district 204 cuts

[doctorwho]

Feb 18, 2010 12:58:00 GMT -6 EagleDad said:

Feb 15, 2010 16:09:14 GMT -6 casey said:

Here's from today's Daily Herald:
dailyherald.com/story/?id=359299

Dist. 204 hopes signs shame state into paying debt
By Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald StaffContact writer Signs like this one highlighting the state's debt have popped up at all Indian Prairie Unit District 204 schools.


Christie Willhite | Daily Herald Staff


Indian Prairie Unit District 204 hopes a little shame goes a long way toward making the state pay its growing debt.

Every sign at each of the district's 33 schools now tells anyone who passes by "The state of Illinois owes District 204 $7.8 million."

The $7.8 million was due to the district by the end of the 2009 calendar year, and officials believe the state's $13 billion debt will force the legislature to further reduce payments to individual school districts.

For Indian Prairie, the estimated $500 to $700 reduction per student will result in $14 million to $20 million in additional budget cuts, which Superintendent Kathryn Birkett said likely will result in program cuts and the release of some nontenured teachers.

"I've asked every school to add this to their signs because I think it's important that our community knows the state is now $7.8 million in arrears to us," Birkett said. "Every parent, every citizen, needs to know that."

State representatives who serve the district - which covers portions of Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook and Plainfield - say they recognize the effort to let residents know the reason for the budget crunch.

"I'm OK with their signs and I like that they're engaged in the political process, but we're asking them to sit tight until we have the cash flow to write those checks," Naperville Republican Rep. Darlene Senger said Friday. "They can keep the signs up as long as they think they need to, but the money is on its way."

School board member Dawn DeSart, a Democrat who will challenge Senger for state representative in November's general election, said she has been asking Birkett to put the signs up for weeks.

"The state owes us that money and people need to know that," DeSart said. "I was chosen by the voters to sit on the school board and that's my top priority. The state needs to take care of our kids and our schools."

Democrat Rep. Linda Chapa La Via of Aurora chairs the House Appropriations Committee for elementary and secondary education; she hopes the signs don't give the wrong message.

"I get why they feel the need for the signs, but I'm afraid it makes us look like we don't want to give them the money," Chapa La Via said. "We'd love to be in a situation to give it to them, but we can't give what we don't have."

So she offered an alternative.

"The other side of those signs should be telling people to call their legislators and demand that we work together to get this crisis fixed before we get into a hole we can't get out of."

I heard from a little bird that there may be a follow-up article by Justin in tomorrow's paper exploring the signage removal, and how some of the parents in the area had expressed concern that it was inappropriate to burden the classroom, and kids and teachers with this kind of messaging.

Of course the party line from Birkett will remain "they have served thir purpose".

served their purpose - did we get a check ? LOL !

someone please find us some leadership in this district - as taxpayers here we are so screwed

[macrockett]

If our School District had any sense, they would have read the tea leaves a long time ago and reduced our exposure to State funding as much as possible.

Second, they wouldn't have spent $150 million of the taxpayer's resources (+ interest of about 75 million over the life of the loan) on a 50+ year high school when we are a few years from peak, needed limited space to accommodate additional students, could have saved approximately $100 million by adding on to existing facilities + fewer administration positions and finally satisfy the community opinion of wanting to add on rather than build new.

Is that too much to ask?

[EagleDad]

Feb 18, 2010 14:03:11 GMT -6 macrockett said:

If our School District had any sense, they would have read the tea leaves a long time ago and reduced our exposure to State funding as much as possible.

This in my opinion is key and really exhibits the difference in leadership between 203 and 204. I don't want to sound like I have 20/20 hindsight but how is it that District 204 seems so much more dependent on the State for a larger percentage of our overall budget, when compared to District 203.

District 203 is in arrears for 4.3 Million and prediting a reduction of 8.7 Million from the State next year.

Distrtict 204 in in arrears for 7.8 Million and predicting a reduction of $20 Million from the State for next year.

Is our problem really more than double that of 203?

Look at the difference in leadership - the District 203 Superintendent, Mitrovich, is preparing people for significant cuts, and most importantly being realistic "The reality of it is that it's a very ugly picture. It's an ugly picture that isn't going to change."

Our District 204 Superintendant, Bikett, has instead decided to lay all blame on the State ("the state has the primary responsibility for financing the system of public education."), try to pursue money that does not exist, scare the crud out of children (what a wonderful thing it must be for that first grader who is just learning to read and says "Mommy, what does it mean that Illinois owes us 7.8 Million?") and pointlessly disturb teachers whose careers are about to be unitlaterally ended. Birkett is in denial.

