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Post by concerned2 on Feb 9, 2010 8:17:22 GMT -6
NAPERVILLE SUN
February 9, 2010
By HANK BECKMAN For Sun-Times Media
Budgets for units of government all over Illinois are being slashed to make accommodations for the worst recession since the early 1980s, and Indian Prairie School District 204 is no exception.
"We are in the middle of tough times right now," Superintendent Kathy Birkett said Monday at the district's regular board meeting.
Birkett spoke of a recent trip to Springfield where she met with state legislators and officials of the 35 largest unit school districts in Illinois, districts that represent 55 percent of public school students in the state, saying "To say that the news is not good … is an understatement."
Birkett noted that the budget deficit for the state was about $13 billion. The effect of the budget crisis on District 204 is that the district won't know until fall what level of funding to expect from the state. Since the district needs to know in April what faculty staffing needs will have to be met, the district will have a serious administrative problem with which to deal.
Birkett noted that the state foundational funding level will likely see a $500 to $700 cut per student. The state is already $7.8 million in arrears to District 204; with the foundation cuts, that deficit will likely grow.
Birkett said District 204 had already cut $9.2 million to balance the budget; with further state funding cuts, she estimated that the additional budget reduction needed will grow to between $14 million to $20 million.
Birkett acknowledged the community input in determining where the last round of cuts came from and said she hoped the community would continue to communicate with the district. She emphasized the need to communicate with state legislators and other state officials, up to and including Gov. Pat Quinn.
"If schools are not funded, education will not be delivered in the way we have become accustomed to," she said.
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Post by doctorwho on Feb 9, 2010 11:37:34 GMT -6
NAPERVILLE SUN February 9, 2010 By HANK BECKMAN For Sun-Times Media Budgets for units of government all over Illinois are being slashed to make accommodations for the worst recession since the early 1980s, and Indian Prairie School District 204 is no exception. "We are in the middle of tough times right now," Superintendent Kathy Birkett said Monday at the district's regular board meeting. Birkett spoke of a recent trip to Springfield where she met with state legislators and officials of the 35 largest unit school districts in Illinois, districts that represent 55 percent of public school students in the state, saying "To say that the news is not good … is an understatement." Birkett noted that the budget deficit for the state was about $13 billion. The effect of the budget crisis on District 204 is that the district won't know until fall what level of funding to expect from the state. Since the district needs to know in April what faculty staffing needs will have to be met, the district will have a serious administrative problem with which to deal. Birkett noted that the state foundational funding level will likely see a $500 to $700 cut per student. The state is already $7.8 million in arrears to District 204; with the foundation cuts, that deficit will likely grow. Birkett said District 204 had already cut $9.2 million to balance the budget; with further state funding cuts, she estimated that the additional budget reduction needed will grow to between $14 million to $20 million. Birkett acknowledged the community input in determining where the last round of cuts came from and said she hoped the community would continue to communicate with the district. She emphasized the need to communicate with state legislators and other state officials, up to and including Gov. Pat Quinn. "If schools are not funded, education will not be delivered in the way we have become accustomed to," she said. Gee, she forgot to mention the $124 million dollars the taxpayers of 204 gave to them - that they misspent up to $150M for a high school they did not need --the vote was one totally false student projects 1500 students higher than actual. Funny how she left that out  btw-- here comes our $22M - $25M referendum -- vote NO ! to continued wanton spending |
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Post by Arch on Feb 9, 2010 12:10:20 GMT -6
That's exactly what the last line is about.. setting the stage for the next referendum.
I tend to agree with her statement... We've been become accustomed to it being delivered with TONS OF WASTE... so I hope it doesn't continue to be delivered in that same manner.
The only way to change it is to force the issue. Work with the money you have, don't go out and get 3 new credit cards... DUH!
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Post by sam2 on Feb 9, 2010 13:20:20 GMT -6
Perhaps it's time for the school board/administration to step up to the plate and propose serious reforms to the cost of education. Employment costs and facilities costs are the biggest.....The board failed to take advantage of tough economic times last contract negotiation, but by accepting a one year agreement, they've given themselves an opportunity for redemption.
