Finance Committee Meeting

4 Monday, July 21, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting Round Lake Area School District - CUSD #116 Board of Education Round Lake High School Library 6:00 PM 800 High School Drive Round Lake, IL 60073 Phone: 847-270-9300 1. MEETING OPENING Subject A. Call Meeting to Order Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 1. MEETING OPENING Type Procedural File Attachments Subject B. Roll Call of Committee Members Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 1. MEETING OPENING Type Procedural File Attachments 2. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES Subject A. Approval of Meeting Minutes Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 2. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES Type Action, Minutes, Procedural Recommended Action Motion to Approve the Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025. Minutes View Minutes for Jun 16, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to Approve the Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025. Motion by Kevin Devera, second by Annette Negrete McGinley. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Subject A. CDW Agreement for Palo Alto Panorama through the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Kozic) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract - The Technology and Innovation department currently runs the district’s network on four Palo Alto firewalls. We have been searching for a way to streamline management and uphold the highest standards of security across all our firewalls. We wish to enter into an agreement with CDW for the implementation of a unified firewall management solution, specifically Palo Alto Panorama. Palo Alto Panorama provides centralized management for all of the district’s firewalls, allowing our IT team to control security policies, monitor traffic, and respond to threats from a single interface. This eliminates the need to configure each firewall individually and ensures consistent protection across all school sites. Panorama also streamlines reporting and incident response by aggregating logs and alerts into one unified view, significantly improving both efficiency and security posture. This project is part of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Cybersecurity Pilot Program, a competitive national initiative launched in 2024 to strengthen the digital defenses of K–12 institutions across the United States. Over 2,700 applicants collectively requested more than $3.7 billion in funding; only a fraction were selected to share the limited $200 million pool. Our district was awarded nearly the full amount of our $270,000 request making us one of the few districts nationwide chosen to pilot cybersecurity infrastructure at scale. We requested proposals through E-Rate which is what the FCC is using to run this program and, based on the highest evaluation, the attached CDW proposal was selected. The same rules apply for this unique program as for E-Rate, our District is eligible for a 90% reimbursement. The District’s remaining portion will be funded from the Technology and Innovation department budget. This memo is for information purposes only. Background - Recognizing the increasing sophistication of cyber threats facing school districts, our team submitted an application to the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program in 2024. The program is designed to evaluate the impact of federally supported cybersecurity services in schools and libraries, with an emphasis on long-term policy formation. Our application focused on three areas of critical need, including centralized firewall management. After a thorough competitive bidding process, CDW was selected for a 3-year agreement to implement Palo Alto’s Panorama platform, which will allow for centralized, simplified, and secure management as well as support of all district firewalls. Request - We are informing the Board of Education of the proposal which we intend to bring to the July 21, 2025 Board of Education regular meeting for approval. The proposal is attached and includes a 3-year agreement with CDW for Palo Alto Panorama. Rationale - Panorama enables district-wide visibility, policy control, and threat response from a single platform, helping us proactively defend against network-based attacks. The CDW proposal offered a best-in-class solution at a deeply discounted rate, thanks to our participation in the FCC’s pilot. With 90% of the total cost covered by the federal grant, this initiative allows us to deploy enterprise-grade security tools at minimal cost to the district—an exceptional opportunity to strengthen our cyber readiness with long-term benefits. Connection to Strategic Plan - Theme F: Securing the Future Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source - The total cost for the agreement is $15,000.00. The district would pay 10% of this cost which would result in $1,500.00. The District’s portion will be funded from the Technology and Innovation Department budget. Recommendation - Administration would like to inform the Board of Education prior to entering into the aforementioned agreement with CDW for Palo Alto Panorama through the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program. Therefore, the Administration is respectfully requesting the Board of Education Finance Committee review and support the approval of the attached agreement. Approval will be requested at the July 21, 2025 Regular Board of Education meeting. File Attachments CPP CBR420250349 Unified Firewall - CDW Panorama.pdf (3,510 KB) Subject B. CDW Agreement for Palo Alto Cortex XDR through the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Kozic) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract The Technology and Innovation department implemented our current endpoint security suite back in 2022 with our fleet of Windows and MacOS devices. It has served us well but we are always looking at ways to improve our security practices and our end user experience. The district wishes to enter into an agreement with CDW for the implementation of Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solution. Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR (Extended Detection and Response) is a cybersecurity tool that detects, investigates, and stops threats across a school district’s entire network — including computers, servers, and cloud systems. It protects students, staff, and systems by analyzing data from multiple sources to quickly find and block cyberattacks like malware, ransomware, or unauthorized access. It also meshes really well with our Palo Alto Firewalls to provide a full circle approach to security. This project is part of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Cybersecurity Pilot Program, a competitive national initiative launched in 2024 to strengthen the digital defenses of K–12 institutions across the United States. Over 2,700 applicants collectively requested more than $3.7 billion in funding; only a fraction were selected to share the limited $200 million pool. Our district was awarded nearly the full amount of our $270,000 request making us one of the few districts nationwide chosen to pilot cybersecurity infrastructure at scale. We requested proposals through E-Rate which is what the FCC is using to run this program and, based on the highest evaluation, the attached CDW proposal was selected. The same rules apply for this unique program as for E-Rate, our District is eligible for a 90% reimbursement. The District’s remaining portion will be funded from the Technology and Innovation department budget. This memo is for information purposes only. Background Our cybersecurity team identified advanced threat detection and response capabilities as a top priority during the FCC pilot application process. As schools increasingly face ransomware, phishing, and other targeted attacks, having a solution that monitors endpoints, correlates events, and enables fast, automated response is essential. Through the pilot program’s competitive bidding requirements, CDW emerged as the best-qualified vendor, proposing Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex XDR solution—an integrated, AI-powered platform that consolidates data across users, endpoints, and the network for superior visibility and control. Request We are informing the Board of Education of the proposal which we intend to bring to the July 21, 2025 Board of Education regular meeting for approval. The proposal is attached and includes a 2-year agreement with CDW for Palo Alto Cortex XDR Solution. Rationale The Cortex XDR solution strengthens our district’s cybersecurity posture by unifying endpoint, network, and cloud data to detect, investigate, and respond to sophisticated attacks quickly. It is a modern, scalable platform capable of meeting the needs of a distributed school environment. With 90% of the total cost covered by the federal grant, this initiative allows us to deploy enterprise-grade security tools at minimal cost to the district—an exceptional opportunity to strengthen our cyber readiness with long-term benefits. Connection to Strategic Plan Theme F: Securing the Future Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source The total cost for the 2-year agreement is $129,685.00. The district would pay 10% of this cost which would result in $12,968.50. The District’s portion will be funded from the Technology and Innovation Department budget. Recommendation Administration would like to inform the Board of Education prior to entering into the aforementioned agreement with CDW Agreement for Palo Alto Cortex XDR through the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program. Therefore, the Administration is respectfully requesting the Board of Education Finance Committee review and support the approval of the attached agreement. Approval will be requested at the July 21, 2025 Regular Board of Education meeting. File Attachments CPP CBR420250348 EDR- CDW Palo Alto Cortex.pdf (3,260 KB) Subject C. CDW Agreement for Abnormal Email Security through the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Kozic) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract The Technology and Innovation department introduced KnowBe4 back in 2020 to help educate our staff against email threats. The department runs simulated phishing campaigns and provides training alongside our GCN training in the Fall. Over the years, email threats have become more sophisticated and dangerous. For this reason the department determined it was time to take the next step in email security. We wish to enter an agreement with CDW to implement an advanced, AI-powered email security solution from Abnormal Security. Abnormal Email Security is an AI-powered platform that protects against advanced email threats like phishing, impersonation, and account takeovers by analyzing behavior and communication patterns. It detects suspicious emails that traditional filters often miss, helping keep staff and student data secure. This project is part of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Cybersecurity Pilot Program, a competitive national initiative