Add on top of that, one of the two school districts just completed building a brand-new, significantly under utilized, school for $150 Million dollars and played financing "games" to turn the voter approed $124 into $150 Million. That district knows full well at every turn that an additional $4-5 Million of operating revenue would be needed within a few years of its completion, each and every year, forever, going forward to keep 3 schools rather than 2 running. More money that they do not have. Even to this day, the Superintendent of that district proudly declares in the papers "We have not talked about a referendum at all, not at all". Birkett is in denial.

I ask you, which district is more fiscally responsible - which do you think has the leadership and realism to better weather this perfect storm. I am not hopeful in ours. I am not in denial.

Yes, at the end of the day I think a large, bold sign needs to be hung to "Shame" the leadership into action.

That sign should be hung on our golden palace that is the District Education Center and it should read:

District 204 owes the Taxpayers an Explanation and Transparency

We simply hung the wrong sign in 33 wrong places for the first two days.

Welcome to the new job Kathy. It's time to earn that 47% raise you got last year to $210,000 per year and $22,00 per year in pension contribution. So far, you are not doing it. You've got a BIG problem on your hands and you need to start dealing with it.

It's a long way from your days as a gym teacher. Pick up the pace soon or you'll be told to "hit the showers".

[doctorwho]

Feb 18, 2010 15:02:35 GMT -6 EagleDad said:

Feb 18, 2010 14:03:11 GMT -6 macrockett said:

If our School District had any sense, they would have read the tea leaves a long time ago and reduced our exposure to State funding as much as possible.

This in my opinion is key and really exhibits the difference in leadership between 203 and 204. I don't want to sound like I have 20/20 hindsight but how is it that District 204 seems so much more dependent on the State for a larger percentage of our overall budget, when compared to District 204

District 203 is in arrears for 4.3 Million and prediting a reduction of 8.7 Million from the State next year.

Distrtict 204 in in arrears for 7.8 Million and predicting a reduction of $20 Million from the State for next year.

Is our problem really more than double that of 203?

Look at the difference in leadership - the District 203 Superintendent, Mitrovich, is preparing people for significant cuts, and most importantly being realistic "The reality of it is that it's a very ugly picture. It's an ugly picture that isn't going to change."

Our District 204 Superintendant, Bikett, has instead decided to lay all blame on the State ("the state has the primary responsibility for financing the system of public education."), try to pursue money that does not exist, scare the crud out of children (what a wonderful thing it must be for that first grader who is just learning to read and says "Mommy, what does it mean that Illinois owes us 7.8 Million?") and pointlessly disturb teachers whose careers are about to be unitlaterally ended. Birkett is in denial.

Add on top of that, one of the two school districts just completed building a brand-new, significantly under utilized, school for $150 Million dollars and played financing "games" to turn the voter approed $124 into $150 Million. That district knows full well at every turn that an additional $4-5 Million of operating revenue would be needed within a few years of its completion, each and every year, forever, going forward to keep 3 schools rather than 2 running. More money that they do not have. Even to this day, the Superintendent of that district proudly declares in the papers "We have not talked about a referendum at all, not at all". Birkett is in denial.

I ask you, which district is more fiscally responsible - which do you think has the leadership and realism to better weather this perfect storm. I am not hopeful in ours. I am not in denial.

Yes, at the end of the day I think a large, bold sign needs to be hung to "Shame" the leadership into action.

That sign should be hung on our golden palace that is the District Education Center and it should read:

District 204 owes the Taxpayers an Explanation and Transparency

We simply hung the wrong sign in 33 wrong places for the first two days.

Welcome to the new job Kathy. It's time to earn that 47% raise you got last year to $210,000 per year and $22,00 per year in pension contribution. So far, you are not doing it. Tou've got a BIG problem on your hands and you need to start dealing with it.

It's a long way from your days as a gym teacher. Pick up the pace soon or you'll be told to "hit the showers".

So well said I will add nothing -- this needs to be printed ver batim in the Herald & Sun ( maybe we can get people to sign it on line ) and people in 204 need to wake the hell up- nicely said ED

[doctorwho]

this is for ED's post

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1f0Ma6s584

[casey]

Amen, Eagle Dad! I don't have a thing to add but I agree this needs to get to masses perhaps through the Sun, Tribune, or the Daily Herald. I really hope that you do so. Unfortunately, I don't think that you can sign your name as "Eagle Dad" .

