A Financial Update from Maercker D60 - Feb. 6, 2026

Maercker D60 Community,

I am writing to share an update following the special meeting of the Board of Education held on February 4, and to provide clarity on where we are in our financial planning process as we look ahead to the 2026-27 school year.

As I have shared in previous communications and presentations, District 60 is facing ongoing financial challenges driven by rising expenditures, state funding pressures, and the continued use of financial reserves to meet our commitments to students and the community. While we have taken steps in recent years to control costs and protect classroom instruction, additional action is necessary to ensure the district’s long-term financial stability.

I want to begin by again thanking the many community members who have engaged in this process and shared feedback. Your questions and perspectives have been meaningful and have helped inform the work moving forward.

At the February 4 special meeting, the Board of Education reviewed and discussed a set of recommendations intended to address next year’s projected shortfall while remaining focused on student needs.

Following discussion, the Board reached consensus to move forward with several recommendations, including:

Creating additional in-district self-contained special education programming
Making minor adjustments to elementary class size targets
Reimagining intervention supports
Realigning student supervision services
Administrative restructuring

The Board also requested additional information and analysis before moving forward with potential changes related to fifth grade band and late bus service. Staff will continue to explore options, including alternative performance opportunities to showcase talents and learning at the intermediate level and a closer review of late bus transportation routes and ridership.

If you have not yet shared your thoughts, I encourage you to do so ahead of the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17. Community input remains an important part of this process, and we are committed to keeping families informed and engaged as decisions are considered.

The D60 Financial Information Hub will continue to be updated with additional resources, presentation materials, and videos as they become available.

Our district exists to provide exceptional learning experiences for our Wildcats, and that commitment remains at the center of this work. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we plan responsibly for the future of Maercker D60.

Dr. Sean Nugent
Superintendent