launched in 2024 to strengthen the digital defenses of K–12 institutions across the United States. Over 2,700 applicants collectively requested more than $3.7 billion in funding; only a fraction were selected to share the limited $200 million pool. Our district was awarded nearly the full amount of our $270,000 request making us one of the few districts nationwide chosen to pilot cybersecurity infrastructure at scale. We requested proposals through E-Rate which is what the FCC is using to run this program and, based on the highest evaluation, the attached CDW proposal was selected. The same rules apply for this unique program as for E-Rate, our District is eligible for a 90% reimbursement. The District’s remaining portion will be funded from the Technology and Innovation department budget. This memo is for information purposes only. Background Email remains the number one threat vector for cyberattacks against schools, and traditional filtering solutions often fall short against evolving, socially engineered threats. Our application to the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program included a request for next-generation email security that could intelligently adapt to complex threats. CDW was selected through a competitive procurement process to provide Abnormal Security’s AI-driven platform, which offers behavioral analysis, anomaly detection, and real-time protection for Microsoft 365 environments. Abnormal’s cloud-native solution was purpose-built to detect advanced threats like business email compromise, account takeovers, and credential phishing—making it an ideal fit for our district’s needs. Request We are informing the Board of Education of the proposal which we intend to bring to the July 21, 2025 Board of Education regular meeting for approval. The proposal is attached and includes a 3-year agreement with CDW for Abnormal Email Security. Rationale This solution provides proactive defense against increasingly complex and targeted cyber threats, including phishing campaigns that are not typically caught by traditional filters. Leveraging AI and behavioral analytics, Abnormal Security continuously evaluates email and collaboration traffic to detect anomalous behavior and prevent compromise. With 90% of the total cost covered by the federal grant, this initiative allows us to deploy enterprise-grade security tools at minimal cost to the district—an exceptional opportunity to strengthen our cyber readiness with long-term benefits. Connection to Strategic Plan Theme F: Securing the Future Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source The total cost for the 3-year agreement is $101,250.00. The district would pay 10% of this cost which would result in $10,125.00. The District’s portion will be funded from the Technology and Innovation Department budget. Recommendation Administration would like to inform the Board of Education prior to entering into the aforementioned agreement with CDW for Abnormal Email Security through the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program. Therefore, the Administration is respectfully requesting the Board of Education Finance Committee review and support the approval of the attached agreement. Approval will be requested at the July 21, 2025 Regular Board of Education meeting. File Attachments CPP CBR420250326 Email Filtering - CDW Abnormal.pdf (2,790 KB) Subject D. Finance: Independent Contractor Agreement: Ahmad Mshaiel (Apgar) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract Administration respectfully requests the Finance Committee to review and support an Independent Contractor Agreement with Mr. Ahmad Mshaiel to provide braille instruction and assistive technology training. This request will result in expenditures not to exceed $3,300 and will be budgeted to Special Education funds. This memo is for informational purposes only. An official request will be made to the Board of Education at the July 21, 2025 Regular meeting. Background A visually impaired student has been learning braille and learning to use assistive technology for educational and mobility purposes. The provision of services by Mr. Mshaiel will provide continuity of braille and assistive technology instruction throughout the summer months. Request Administration respectfully requests to enter into an Independent Contract Agreement with Mr. Ahmad Mshaiel to provide braille and assistive technology instruction. Rationale This independent contractor agreement will allow for continuity of instruction in braille and assistive technology. Connection to Strategic Plan Meeting the Unique Needs of Learners, Thrive. Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source This request will result in expenditures not to exceed $3,300 and will be budgeted to Special Education funds. Recommendation This memo is for informational purposes only. Administration will request approval from the Board of Education at the July 21, 2025 Regular meeting. File Attachments Independent Contractor Agreement Ahmad Mshaiel.pdf (1,242 KB) Subject E. Finance: Request for 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant at the Early Education Center (Apgar) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract Administration respectfully requests the Finance Committee to review and support the increase of a 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant at the Early Education Center. This request will result in an increase in expenditures in the amount of $56,339 and will be budgeted to IDEA Grant funds. This memo is for informational purposes only. Administration