District Pre-Buys Technology to Beat Tariffs, Pays for Major Inspections

Litchfield Board of Education Meeting | February 17, 2026

Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board approved a higher-than-average monthly bill list due to strategic technology purchases and required facility inspections. The district remains in a strong financial position with over $19 million in total fund balances.

Financial Report Key Points:

• Total Bills: The Board approved bills payable totaling approximately $854,000 for February 2026.

• Strategic Spending: Chromebooks for the upcoming school year were purchased early to avoid anticipated price increases caused by tariffs.

• Inspections: The district paid for its 10-year Health/Life Safety inspection and annual air quality/asbestos inspections.

• Fund Balances: As of January 31, 2026, the district holds approximately $16 million in operating funds and $1.1 million in capital projects.

The Litchfield Community Unit School District #12 Board of Education approved the monthly financial report and bill list during its meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Superintendent Dr. Kelly McClain reported that the bills payable for February totaled approximately $854,000, a figure she noted was “a little higher than normal.” McClain detailed several specific non-routine expenditures driving the increase.

The district completed its mandatory 10-year Health/Life Safety inspection as well as annual air quality and asbestos inspections. Additionally, the district made a strategic decision to purchase Chromebooks for the 2026-2027 school year earlier than usual.

“We had heard some rumors that prices might go up with tariffs,” McClain explained. “So, we decided to purchase early to keep the price point where we could.”

Other expenditures included payments for virtual Spanish classes, audit fees for both the district and the SCI Center, and bond interest payments. The Booster Club assisted with the cost of new shot clocks.

Despite the higher monthly expenditures, the Treasurer’s Report indicated a healthy financial position, with an ending balance across all funds of approximately $19.3 million as of January 31, 2026.