Great post!

[refbasics]

Feb 18, 2010 15:02:35 GMT -6 EagleDad said:

Feb 18, 2010 14:03:11 GMT -6 macrockett said:

If our School District had any sense, they would have read the tea leaves a long time ago and reduced our exposure to State funding as much as possible.

This in my opinion is key and really exhibits the difference in leadership between 203 and 204. I don't want to sound like I have 20/20 hindsight but how is it that District 204 seems so much more dependent on the State for a larger percentage of our overall budget, when compared to District 204

District 203 is in arrears for 4.3 Million and prediting a reduction of 8.7 Million from the State next year.

Distrtict 204 in in arrears for 7.8 Million and predicting a reduction of $20 Million from the State for next year.

Is our problem really more than double that of 203?

Look at the difference in leadership - the District 203 Superintendent, Mitrovich, is preparing people for significant cuts, and most importantly being realistic "The reality of it is that it's a very ugly picture. It's an ugly picture that isn't going to change."

Our District 204 Superintendant, Bikett, has instead decided to lay all blame on the State ("the state has the primary responsibility for financing the system of public education."), try to pursue money that does not exist, scare the crud out of children (what a wonderful thing it must be for that first grader who is just learning to read and says "Mommy, what does it mean that Illinois owes us 7.8 Million?") and pointlessly disturb teachers whose careers are about to be unitlaterally ended. Birkett is in denial.

Add on top of that, one of the two school districts just completed building a brand-new, significantly under utilized, school for $150 Million dollars and played financing "games" to turn the voter approed $124 into $150 Million. That district knows full well at every turn that an additional $4-5 Million of operating revenue would be needed within a few years of its completion, each and every year, forever, going forward to keep 3 schools rather than 2 running. More money that they do not have. Even to this day, the Superintendent of that district proudly declares in the papers "We have not talked about a referendum at all, not at all". Birkett is in denial.

I ask you, which district is more fiscally responsible - which do you think has the leadership and realism to better weather this perfect storm. I am not hopeful in ours. I am not in denial.

Yes, at the end of the day I think a large, bold sign needs to be hung to "Shame" the leadership into action.

That sign should be hung on our golden palace that is the District Education Center and it should read:

District 204 owes the Taxpayers an Explanation and Transparency

We simply hung the wrong sign in 33 wrong places for the first two days.

Welcome to the new job Kathy. It's time to earn that 47% raise you got last year to $210,000 per year and $22,00 per year in pension contribution. So far, you are not doing it. Tou've got a BIG problem on your hands and you need to start dealing with it.

It's a long way from your days as a gym teacher. Pick up the pace soon or you'll be told to "hit the showers".

-----------------------------
just off the top of my head.. don't we get more $$ from state on

transportation reimbursement(our district is huge land-wise compared to the more compact 203);more schools, more routes

more special ed reimbursement?

all day Kindergarten(i don't know if 203 has all day?)

do we get some reimbursement for ELL?(ESL)

[Arch]

Didn't they spend more in expedite fees and change orders due to a rush job than the state 'owes' them?

[slp]

Feb 18, 2010 15:02:35 GMT -6 EagleDad said:

Feb 18, 2010 14:03:11 GMT -6 macrockett said:

If our School District had any sense, they would have read the tea leaves a long time ago and reduced our exposure to State funding as much as possible.

This in my opinion is key and really exhibits the difference in leadership between 203 and 204. I don't want to sound like I have 20/20 hindsight but how is it that District 204 seems so much more dependent on the State for a larger percentage of our overall budget, when compared to District 204

District 203 is in arrears for 4.3 Million and prediting a reduction of 8.7 Million from the State next year.

Distrtict 204 in in arrears for 7.8 Million and predicting a reduction of $20 Million from the State for next year.

Is our problem really more than double that of 203?

Look at the difference in leadership - the District 203 Superintendent, Mitrovich, is preparing people for significant cuts, and most importantly being realistic "The reality of it is that it's a very ugly picture. It's an ugly picture that isn't going to change."

Our District 204 Superintendant, Bikett, has instead decided to lay all blame on the State ("the state has the primary responsibility for financing the system of public education."), try to pursue money that does not exist, scare the crud out of children (what a wonderful thing it must be for that first grader who is just learning to read and says "Mommy, what does it mean that Illinois owes us 7.8 Million?") and pointlessly disturb teachers whose careers are about to be unitlaterally ended. Birkett is in denial.