will request approval from the Board of Education at the August 4, 2025 Regular meeting. Background Enrollment at the Early Education Center (EEC) is nuanced as students become eligible for services the day they turn three years old. In addition, over the past three years, the EEC has experienced an increased number of students presenting with significant special education needs. These factors, in addition to special education eligible students who move into the District, have resulted in the need to open an additional Instructional classroom at the EEC. Request Administration respectfully requests the addition of a 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant to provide support for students in the Instructional classroom at the EEC. Rationale Given the significant needs presented by students in the Instructional classroom, the assistance and support of the Teaching Assistant is critical to allow these students to access their education in the least restrictive environment. Considerations An Instructional classroom is staffed by a Teacher and two Teaching Assistants. Administration was able to capture a Teacher and a Teaching Assistant by collapsing a classroom at Indian Hill Elementary after three students moved out of the District. The need for a 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant remains. Connection to Strategic Plan Theme B: Meeting the Unique needs of learners, Engage. Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source This request will result in expenditures in the amount of $56,339 for a 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant. Expenditures related to this request will be budgeted to IDEA Grant funds. Recommendation This memo is for informational purposes only. Administration will request formal approval for a 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant at the August 4, 2025 Regular meeting. File Attachments Subject F. 2025-26 School Resource Officer IGA with Village of Round Lake (Fink) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract The District is interested in continuing the relationship with the Round Lake Police Department for the provided service of a school resource officer (SRO). The District is recommending the approval of the IGA with the Village of Round Lake for the School Resource Officer at the Round Lake Senior High School. Background The school resource officer assists the school administration, staff, and students in multiple ways to ensure successful daily operations of Round Lake High School. Supervision of common areas, lunchroom, and the hallways to assure students are following school rules and to respond to incidents that may be occurring during passing periods. Explains possible legal consequences to parents and students on behavioral code violations to parents and students. Assists with perimeter checks. Communicates with building administration about an incident which occurred in the community and affects the school. Serves as a liaison between school administration and local government agencies. Acts as an educational resource to staff when they cover topics that impact staff and students. Building administrators will consult with the SRO on court documents when they have an impact on school safety. Will help coordinate efforts with the school and police agency on traffic control concerns. Collaborate with building administrators when conducting drills (fire, tornado, and lockdown drills). The SRO will be a member of the Threat Assessment Team for the Round Lake High School. The SRO position has been an important resource for the high school administration since 1995. An officer will stay in the position for 3-5 years, this length of tenure ensures the SRO will build partnerships within the school. Request The administration is requesting the Board of Education Finance Committee discuss the approval the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Round Lake for the school resource officer. As the high school is located within the jurisdiction of the Village of Round Lake the SRO is a member of the Round Lake Police Department. The relationship with the school district and the police department continues to be collaborative and positive with the addition of the SRO and the Director Crisis and Safety. Rationale The building administration and the district administration are pleased with the positive partnership the SRO brings to the school community. The building administration and the SRO work together to ensure a safe learning environment for staff and students. He will supervise the building common areas making himself visible and approachable to everyone. The SRO works on building a positive relationship with students and staff as he is doing supervision. While he is walking the building, he is constantly checking for unauthorized personnel and any safety hazard he comes across. The SRO will communicate with the building administration and the Director of Crisis and Safety when any event occurs in the community that may impact the school. The SRO will assist staff when he or she conducts home visits. He will also help explain to students and parents the possible legal consequences on specific behavioral infractions. In addition, the SRO works with the building administration to be a liaison between the school and outside government agencies (ex. other law enforcement agencies and DCFS). The building administration will communicate with the SRO when they receive court documents, and he will assist with interpreting the documents if the building administration needs clarification. When a student