Board approves summer capital bids, construction management fees and resolution urging Cook County to fix tax billing delays

At the Feb. 19 meeting the Wheeling CCSD 21 Board of Education approved several routine and policy items by recorded voice votes.

Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda, which included 19 Freedom of Information Act requests and board conference and travel expenses totaling $928.34 for attendance at ISB events and advocacy day.

Summer construction and roof repairs: Board members moved and seconded motions to approve bids for the district’s summer 2026 capital projects and for roof repair projects; both motions carried on recorded voice votes with members voting “yes.” The board also approved construction management fees for the projects.

Cook County tax billing resolution: Superintendent Dr. Connolly introduced a resolution calling on the Cook County treasurer and other county officials to resolve systemic tax‑billing issues that have delayed receipts. Dr. Connolly said the district received an additional $2,000,000 that day but still expects $10,000,000 and that the district has incurred an estimated $975,000 loss in interest income because of the delays. Board members framed the shortfall in staffing terms: one trustee observed the lost interest is the equivalent of more than a dozen teachers. The board adopted the resolution unanimously.

Closed session: The board recessed into closed session to discuss personnel and property matters and took no further action in open session.

Motions and recorded outcomes were made on the record; the meeting minutes and posted agenda list the exact items and amounts where applicable.