New Cuts, Spending Proposed in District 197 for 2012-2013 School Year

The administration presented budget adjustments Monday night for 2012-2013 that will incorporate feedback from recent stakeholder groups.

Since the district’s tumultuous , the district has followed through with a to examine opportunities for cost savings and greater achievement.

More recently, a  came forward with recommendations to strengthen music education programs.

The district faces a drastically improved revenue picture, due predominantly to the last November, and .

Revenue for operating budgets is projected to increase by $3.6 million. Spending is estimated to increase by $935,835. That includes a placeholder increase of 2.5 percent for all contract agreements, according to Finance Director Brian Schultz. Two of eight contract groups have settled thus far, both for 2 percent increases. 

Adjustments Provide Savings

Among the proposed adjustments, recommended spending increases of about $700,000 are offset by a proposed $1.18 million in cuts.

“We worked hard to ensure that we kept budget reductions as far from the classroom as possible, while targeting new investments at programs directly impacting students," said Interim Superintendent Tom Nelson in a statement. "We believe these adjustments help position the district for continued success, both academically and financially.”

The district’s savings would increase from 3.7 percent of operating costs to 8.1 percent.

Additional spending proposals include adding three FTE positions to the district’s music program, $50,000 for instrument repairs, and expansion of Project Lead the Way, College in the Schools, AVID and gifted and talented programs.

Reductions include an associate principal position at the high school, a reduction of .4 FTE in elementary counseling services, and restructuring of technology services.

(See the full list on the District 197 website)

The recommendations also reflect a continuation of cost-saving measures that have already been proposed or are already underway including a reduction of administration in the district office and changes to the middle schools’ schedule.

Response, Education of Board and Public

The board will be gathering feedback on the recommendations in upcoming weeks, and could approve the changes as soon as April 9.

 “I think you need to look at the big picture not individual areas of interest,” said board member Byron Schwab.

 “I want to make sure we don’t spend the entire referendum the first year,” said board member Pat Barnum. “Our public’s been generous, but we’re at the cap for the operating levy and there are no more dollars. And I don’t expect we’ll be getting that from the Legislature. So we’re going to need to fight the temptation to spend it all.”

To comment or learn more about the budget adjustments: 

•  A public meeting about the budget proposals is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 in room A241 of
• An online forum on the District 197 website is also open comments on the budget proposals.

Correction:This article has been edited to reflect that the middle school schedule changes have been proposed but not implemented, and that Byron Schwab does not sit on the finance committee. Patch regrets the error.