is in crisis, he will assist with the building administration when they ask for his service. The SRO will actively take part in the school community by attending events outside of the school day. He will be available to students, when reporting criminal matters that occurred outside of the school or have concerns within specific areas (physical abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, problems at home, and threats). Considerations The District administration and the building administration will continue to work with the Round Lake Police Department to develop a strong relationship with the school resource officer. Connection to Strategic Plan Theme F: Securing the Future Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source The Village of Round Lake Police Department is charging the District $85,000.00 annually to be paid out in four equal apartments quarterly (October, February, April, June). The District will be responsible for any additional details requested by the District for extra school related activities at the rate of $92.00/hour. The Village will provide a bill on a monthly basis for extra school related activities. Recommendation Administration respectfully requests the Finance Committee's support of this agreement in preparation for requesting full Board approval at the August 4, 2025 Regular Board of Education meeting. File Attachments SRO IGA RLPD 2025-26 Final 7.14.25.pdf (155 KB) Subject G. 2025-26 School Resource Officer IGA with the Village of Round Lake Heights (Fink) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract The District is interested in continuing the relationship with the Round Lake Heights Police Department for the provided service of a school resource officer (SRO). A formal request to approve the IGA will be presented at the July 21, 2025 and August 4, 2025 meetings. Background The school resource officer assists the school administration, staff, and students in multiple ways to ensure successful daily operations of Round Lake Middle School. Supervision of common areas, lunchroom, and the hallways to assure students are following school rules and to respond to incidents that may be occurring during passing periods. Explains possible legal consequences to parents and students on behavioral code violations to parents and students. Assists with perimeter checks. Communicates with building administration about an incident which occurred in the community and affects the school. Serves as a liaison between school administration and local government agencies. Acts as an educational resource to staff when they cover topics that impact staff and students. Building administrators will consult with the SRO on court documents when they have an impact on school safety. Will help coordinate efforts with the school and police agency on traffic control concerns. Collaborate with building administrators when conducting drills (fire, tornado, and lockdown drills). The SRO will be a member of the Threat Assessment Team for the Round Lake Middle School. The SRO position has been an important addition to the Round Lake Middle School. Although the position is new to the Round Lake Middle School, it has already had an impact on the school community. The current officer will stay in the position and this will be the officer's 3rd year as the SRO. Request The administration is requesting the Board of Education approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Round Lake Heights for the school resource officer. As Round Lake Middle School is located within the jurisdiction of the Village of Round Lake Heights the SRO is a member of the Round Lake Heights Police Department. The relationship with the school district and the police department continues to be collaborative and positive with the addition of the SRO and the Director Crisis and Safety. Rationale The building administration and the district administration are pleased with the positive partnership the SRO brings to the school community. The building administration and the SRO work together to ensure a safe learning environment for staff and students. He will supervise the building's common areas making himself visible and approachable to everyone. The SRO works on building a positive relationship with students and staff as he is doing supervision. While he is walking the building, he is constantly checking for unauthorized personnel and any safety hazard he comes across. The SRO will communicate with the building administration and the Director of Crisis and Safety when any event occurs in the community that may impact the school. The SRO will assist staff when he or she conducts home visits. He will also help explain to students and parents the possible legal consequences on specific behavioral infractions. In addition, the SRO works with the building administration to be a liaison between the school and outside government agencies (ex. other law enforcement agencies and DCFS). The building administration will communicate with the SRO when they receive court documents, and he will assist with interpreting the documents if the building administration needs clarification. When a student is in crisis, he will assist with the building administration when they ask for his service. The SRO will actively take part in the school community by attending events outside of the school day. He will be available to students, when reporting criminal matters that occurred outside of the school or have concerns within specific areas (physical abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, problems at home, and