D128 Balances Budget Despite Funding Shortages

Community High School District 128 officials approved an $80 million operating budget for the 2012 school year, an increase of 1.2 percent over last year’s budget.

The budget was discussed at several meetings over the summer months, including a budget hearing and a regular board meeting.

“The board is pleased with the continued financial health of the district, and the budget discussions were extensive, thorough and productive,” said Board President Pat Groody.

Although the district lost funding, or received reduced funding in a few areas, the retirement of many longtime teachers and a slight increase in class sizes helped school board members create a balanced budget. There was about a $500,000 cost reduction because of the teachers’ retirements. School board members remain concerned about the reductions, though.

Due to the continued state and financial climates, the district lost federal special education funds, federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, state funding for textbook loans, and one general state aid payment of about $60,000. That payment is approximately the salary of one full-time teacher, according to a district press release.

The district is also feeling a crunch from reduced federal title grant allocations, the state’s reduced funding for transportation and special education, an increase in costs for the Special Education District of Lake County, and potential increase in costs for the Lake County Technology Campus.

“Overall reduction in federal and state funding, coupled with rising costs to local districts is clearly a concern,” said Superintendent Dr. Prentiss Lea.