In the next round of negotiations, let's put a few things in perspective: no matter how important education is, or how devoted our educators are, the simple fact is that they are supported by the taxpayers, primarily in the private sector. That said, I don't think the taxpayers should allow a new labor contract that asks the private sector to provide substantially greater benefits to the teachers than are generally available to the people paying the taxes that fund the benefits. Clearly, the disctrict is running out of money. Anyone can see the state is not in a position to help, so we must help ourselves. The next contract should require significant employee contributions to the cost of health insurance, should limit wage increases to the cost of living, should reduce the pension benefits -- if only going forward, because the current benefit package can no longer be funded by taxpayers. The administration should not be exempt from these changes. No more 20% pension boost for providing 2 years notice of retirement..... These proposals will be wildly unpopular with the unions, but I, for one, am prepared to let them strike over it. I think the average taxpayer would support the administration if they took a hard line -- especially in these times. Let's face it, there is not really a great shortage of teachers, and despite the vague threats of the past, we won't lose many teachers to other districts -- they can't afford them either.
It simply cannot go on forever, someone has to take the first step.....now is the time.
I agree that what we are seeing is the beginning of the marketing for a referendum to raise taxes again....my response to the administartion and the board is: Show some REAL concern about spending. Otherwise, I'll continue to show my support for spending control by voting no. Enough voices can bring about a change in the status quo.
Am I alone in this viewpoint?
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Post by doctorwho on Feb 9, 2010 13:31:59 GMT -6
Perhaps it's time for the school board/administration to step up to the plate and propose serious reforms to the cost of education. Employment costs and facilities costs are the biggest.....The board failed to take advantage of tough economic times last contract negotiation, but by accepting a one year agreement, they've given themselves an opportunity for redemption. In the next round of negotiations, let's put a few things in perspective: no matter how important education is, or how devoted our educators are, the simple fact is that they are supported by the taxpayers, primarily in the private sector. That said, I don't think the taxpayers should allow a new labor contract that asks the private sector to provide substantially greater benefits to the teachers than are generally available to the people paying the taxes that fund the benefits. Clearly, the disctrict is running out of money. Anyone can see the state is not in a position to help, so we must help ourselves. The next contract should require significant employee contributions to the cost of health insurance, should limit wage increases to the cost of living, should reduce the pension benefits -- if only going forward, because the current benefit package can no longer be funded by taxpayers. The administration should not be exempt from these changes. No more 20% pension boost for providing 2 years notice of retirement..... These proposals will be wildly unpopular with the unions, but I, for one, am prepared to let them strike over it. I think the average taxpayer would support the administration if they took a hard line -- especially in these times. Let's face it, there is not really a great shortage of teachers, and despite the vague threats of the past, we won't lose many teachers to other districts -- they can't afford them either. It simply cannot go on forever, someone has to take the first step.....now is the time. I agree that what we are seeing is the beginning of the marketing for a referendum to raise taxes again....my response to the administartion and the board is: Show some REAL concern about spending. Otherwise, I'll continue to show my support for spending control by voting no. Enough voices can bring about a change in the status quo. Am I alone in this viewpoint? Of those who actually take the time to understand what is going on- you certainly are not alone. The problem with 204 voting is he apathy..and uninformed. It is up to people like us to make our voices known - ofen. Also know that the 1 year contract was done for one main reason - to avoid any potential work stoppage by teachers when they were trying to open the WHite Elephant on Eola... they gave them what they wanted to make sure nothing got in the way of that..which had become the entire focus of all decisions made. Now we'll see what happens this time - the SD has their school ( and the deficit to go along with it - as well as more unpaid bills for it) -- |
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Post by casey on Feb 9, 2010 14:26:01 GMT -6
Am I alone in this viewpoint? No, Sam2 you are not alone in your viewpoint. I agree 100% with what you've stated. It is time for the district to figure out a way to live within its means. We cannot afford the path we are on now. I think this round of negotiations will be quite different. As you've pointed out, we can't afford to pay health benefits, pension benefits, and raises. Something's gotta give. The referendum is coming but I still think that they'll be looking at consolidating and closing schools first. There's elementary schools that are underutilized (Owen and Peterson come to mind). IMO, Waubonsie has 3-5 years tops and that is sad. I'd expect to see Frontier gone too. We'll end up with 2 severely overcrowded high schools (MV and NV) and one in a ridiculous location preventing any logical boundaries. It sounds all doom and gloom but I do believe it to be true. Help! |
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Post by Arch on Feb 9, 2010 14:41:59 GMT -6
Casey, I think we'll eventually wind up with 2 HS's again, and no freshman centers... and a boat load of debt to show for us running real fast to get right back where we started (with said debt, of course).