threats). Considerations The District administration and the building administration will continue to work with the Round Lake Heights Police Department to develop a strong relationship with the school resource officer. Connection to Strategic Plan Theme F: Securing the Future Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source The Village of Round Lake Heights Police Department is charging the District $61,000.00 annually to be paid out in four equal apartments quarterly (October, February, April, June). The District will be responsible for any additional details requested by the District for extra school related activities at the rate of $44.00/hour. The Village will provide a bill on a monthly basis for extra school related activities. Recommendation Administration respectfully requests the Finance Committee's support of this agreement in preparation for requesting full Board approval at the August 4, 2025 Regular Board of Education meeting. File Attachments SRO IGA RLHPD Final 25_26 7.14.25.pdf (3,175 KB) Subject H. Social Media Management Tool - Iconosquare (LeBlanc) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract Administration proposes entering into a 1-Year agreement with Iconosquare for social media management , beginning in 2025-26. Background The District currently utilizes Loomly for its social media management. This tool has not been efficient in gathering accurate analytics or posting consistently. Loomly also does not have in-person support available to help troubleshoot issues. After demos with a few social media management platforms, we found that Iconosquare offered the features we were looking for and more to support our district staff and webmasters in maximizing our social media reach. For analytics, Loomly offers the number of: Posts published, total likes, total reach, organic reach, new likes, unlikes, impressions and video views. Iconosquare offers: Engagement, Community Data (this includes demographics of followers), Reach, Views, Mentions Performance, Group Performance (when grouping several profiles), Follower numbers per day, Follower Evolution, and Follower Growth. Request The current Loomly contract is scheduled to expire on July 16, 2025. The Communications Department is requesting that RLAS-116 does not renew this contract and instead pursues a contract with Iconosquare starting at the time of signing. Rationale The District has contracted with Loomly on a one-year contract for several years. During that time, there have been issues with connecting accounts, posts continuously failing, and analytics being unavailable and difficult to determine. Iconosquare allows users to share posts and allows not only the scheduling of regular posts, but also stories, reposts, comments, videos/reels and TikToks. Loomly often fails to publish videos and does not allow scheduling of additional features such as comments, stories or reposts. These are things that district staff and webmasters do often and do manually by logging into the individual Facebook/Instagram account, which some do not want to do as they would have to connect their person accounts to have access to the school/district page. Iconosquare also has features such as AI inspiration to generate ideas and captions as well as a group calendar to remind webmasters of important dates and holidays and allows users to tag accounts in posts or invite collaborators. Considerations Administration is requesting the approval of a 1-year agreement. The one-year timeline allows us to ensure that the tool works for our district and our webmasters. This is an increased cost from Loomly's $1,614. This is due to the increased functionality we would receive with Iconosquare , in addition to additional support including a dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM) whose role is to understand our accounts and needs, help us fix problems, and even offer training. Currently, with Loomly, you cannot speak to anyone for support over email or phone. You can only get help through an AI bot. Iconosquare is a German-based company. We have received written confirmation that as of now, Iconosquare pricing is not impacted by tariffs. Iconosquare does work with school districts in the US, but none around us. While districts were provided by our Iconosquare representative, administration was unable to reach staff directly responsible for working with the tool. Online user ratings toward Iconosquare are very positive. Across various platforms, it earns strong ratings between 4.4 and 4.7 out of 5. Users consistently praise its intuitive interface, powerful analytics, competitor tracking, and scheduling tools, with many describing it as a reliable solution for reporting and post management. Reviewers highlight its value for both individual users and teams needing clear, client-ready insights. While most feedback is favorable, some users mention occasional support delays, auto-publishing issues, and API limitations, particularly with Instagram. Despite these minor concerns, Iconosquare is broadly regarded as a user-friendly and feature-rich platform, especially valued for its customized dashboards and "best time to post" suggestions. Connection to Strategic Plan This request aligns directly with Strategic Plan Goal D.1. Parent, Community, and School Partnerships: Continue current efforts to communicate both internally and externally, with emphasis on 1) streamlining communications, 2) proactively sharing the District’s academic and financial successes, 3) outreach to the many diverse community groups, and 4) transparency Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source