Kindergarten Expansion Approved By D102 Board

To further expand early childhood education opportunities in La Grange, the School District 102 Board of Education voted to expand the all-day kindergarten program and continue funding the district preschool program.

After weighing the costs of the programs versus the financial difficulties facing the school district, several board members said these programs have the potential to help build a strong educational foundation for the students who participate, especially those deemed “at-risk.” Board member Peter Tiemeyer said he wanted the option to review these programs to determine if goals are being met and the cost is worth it.

Because of a looming budget problem, board member Jennifer Comparoni opposed the continued funding of the preschool program, which is expected to cost the district approximately $90,000.

District 102, like many other school districts across Illinois is facing financial concerns. Distirct 102 is facing a deficit of $2.5 million by the end of 2011.

Superintendent Warren Shillingburg said the district may be able to recoup about $36,000 from charging tuition fees. The district will apply for a grant to supplement some of the costs, but Shillingburg said it is unlikely that the district will receive any of the funds.

Additionally, the board approved the expansion of an all-day kindergarten program at Congress Park Elementary School. Kindergarten enrollment is at an all time high in the district, and there is a waiting list for new students hoping to enroll. Support for the kindergarten program was unanimous in large part due to the fact that state funding is available to support the hiring of a new teacher.

Several parents spoke in favor of expanding the kindergarten program. One parent said the need for all-day kindergarten classes has increased due to the large number of working mothers. He said expanding the program will enhance the value of the school district as well as the community.

District Takes Hard Look at Finances

Prior to the vote for new teachers and program expansions at the May 5 board meeting, board members took a long look at the school’s finances.

Gary Gross, a member of the district’s financial advisery committee, said the district needs to look at all revenue options in order to determine a course of action on future budgets. 

Board members agreed they will need to craft several scenarios to determine where the best funding sources can be found—either through reductions and elimination of some services or curriculum, or by asking the voters to approve a funding referendum.

With approximately $20 million—80 percent of the overall school budget—spent on salaries and benefits, Gross said it’s obvious that any cuts to the budget will likely come from the largest expenditure pool.

Board member Joyce Fitch said there are no sacred cows in the district's expenditures. She said everything must be on the table when it comes to discussion of cuts to the budget.

Cutting an already lean budget is not the only financial choice board members are likely to float. A voter referendum for new funds may be an option, but one that is likely to be met with some resistance given the high gasoline prices and the state of the economy.

“We need a complete picture, with an understanding of all scenarios, before we can go to the voters for a referendum,” said Comparoni.

Gross said given the current state of the economy he does not “realistically see” voters supporting a referendum. Currently 83 percent of the district’s revenue comes from property taxes. The federal government funds about 4 percent and the state pays 13 percent, although the state reduced payments by $1 million last year.

Board President David May said board members must be prepared to discuss the school district’s finances by the start of the next school year. If a referendum is a choice, he said the board will need to select an election in order the get it on the ballot.