Post by title1parent on Feb 5, 2009 7:03:01 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1414880,2_1_AU05_WEST_S1.article
W. Aurora prepares to tighten its belt
School Board to discuss budget-cutting options
February 5, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
The budget ax is coming to the West Aurora School District.
The School Board and district staff will meet next week to brainstorm cuts in light of a budget hole caused by the weakened economy and state funding problems. The session, meant to generate belt-tightening ideas that would have the least impact on students, will take place at 5 p.m. Monday in room A206 at West Aurora High School.
Based on information it receives during the meeting, the board will begin talks on budget cuts and revenue-generating options.
District spokesman Mike Chapin said the district is facing a combination of economic factors that compel officials to act.
The district has yet to receive $3.7 million promised by the state for early childhood education, transportation and other programs. West Aurora depends largely on these funds to provide state-mandated programs and programs driven by grant money.
Chapin said the state's inability to pay its bills on time, some more than 90 days past due, is just one factor. Also looming over the district is the pending loss of state aid, expiring federal grants and declining property values.
The district doesn't know if the state will erase its multibillion-dollar deficit under new Gov. Pat Quinn, and when or how much funding it will provide school districts next fiscal year. Chapin said district officials also are uncertain how the proposed federal stimulus package might assist the district.
While economic times have been difficult, Chapin said the district continues to add academic programs. In addition to the continued implementation of Vision 129, the district's comprehensive plan to improve student learning, several new learning priorities were reached.
An upgraded science curriculum was introduced in all grades, and high school students saw the addition of an eighth instructional period.
Already in the works for the 2009-10 school year are plans to lengthen elementary and middle school days in order to provide more instructional time in core subjects. The district is also developing improved math and language arts curricula.
W. Aurora prepares to tighten its belt
School Board to discuss budget-cutting options
February 5, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
The budget ax is coming to the West Aurora School District.
The School Board and district staff will meet next week to brainstorm cuts in light of a budget hole caused by the weakened economy and state funding problems. The session, meant to generate belt-tightening ideas that would have the least impact on students, will take place at 5 p.m. Monday in room A206 at West Aurora High School.
Based on information it receives during the meeting, the board will begin talks on budget cuts and revenue-generating options.
District spokesman Mike Chapin said the district is facing a combination of economic factors that compel officials to act.
The district has yet to receive $3.7 million promised by the state for early childhood education, transportation and other programs. West Aurora depends largely on these funds to provide state-mandated programs and programs driven by grant money.
Chapin said the state's inability to pay its bills on time, some more than 90 days past due, is just one factor. Also looming over the district is the pending loss of state aid, expiring federal grants and declining property values.
The district doesn't know if the state will erase its multibillion-dollar deficit under new Gov. Pat Quinn, and when or how much funding it will provide school districts next fiscal year. Chapin said district officials also are uncertain how the proposed federal stimulus package might assist the district.
While economic times have been difficult, Chapin said the district continues to add academic programs. In addition to the continued implementation of Vision 129, the district's comprehensive plan to improve student learning, several new learning priorities were reached.
An upgraded science curriculum was introduced in all grades, and high school students saw the addition of an eighth instructional period.
Already in the works for the 2009-10 school year are plans to lengthen elementary and middle school days in order to provide more instructional time in core subjects. The district is also developing improved math and language arts curricula.