The cost of the 1-year agreement (2025-26) is: 2025-2026: $3,492 This is the cost for 30 social profiles (Facebook and Instagram are considered separate profiles for each school) and 15 users with a nonprofit discount. The annual cost will be paid out of the Communications budget. Recommendation Administration is seeking review and support from the Finance Committee in recommending that the Board of Education approve a 1-year contract with Iconosquare in the amount of $3,492 at its July 21 meeting. File Attachments Quote 1002271JE- (1).pdf (54 KB) Subject I. FY26 Adult Meal Pricing (Ambs-Soule) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract - Each year, adult meal prices must be set based on federal guidelines to ensure compliance with USDA and state requirements. In schools operating under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), where all students eat for free, the USDA requires that adult meal prices be set high enough to cover the full cost of the meal, including the value of government-provided food assistance. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Agriculture mandates that adult meals be priced at least $0.50 higher than the free student reimbursement rate. This $0.50 amount is based on the estimated annual value of USDA commodity support and meal certification incentives, and is recalculated each year. For the 2025–2026 school year, the District’s adult meal prices must be updated to comply with these rules and to reflect current federal reimbursement rates. Background - Round Lake Area Schools Community School District #116 operates under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), offering meals at no cost to all students. CEP schools do not charge students for meals and are exempt from setting traditional student meal prices. However, adult meals—including those served to staff and visitors—are not eligible for federal reimbursement and must be priced to fully recover the cost of the meal. Per USDA Food and Nutrition Service Instruction 782-5 Rev. 1 and ISBE guidance, adult meal prices must include the full federal reimbursement rate plus the value of USDA entitlement and bonus commodities. This total is approximated by adding $0.50 to the free reimbursement rate, an amount derived each year based on federal support levels. For the 2024–2025 school year, the USDA free reimbursement rates were: Lunch: $4.54 Breakfast: $2.84 Based on this, minimum adult meal pricing for the 2025–2026 school year must be: Adult Lunch: $5.04 or higher Adult Breakfast: $3.34 or higher Request - Administration recommends Board approval of the following adult meal prices for the 2025–2026 school year: Adult Breakfast: $3.35 Adult Lunch: $5.05 These prices meet or exceed the minimum required pricing thresholds and reflect responsible financial stewardship. Rationale - Adult meals are not federally reimbursed. Pricing must be sufficient to recover all food, labor, and overhead costs, and must include the value of USDA commodities. Setting prices below the required threshold results in noncompliance and may subject the District to fiscal penalties or audit findings. Updated pricing ensures that the food service fund remains self-sustaining and compliant with all applicable rules. Considerations - Pricing must be reviewed annually and adjusted as USDA reimbursement rates and commodity values change. Federal and state law prohibit the use of student meal reimbursement funds to subsidize adult meals. Rounded pricing allows for ease of collection and accommodates minor food cost fluctuations. Connection to Strategic Plan - Theme E: Securing the Future Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source - There are no direct costs associated with this resolution. Adult meals are paid directly by the individuals who consume them and are deposited into the Food Service Fund. Pricing reflects a full-cost recovery model, as required by USDA and ISBE. These prices comply with USDA Food and Nutrition Service Instruction 782-5 Rev. 1, ISBE guidance, 105 ILCS 125 (School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act), and Board Policy 4:120 – Food Services. Recommendation - The Administration is seeking review and support from the Finance Committee in recommending that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution Establishing Adult Meal Prices for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as presented and authorize Administration to execute all associated, necessary documents. File Attachments 2025 0715 DRAFT Resolution Establishing FY26 Adult Meal Prices.pdf (100 KB) Subject J. 2026 RLHS Prom Venue - Grand Geneva (Cacciatore) Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 3. FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ITEMS Type Discussion Abstract - This memo is to inform the Finance Committee of the proposed contract with the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, as the selected venue for the 2026 Round Lake High School Prom, scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Background - The Grand Geneva has been identified as a venue that meets the capacity, safety, and experience standards for a formal event of this nature. The resort offers a secure and high-quality environment, with accommodations for dining, dancing, and student supervision in one centralized location. Round Lake High School has held prom at the Grand Geneva in the past, and the venue has consistently demonstrated professionalism and reliability. Students have responded positively to the elegant setting and overall