The Elgin-based U-46 School Board approved a $963 million budget this week that increases teacher staffing, extends elementary school hours and funds major construction projects to modernize classrooms and improve learning across the district.
U-46 Board approves FY2026 budget
The U-46 Board of Education approved its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, totaling $963.2 million in expenditures and projecting $819.4 million in revenues, according to U-46.org.
Local property taxes remain the district’s main funding source, supplemented by about $306 million in state support through Illinois’ Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula. Of that, approximately $4.8 million represents new dollars this year.
The budget includes about $186 million in capital expenditures under the Unite U-46 initiative, ensuring continued funding for previously approved construction and renovation projects. That means the new middle school being built in Elgin, the expansions at Kimball and Kenyon Woods middle schools, and improvements at elementary schools such as Century Oaks, Illinois Park and Glenbrook will move forward as planned, according to U-46.org and the Daily Herald.
The budget reflects U-46’s ongoing Unite U-46 capital initiative, which includes major construction and renovation projects, such as the new middle school in Elgin, as well as expansions at Kimball and Kenyon Woods middle schools and updates at several elementary schools.
Roughly 59% of district spending — about $564 million — goes toward salaries and benefits. That total reflects maintaining the addition of about 100 new elementary teachers hired for the 2025-26 school year to support the extended elementary school day and expanded coursework. That includes adding 100 elementary teachers this year to support a longer school day and expanded courses in digital literacy, health, science and physical education. The staffing levels and programs introduced this school year are sustained in the FY2026 budget, not newly added again, according to U-46.org.
The district’s ending fund balance is projected at $821 million, down about $54 million from last year due to planned capital spending. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ann Williams said the district remains on solid financial footing. “This strong fiscal solvency and commitment to equity ensures the district can withstand financial pressures at every level while continuing to invest in students and schools,” she said in a district release.
Earlier this fall, the U-46 Financial Services department received national recognition for transparency, earning both the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International, U-46.org reported.
Glenbrook Elementary renovation proposed
On Wednesday, Oct. 1, the Streamwood Village Board reviewed a major renovation plan for Glenbrook Elementary School. The proposal includes a complete overhaul of instructional areas, construction of a new six-room wing for preschool, a courtyard addition and redesigned hallways to improve lighting and movement throughout the building, according to the Daily Herald.
If approved, construction would begin in early 2026, and Glenbrook students would temporarily attend Hanover Countryside Elementary during the 2026-27 school year. This project is part of the district’s broader effort to shift sixth grade to middle schools and repurpose elementary buildings to focus on younger learners, the Daily Herald reported.
District leaders say the updates will address long-standing layout issues — many classrooms currently lack direct natural light, and some areas require passing through one room to reach another. The estimated project cost is roughly $30 million. Parents in the Glenbrook attendance area can expect more information from U-46 in the coming months about relocation plans and construction timelines.
Board of Education honors Special Olympics athlete
The U-46 Board of Education recently recognized Nathan Scholl, a junior at Bartlett High School, for his outstanding performance at the Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games. Scholl won gold medals in both the 25-meter backstroke and the 25-meter freestyle, competing for the Blue Stars, U-46’s Special Olympics team, according to U-46.org.
Coach Brooke McGrath described him as “a true team player” who uplifts others and models sportsmanship. The board presented Nathan with an Accent on Achievement certificate during its Sept. 22 meeting. “It’s such an honor to be here,” he told board members after receiving the award.
For families, moments like this highlight the district’s commitment to celebrating student achievements beyond academics, reflecting values of inclusion and encouragement for all learners.
What parents should know next:
Families in the Glenbrook area can expect relocation details early next year. The next U-46 board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at the U-46 Welcome Center in Elgin, 1019 E Chicago St. Updates and meeting materials will be posted at U-46.org.
All information in this story was verified using sources published in 2025, including the Daily Herald and U-46.org.