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Post by refbasics on Feb 9, 2010 14:56:30 GMT -6
NAPERVILLE SUN February 9, 2010 By HANK BECKMAN For Sun-Times Media Budgets for units of government all over Illinois are being slashed to make accommodations for the worst recession since the early 1980s, and Indian Prairie School District 204 is no exception. "We are in the middle of tough times right now," Superintendent Kathy Birkett said Monday at the district's regular board meeting. Birkett spoke of a recent trip to Springfield where she met with state legislators and officials of the 35 largest unit school districts in Illinois, districts that represent 55 percent of public school students in the state, saying "To say that the news is not good … is an understatement." Birkett noted that the budget deficit for the state was about $13 billion. The effect of the budget crisis on District 204 is that the district won't know until fall what level of funding to expect from the state. Since the district needs to know in April what faculty staffing needs will have to be met, the district will have a serious administrative problem with which to deal. Birkett noted that the state foundational funding level will likely see a $500 to $700 cut per student. The state is already $7.8 million in arrears to District 204; with the foundation cuts, that deficit will likely grow. Birkett said District 204 had already cut $9.2 million to balance the budget; with further state funding cuts, she estimated that the additional budget reduction needed will grow to between $14 million to $20 million. Birkett acknowledged the community input in determining where the last round of cuts came from and said she hoped the community would continue to communicate with the district. She emphasized the need to communicate with state legislators and other state officials, up to and including Gov. Pat Quinn. [size=2"If schools are not funded, education will not be delivered in the way we have become accustomed to," she said.[/size] [/quote][/color]------------------------------------------------ what we have become 'accustomed to' is 'last year's ' model.. probably never to return again..due to last year's meltdown, and the end of the 'go-go' economy... this may be a time to start with a new education model... in what other industry do we build a building which is fully utilized for just 9 months a year?! Also, students learn at different rates... not by age.. so shouldn't we be changing our whole education model? what that would be... i'm not informed enough to know.. Also, i would guess that many taxpayers would consider a teacher's salary and benefits more befitting of a person who works all year rather than 9 months.  |
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Post by casey on Feb 9, 2010 16:28:35 GMT -6
From our neighboring district to the west, Oswego. www.oswego308.org/news/default.aspx?&ArticleId=867Print Page Email Page HOME : News : $5.5 million in reductions recommended for 2010-11 $5.5 million in reductions recommended for 2010-11 February 8, 2010 State funding for schools is expected to decrease next year. The same is true with local property values. So for most Illinois schools, this revenue loss means expenditures must also decrease to maintain a balanced budget. In Oswego Community Unit School District 308, the end result is $5.5 million in reductions for the 2010-11 school year. These reductions were presented to the District 308 Board of Education at its Feb. 8 meeting. “Thousands of suggestions by employees, parents and community groups were considered as this recommendation was developed. Our goal was to preserve the core curriculum and limit the effect it would have to the extended educational program. In as many areas as possible, we strived to reduce rather than eliminate our services to our students,” said Dr. Dan O’Donnell, superintendent. The Board is expected to finalize the reduction plan at its Feb. 22 meeting. The reductions would go into effect July 1. The Board already lowered the amount of necessary reductions by approving an increase to district fees for the 2010-11 school year. The additional fee revenue plus the implementation of a district-wide breakfast program is expected to add approximately $450,000 to the district coffers next year. The remaining $5 million is expected to come from a combination of operational, program and salary reductions. Approximately $476,000 has been targeted in the operations of the district. This includes $315,000 in reductions to department budgets including portions of the superintendent’s office, Board of Education, schools, transportation, and the Hands on Science Department budgets. In the area of programs, an estimated $878,000 is slated to be reduced from the budget. This includes postponing curriculum renewals, suspending the high school building trades program and restructuring driver education, the academically talented program and junior high curriculum coordinators. Reducing the number of intramurals and clubs by half as well as reducing high school athletic budgets and the junior high summer band program is expected to save $185,000. Although the goal was to reduce instead of eliminate programs wherever possible, three programs are expected to be eliminated next school year: the roller skating unit in the elementary schools, all non-curricular field trips, and the high school student salaries for the Interrelated Cooperative Education (ICE) program. These eliminations should reduce the budget deficit by $186,000. As a service-based organization, 85 percent of the district’s budget pays the salaries and benefits of its dedicated staff. Therefore, the budget cannot be balanced by reducing programs and operations alone. It has been recommended that a total of$3,908,500 be reduced from the 2010-11 budget in personnel. Some of the reductions will include instituting a district-wide furlough day, hiring less than half of the new teachers that will be needed to address the student enrollment numbers, reducing police security at events, and reducing the hours/workdays of select administrators and support staff. An additional $3.3 million in personnel reductions are being finalized and will be made public on Feb. 10.However, if in the next few months state funding for the 2010-11 school year is determined to be lower than projected, further reductions will be necessary to balance the budget. The proposed reductions have been posted on the district Web site, along with a comment box for individuals wishing to direct an e-mail to the Board of Education. The Board is expected to address the district’s 2010-11 budget again at its Feb. 22 meeting. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Oswego East High School auditorium. |