atmosphere, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience. While we have utilized the Grand Geneva multiple times over the years, we maintain a rotation schedule that alternates prom venues annually. This approach ensures that students do not attend the same location two years in a row, offering variety while still returning to trusted, proven venues. The 2025 prom was held at the Chateau Ritz, so selecting the Grand Geneva for 2026 maintains our rotation and ensures that no class experiences the same venue more than once during their high school years. Returning to the Grand Geneva allows us to take advantage of their consistently high-quality service and student satisfaction, while still honoring our commitment to variety and fairness across graduating classes. Prom Venue History: 2022 - Grand Geneva 2023 - Marriott Lincolnshire 2024 - Grand Geneva 2025 - Chateau Ritz 2026 - Grand Geneva (proposed) Request - We respectfully request that the Finance Committee review the proposed contract and provide support for moving forward with securing the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa as the venue for the 2026 RLHS Prom. Rationale - While we have utilized the Grand Geneva multiple times over the years, we work to maintain a rotation schedule that alternates prom venues annually. This approach ensures that students do not attend the same location two years in a row, offering variety while still returning to trusted, proven venues. The 2025 prom was held at the Chateau Ritz, so selecting the Grand Geneva for 2026 maintains our rotation and ensures that no class experiences the same venue more than once during their high school years. Returning to the Grand Geneva allows us to take advantage of their consistently high-quality service and student satisfaction, while still honoring our commitment to variety and fairness across graduating classes. In addition, we have developed a strong working relationship with the Grand Geneva staff, which has proven beneficial when planning and executing a large-scale event like prom. Their familiarity with our school’s expectations and event structure allows for smoother communication, quicker problem-solving, and a higher level of trust and service. This continuity reduces the learning curve for both parties and helps ensure that every detail—from room setup to dietary accommodations—is handled efficiently and professionally. Considerations - Cost Efficiency: The Grand Geneva offers competitive pricing given its amenities, reputation, and overall value, especially when compared to other regional venues of similar caliber. Student Experience: Past events at this location have consistently received positive feedback from students regarding atmosphere, accessibility, and event quality. Safety and Supervision: The venue’s layout and on-site staff support contribute to strong safety and supervision logistics, which are key priorities for a school-sponsored event. Advance Booking: Securing the venue at this time allows the school to lock in current rates and ensure availability during a high-demand weekend in the spring. Transportation Planning: Students will travel to and from the venue on District buses which helps cut down on the cost. Travel time to the venue is approximately 45 minutes, which has the students on those buses for a short amount of time. Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source - Based on current estimates, we have projected approximately 500 attendees for the 2026 prom. If that number is met, the total cost owed to the Grand Geneva will be $22,500, which includes venue rental, dinner service, and event accommodations. The contract includes a minimum guarantee of $18,000, which corresponds to 400 attendees. This minimum is lower than last year’s attendance of 410 and the previous year’s attendance of 406 (including students and chaperones). Funding for this event will come from the Student Council budget. In addition, the Student Council is planning a series of fundraising activities throughout the 2025–2026 school year to help offset overall costs and reduce the financial burden on students. These efforts aim to lower individual ticket prices and make the event more accessible for all students. The past two years, the ticket cost was $100 per student, and our hope is to reduce that amount for the 2026 prom. Recommendation - Administration respectfully requests the Finance Committee review and support the contract with the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa for the 2026 RLHS Prom. This venue offers an established record of excellence, aligns with the district’s expectations for student safety and experience, and fits within the projected budget with fundraising efforts planned to support affordability. Early approval will secure the venue and allow planning to proceed efficiently and effectively. File Attachments Round Lake High School Prom - 5-2-2026 (4).pdf (119 KB) 4. FINANCE COMMITTEE INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Subject A. BMO PCard Report - June 2025 Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 4. FINANCE COMMITTEE INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Type Information Attached for review is the June 2025 BMO PCard Report. File Attachments JUNE 2025 BMO PCARD REPORT.pdf (120 KB) 5. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING Subject A. Adjournment of Meeting Meeting Jul 21, 2025 - Finance Committee Meeting Category 5. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING Type Procedural The meeting was adjourned at _______ p.m. File Attachments