Add on top of that, one of the two school districts just completed building a brand-new, significantly under utilized, school for $150 Million dollars and played financing "games" to turn the voter approed $124 into $150 Million. That district knows full well at every turn that an additional $4-5 Million of operating revenue would be needed within a few years of its completion, each and every year, forever, going forward to keep 3 schools rather than 2 running. More money that they do not have. Even to this day, the Superintendent of that district proudly declares in the papers "We have not talked about a referendum at all, not at all". Birkett is in denial.

I ask you, which district is more fiscally responsible - which do you think has the leadership and realism to better weather this perfect storm. I am not hopeful in ours. I am not in denial.

Yes, at the end of the day I think a large, bold sign needs to be hung to "Shame" the leadership into action.

That sign should be hung on our golden palace that is the District Education Center and it should read:

District 204 owes the Taxpayers an Explanation and Transparency

We simply hung the wrong sign in 33 wrong places for the first two days.

Welcome to the new job Kathy. It's time to earn that 47% raise you got last year to $210,000 per year and $22,00 per year in pension contribution. So far, you are not doing it. Tou've got a BIG problem on your hands and you need to start dealing with it.

It's a long way from your days as a gym teacher. Pick up the pace soon or you'll be told to "hit the showers".

You are right on Eagle Dad!

[casey]

Official: Dist. 204 cuts may be 'unprecedented'
dailyherald.com/story/?id=361214
By Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald StaffContact writerPublished: 2/23/2010
Indian Prairie school officials have circled Monday, March 22, on their calendars, but not for a celebratory reason. They have a date with fiscal reality.

By the end of that school day, the district will have notified nontenured teachers who won't be returning next year. And Monday night, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dave Holm said the cuts could be unprecedented.

"It's fairly common that a percentage of the nontenured faculty are not retained each year, but this will be unlike anything we have ever seen," Holm said. "No one is looking forward to (March 22)."

Later that evening, board members will discuss the administration's plan to reduce next year's spending by another $12 million.

District officials said the state's nearly $14 billion debt is forcing the legislature to reduce payments to individual school districts. Compounding the district's problem is the $7.8 million the state already is months late in paying. That money largely is earmarked for special education and transportation.

Program cuts, larger class sizes, potential building closings and an untold number of other suggestions from the district staff and the community finance committee are likely to be presented to the board March 22.

But after cutting a combined $15.7 million from the 2009 and 2010 budgets, Holm admitted cost-cutting options are becoming fewer and farther between.

"We're turning over every rock we can to bring you the next phase of the austerity plan," Holm said. "But as you can imagine, it's not easy. It's getting more difficult."

Earlier this month, Superintendent Kathryn Birkett said it is very likely that several of its roughly 680 nontenured teachers may be released.

Paying staff salaries for this budget year, however, is about to get a little easier. The state board of education has announced a plan to release a total of $3.5 million to $4 million in federal stimulus money to the district between now and March 19.

"Paying us our general state aid with federal dollars frees up the state to hopefully start paying down that $7.8 million," Holm said. "But ultimately, it just pushes the entire problem into next year. But getting some money is better than getting none, so it's a constant battle."

[blankcheck]

"Program cuts, larger class sizes, potential building closings" - Where are the administrative cuts?

[Arch]

Feb 23, 2010 8:25:53 GMT -6 blankcheck said:

"Program cuts, larger class sizes, potential building closings" - Where are the administrative cuts?

They should start with firing anyone using district resources to send out political emails urging people to call and support certain legislation down in Springfield.... if any such thing happened...

[rew]

I'm expecting new positions to be created....Asst Superintendent of Austerity Program, Asst Superintendent of State Funding Gap, Asst Superintendent of Reduction in Faculty... there's no end to the administrative positions one can create to save money

[twhl]

Feb 23, 2010 8:25:53 GMT -6 blankcheck said:

"Program cuts, larger class sizes, potential building closings" - Where are the administrative cuts?

I'm thinking that if we cut 7 full time admin positions we could save $1m or more. So given we will be $14m in the hole some simple math says 7 x 7=49 so we could be half way there in no time KB & DH !!!
Agree with rew, seems like we have adopted the Obama Czar approach - and when someone really screws up we just move them over to another slot or create a new one. I think the next position will be Asst Super of Consultants.

[Arch]

It doesn't sound like that Business Development (Formerly known as PR) position was able to bear any fruit... That get axed yet?