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Post by macrockett on Feb 9, 2010 19:55:25 GMT -6
NAPERVILLE SUN Gee, she forgot to mention the $124 million dollars the taxpayers of 204 gave to them - that they misspent up to $150M for a high school they did not need --the vote was one totally false student projects 1500 students higher than actual. Funny how she left that out btw-- here comes our $22M - $25M referendum -- vote NO ! to continued wanton spending Make that about $210 million Doc with principal and interest. I hate to be redundant, Ms. Birkett, but "don't rely on Federal or State government". Start consolidating now. Don't wait. Cut everything that isn't absolutely necessary. (Too bad you and our Board unnecessarily decided to built a $150 million school that was not absolutely necessary and too boot added additional administrative costs we could have avoided.) The budget for U of I along is now $400 million behind schedule, for the current FY. Our legislators, in their infinite lack of wisdom, have backed us into a deep hole. Our State bond rating has been marked down twice now in the last year I believe. The unfunded pension and health care liabilities are about to increase exponentially. State revenues have fallen about 10% in the past year. So D204 Board and Ms. Birkett, stop whining and wringing your hands and start cutting. Added this article: www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/02/public-universities-seek-promised-state-funds.htmlPublic universities seek promised state funds
February 9, 2010 11:38 AM | No Comments
Presidents of the state's public universities this morning urged the state to pony up promised funding and commit to a reliable payment schedule for 2010."We are all surprised that things could get as perilous as they are," said University of Illinois President Stan Ikenberry at a morning news conference. "We owe it to the people of Illinois and the future of Illinois to seek a prompt resolution."
He said the financial hole is so deep, the state will not be able to "cut or tax its way out of the hole. It will require both."The State of Illinois is $735 million behind on payments to the universities as of last week, according to a letter signed by presidents and other top administrators from the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Chicago State University and other 4-year institutions. "Everyone has been treated equally badly," said NIU President John Peters at the news conference. The leaders said they had already taken many measures to cut costs and postpone payments to vendors. The U. of I. has instituted a hiring freeze, and faculty and administrators are required to take unpaid furlough days this semester. "We have drawn down our available resources, and we are now counting on tuition dollars to keep our doors open for students beginning the new spring semester. Still, no amount of cutting and sacrifice can make up for the absence of hundreds of millions of dollars in State Appropriation payments," said the letter, which was sent to Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes. The backlog in state bills has hit $5.1 billion, an all-time high, as the state struggles to make payments to contractors and vendors that supply state government with basic products and services.Throughout Illinois, social service agencies have voiced similar complaints because state payments are months behind, causing a scaling back in assistance for people with physical and mental disabilities as well as cuts in treatment for alcoholism and drug use. Some organizations have laid off staff. |
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Post by doctorwho on Feb 9, 2010 21:36:59 GMT -6
NAPERVILLE SUN Gee, she forgot to mention the $124 million dollars the taxpayers of 204 gave to them - that they misspent up to $150M for a high school they did not need --the vote was one totally false student projects 1500 students higher than actual. Funny how she left that out btw-- here comes our $22M - $25M referendum -- vote NO ! to continued wanton spending Make that about $210 million Doc with principal and interest. I hate to be redundant, Ms. Birkett, but "don't rely on Federal or State government". Start consolidating now. Don't wait. Cut everything that isn't absolutely necessary. (Too bad you and our Board unnecessarily decided to built a $150 million school that was not absolutely necessary and too boot added additional administrative costs we could have avoided.) The budget for U of I along is now $400 million behind schedule, for the current FY. Our legislators, in their infinite lack of wisdom, have backed us into a deep hole. Our State bond rating has been marked down twice now in the last year I believe. The unfunded pension and health care liabilities are about to increase exponentially. State revenues have fallen about 10% in the past year. So D204 Board and Ms. Birkett, stop whining and wringing your hands and start cutting. Added this article: www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/02/public-universities-seek-promised-state-funds.htmlPublic universities seek promised state funds
February 9, 2010 11:38 AM | No Comments
Presidents of the state's public universities this morning urged the state to pony up promised funding and commit to a reliable payment schedule for 2010."We are all surprised that things could get as perilous as they are," said University of Illinois President Stan Ikenberry at a morning news conference. "We owe it to the people of Illinois and the future of Illinois to seek a prompt resolution."
