review period. Staff also presented handbook language changes focused on attendance verbiage (page references given) and said a redlined version will be circulated before the May vote on the handbook for the 2024'25 school year.

Superintendent and business staff reported that Moody's recently upgraded the district's bond rating from A2 to A1, citing bond restructuring and a clean audit. Officials said Moody's acknowledged improved financial metrics; administration plans a press release and noted that further rating improvement likely would require a change from cash-basis to accrual accounting, an option they said would require additional discussion.

The board also received updates from community relations (a community leaders breakfast with about 60 participants), the district advisory (minor edits to excused/unexcused absence documentation) and special education (work to fill open positions). These items were presented for board information and were not subject to a substantive vote at the meeting.