During item 7b, the Superintendent led a discussion on district finances and a potential referendum, and the Board agreed that District 45 will move forward with a referendum in November 2026. The Director of Communications & Community Engagement also presented communication ideas for this November 2026 referendum, indicating early-stage planning for both the financial strategy and community outreach. This signals a significant upcoming funding initiative that will shape future capital projects, program expansions, and potentially technology or facilities investments, depending on how the referendum is structured. Vendors in facilities, security, curriculum, and EdTech can engage early to understand district priorities and help shape project lists that are compelling to voters and implementable after passage, as well as support community engagement and messaging around specific investments.

Details of the referendum scope, whether capital, operating, or both, are not in the minutes and lik...