He said the financial hole is so deep, the state will not be able to "cut or tax its way out of the hole. It will require both."The State of Illinois is $735 million behind on payments to the universities as of last week, according to a letter signed by presidents and other top administrators from the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Chicago State University and other 4-year institutions. "Everyone has been treated equally badly," said NIU President John Peters at the news conference. The leaders said they had already taken many measures to cut costs and postpone payments to vendors. The U. of I. has instituted a hiring freeze, and faculty and administrators are required to take unpaid furlough days this semester. "We have drawn down our available resources, and we are now counting on tuition dollars to keep our doors open for students beginning the new spring semester. Still, no amount of cutting and sacrifice can make up for the absence of hundreds of millions of dollars in State Appropriation payments," said the letter, which was sent to Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes. The backlog in state bills has hit $5.1 billion, an all-time high, as the state struggles to make payments to contractors and vendors that supply state government with basic products and services.Throughout Illinois, social service agencies have voiced similar complaints because state payments are months behind, causing a scaling back in assistance for people with physical and mental disabilities as well as cuts in treatment for alcoholism and drug use. Some organizations have laid off staff. the only reason they're whining - very publicly I may add -- is they think they can hit us up for the money again ! Pass the basket somewhere else this time 204 leaders--- we're done contributing |
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Post by proschool on Feb 9, 2010 22:13:51 GMT -6
Why don't they sell the land at Wheatland Elementary.
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Post by Arch on Feb 9, 2010 22:21:11 GMT -6
 Our Budget is Great... Go Team! |
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Post by casey on Feb 10, 2010 7:19:13 GMT -6
We always count on you, Arch, to give us something to cheer about ;D.
Seriously it is time for our District to admit our problem ("we're screwed") and do something about it. Neighboring districts seem to recognize it why can't we?
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Post by casey on Feb 10, 2010 7:23:19 GMT -6
Another creative way to look at closing the gap. dailyherald.com/story/?id=358007District 207 teachers union to vote on saving jobs By Madhu Krishnamurthy | Daily Herald StaffContact writerPublished: 2/10/2010 12:01 AMSend To: The Maine Teachers Association is expected to vote soon on whether the union will grant salary concessions for one year to save teaching jobs. The Maine Township High School District 207 school board earlier this month approved cutting 75 largely nontenured, certified teachers by school year end to save $5 million. Meanwhile, the administration offered the union a deal to save roughly 40 to 45 teaching jobs out of the 75. Officials propose spending up to $2 million more out of the district's reserves for two years if the union matches that amount in salary concessions. The union would have to agree to forego a 3.2 percent salary increase in the 2010-2011 academic year. Most teachers would continue to receive step pay increases based on years of experience, and a 3.5 percent wage increase for the 2011-2012 school year. "The good news is they haven't said 'no,'" District 207 Superintendent Ken Wallace said Tuesday. "They are going to bring the question to the general membership for a vote within seven days of the March 1 board meeting. We will obviously respect that process and wait until we hear back from them. We're moving forward, and that's the positive thing." The union earlier rejected the administration's request to forego the 3.2 percent wage increase in 2010 and the 3.5 percent increase in 2011 to save 55 jobs. The District 207 school board will meet in closed session Friday to discuss the status of MTA discussions. "We hope to know what our final tenure reduction numbers are by Friday," Wallace added. A few tenured teachers are among the 75 cut. Due to leaves of absences and job shares, if some tenured teachers choose to return to full-time employment, they will displace other teachers. The teacher cuts largely affect the English, science, special education, physical education, applied arts and technology, and mathematics departments at the district's three high schools. "We have about 80 released right now, but between applied arts and fine arts we will have some people come back," Wallace said. Overall, the school board authorized $15 million in cuts to reduce a projected $19 million deficit. |
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