Post by title1parent on May 5, 2009 5:10:06 GMT -5
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=291270&src=76
Better course charted for Dist. 203 budget
By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff 5/5/2009
Naperville Unit District 203's budget is in better shape than what projections showed several months ago.
The district expects to have a balanced budget until 2012, a year longer than expected, after making $3.6 million in spending cuts.
The district announced in February it will be facing a rate of inflation of 0.1 percent for the 2010 property tax bills. This low rate will affect revenue because increases in the district's tax levy are limited to the rate of inflation, which is typically closer to 2.5 percent.
The projections showed expenditures exceeding revenues in 2011 and a positive budget balance until 2014 if no changes were made. But new cuts now put those dates at 2012 and 2016, respectively.
Over the past several months the district cut $3.6 million in spending from its 2009-2010 budget. Reductions include technology purchases, professional development, transportation, health insurance and supplies. The district will also cut 31 teachers and five classified staff members. Earlier budget projections included only about seven teacher cuts.
"That's basically by enrollment reductions and by holding firm to staffing standards," Superintendent Alan Leis said.
The staff cuts do not include four art, music and physical education teachers or the seven enrichment assistants who were recently notified they may not have jobs next year. The district had initially looked at reducing one group or the other but is now leaning toward a plan that will allow both groups to stay. In two weeks the board will vote whether to accept that plan.
Also in next year's budget is $1.7 million in federal stimulus money for special education. The money must be used in addition to current services. Roughly $800,000 has been budgeted for staff, supplies and services will the remaining $900,000 is being set aside as a contingency.
Despite finding areas to cut, the district still plans to delay the start of its Chinese immersion program and elementary foreign language program.
District 203's total operating budget including stimulus funds is $217.5 million - 2.44 percent higher than the previous year.
The budget will be on display for residents to review at the public libraries and district office. The public will have a chance to comment at the board's June 15 meeting.
Better course charted for Dist. 203 budget
By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff 5/5/2009
Naperville Unit District 203's budget is in better shape than what projections showed several months ago.
The district expects to have a balanced budget until 2012, a year longer than expected, after making $3.6 million in spending cuts.
The district announced in February it will be facing a rate of inflation of 0.1 percent for the 2010 property tax bills. This low rate will affect revenue because increases in the district's tax levy are limited to the rate of inflation, which is typically closer to 2.5 percent.
The projections showed expenditures exceeding revenues in 2011 and a positive budget balance until 2014 if no changes were made. But new cuts now put those dates at 2012 and 2016, respectively.
Over the past several months the district cut $3.6 million in spending from its 2009-2010 budget. Reductions include technology purchases, professional development, transportation, health insurance and supplies. The district will also cut 31 teachers and five classified staff members. Earlier budget projections included only about seven teacher cuts.
"That's basically by enrollment reductions and by holding firm to staffing standards," Superintendent Alan Leis said.
The staff cuts do not include four art, music and physical education teachers or the seven enrichment assistants who were recently notified they may not have jobs next year. The district had initially looked at reducing one group or the other but is now leaning toward a plan that will allow both groups to stay. In two weeks the board will vote whether to accept that plan.
Also in next year's budget is $1.7 million in federal stimulus money for special education. The money must be used in addition to current services. Roughly $800,000 has been budgeted for staff, supplies and services will the remaining $900,000 is being set aside as a contingency.
Despite finding areas to cut, the district still plans to delay the start of its Chinese immersion program and elementary foreign language program.
District 203's total operating budget including stimulus funds is $217.5 million - 2.44 percent higher than the previous year.
The budget will be on display for residents to review at the public libraries and district office. The public will have a chance to comment at the board's June 15 meeting.