Dupage Policy Journal

The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education heard some good news at its Sept. 12 meeting.

“We’re in a good position to where we expect to be and things are trending accordingly,” Todd Drafall, assistant superintendent for business for the district, said during the meeting. “In fact, sometimes, you know, a little bit better in some spots.”

Drafall gave the board on updated financial report. He explained a lot of the differences from where they were at in September 2021, though much of it was very similar. The reason property tax revenues was down this year compared to last was that the county switched a deadline in 2021, meaning the number from 2021 reflected 13 months while the number in 2022 reflected only 11.

Drafall explained that there was a large increase in the supplies expense this year, with $2.4 million being spent, but $1.6 million of it was on a large purchase of new iPads for the district. He also explained that they had received a federal grant for a large portion of that technology purchase, which would be reflected in the next month’s report because it had just been given to the district.

The one action item that the board would be voting on was further explained. The board was voting on the order of the top three firms for potential contracts in various school improvements. The top three were chosen out of a total of nine, five of which were thoroughly interviewed. If the top choice cannot come to a fair agreement in negotiations, they would move on to the next choice.

The board will meet again at 7 p.m. on Oct. 11 at O’Neill Middle School on 635 59th St. in Downers Grove.