Post by doctorwho on Feb 18, 2010 9:41:28 GMT -6
I live in 204, but only 300 or so feet from 203 boundaries....the approach to things might as well be 350 miles apart though....
D203 could lose $8.7 million from state
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/2055337,D203-could-lose-millions-from-state_NA021710.articleFebruary 18, 2010
By KATHY CICHON kcichon@stmedianetwork.com
As school districts around the state sound the alarm for the funding crisis in Springfield, it's important to make sure the right people are the ones hearing the message, Naperville District 203 Superintendent Mark Mitrovich said.
"I learned a long time ago there's no fury like three moms on a crusade at a board meeting. That same level of fury has to be directed at the people who really call the shots in this state," Mitrovich said at Tuesday's board meeting. "Until that happens, nothing changes."
Parents and educators need to direct their attention outside of DuPage County, he said.
"The reality is if that doesn't happen, it's going to be business as usual," Mitrovich said.
Mitrovich and Assistant Superintendent for Finance Dave Zager outlined the impact possible state budget cuts will have on the district. Currently, state funding remains up in the air.
The issue for 2011 is "we don't know where they're going, and quite frankly, I don't think they know either," Mitrovich said.
"(In Springfield) the amount of budget recommended is at a level from the state board of education that requires new revenue being introduced into the state system," Zager said. "In other words, a tax increase. However, it's probably unrealistic to believe that that's really going to happen."
An alternate, reduced state budget that's been proposed would eliminate $7.2 million District 203 receives in general state aid, he said.
"Overall, that alternative budget for the State Board of Education would reduce our funding by about $8.7 million," Zager said.
Mitrovich said that means the district is looking at the potential of delaying expenditures that it would normally make for next year.
"We're looking at increased operational efficiencies. We're doing audits in other areas of the district to take a serious look at how we function," Mitrovich said.
The district is looking at staffing efficiencies and ways to better utilize people, he said, and ways "that we can mitigate any wholesale reduction in staff because that only injures children.
--- staffing efficiencies -- unlike adding an unneeded 3rd high school and staff and operating costs..what a concept
"And we will do everything else but that," Mitrovich said. "But we are not saying that we won't. We can't say that."
The district will also look at program efficiencies, and there may be programs the district can't start or accelerate as quickly as it would like to.
"Over the next 30 or 60 days this is going to take a much more crisp look in terms of what we're going to do budgetarily," Mitrovich said.
Already the district is experiencing significant delays in getting paid by the state.
According to Zager, as of Tuesday the total amount owed to District 203 is more than $4.3 million, with the oldest voucher four months old. On the same date last year, the state owed $3.6 million, with the oldest voucher three months old. On Feb. 16, 2008, the state owed the district $381,127, with the oldest voucher 25 days old. In 2007, the oldest voucher was 15 days old and the state owed $299,941.
"In two years' period of time, it's gone up 10 times in terms of what we're behind," Mitrovich said.
Last week Indian Prairie District 204 announced it will be forced to lay off some of its non-tenured teachers and cut programs if state funding doesn't come through. At this time the number of District 204 teachers possibly losing their jobs and program cuts is unknown.
The state owes District 204 more than $7.8 million for this year's funding, and the district could experience a possible $14 million to $20 million in additional state budget cuts for next year.
"What happens in Springfield, quite honestly, will have a more profound impact on 204 than 203," Mitrovich said. "That is not to discount the impact it will have on the school district."
Approximately 83 percent of District 203's funding comes from property taxes, whereas 74 percent of District 204's funding is from property taxes, he said. District 203 receives 9 percent of its funding from the state, while 17 percent of District 204's funding comes from Springfield, Mitrovich said.
In its announcement last week, District 204 recommended residents contact their representatives and urge them to resolve the budget crisis. But on Tuesday Mitrovich said "our legislative representatives have been beat up about this already.
"They understand with complete clarity the position these districts are in. I do not believe that the leadership in the General Assembly has the same clarity that our local representatives have," Mitrovich said. "And until that changes, it's going to be very difficult to change things in this state."
--- see 203 doesn't have anyone trying to embarass local reps
D203 could lose $8.7 million from state
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/2055337,D203-could-lose-millions-from-state_NA021710.articleFebruary 18, 2010
By KATHY CICHON kcichon@stmedianetwork.com
As school districts around the state sound the alarm for the funding crisis in Springfield, it's important to make sure the right people are the ones hearing the message, Naperville District 203 Superintendent Mark Mitrovich said.
"I learned a long time ago there's no fury like three moms on a crusade at a board meeting. That same level of fury has to be directed at the people who really call the shots in this state," Mitrovich said at Tuesday's board meeting. "Until that happens, nothing changes."
Parents and educators need to direct their attention outside of DuPage County, he said.
"The reality is if that doesn't happen, it's going to be business as usual," Mitrovich said.
Mitrovich and Assistant Superintendent for Finance Dave Zager outlined the impact possible state budget cuts will have on the district. Currently, state funding remains up in the air.
The issue for 2011 is "we don't know where they're going, and quite frankly, I don't think they know either," Mitrovich said.
"(In Springfield) the amount of budget recommended is at a level from the state board of education that requires new revenue being introduced into the state system," Zager said. "In other words, a tax increase. However, it's probably unrealistic to believe that that's really going to happen."
An alternate, reduced state budget that's been proposed would eliminate $7.2 million District 203 receives in general state aid, he said.
"Overall, that alternative budget for the State Board of Education would reduce our funding by about $8.7 million," Zager said.
Mitrovich said that means the district is looking at the potential of delaying expenditures that it would normally make for next year.
"We're looking at increased operational efficiencies. We're doing audits in other areas of the district to take a serious look at how we function," Mitrovich said.
The district is looking at staffing efficiencies and ways to better utilize people, he said, and ways "that we can mitigate any wholesale reduction in staff because that only injures children.
--- staffing efficiencies -- unlike adding an unneeded 3rd high school and staff and operating costs..what a concept
"And we will do everything else but that," Mitrovich said. "But we are not saying that we won't. We can't say that."
The district will also look at program efficiencies, and there may be programs the district can't start or accelerate as quickly as it would like to.
"Over the next 30 or 60 days this is going to take a much more crisp look in terms of what we're going to do budgetarily," Mitrovich said.
Already the district is experiencing significant delays in getting paid by the state.
According to Zager, as of Tuesday the total amount owed to District 203 is more than $4.3 million, with the oldest voucher four months old. On the same date last year, the state owed $3.6 million, with the oldest voucher three months old. On Feb. 16, 2008, the state owed the district $381,127, with the oldest voucher 25 days old. In 2007, the oldest voucher was 15 days old and the state owed $299,941.
"In two years' period of time, it's gone up 10 times in terms of what we're behind," Mitrovich said.
Last week Indian Prairie District 204 announced it will be forced to lay off some of its non-tenured teachers and cut programs if state funding doesn't come through. At this time the number of District 204 teachers possibly losing their jobs and program cuts is unknown.
The state owes District 204 more than $7.8 million for this year's funding, and the district could experience a possible $14 million to $20 million in additional state budget cuts for next year.
"What happens in Springfield, quite honestly, will have a more profound impact on 204 than 203," Mitrovich said. "That is not to discount the impact it will have on the school district."
Approximately 83 percent of District 203's funding comes from property taxes, whereas 74 percent of District 204's funding is from property taxes, he said. District 203 receives 9 percent of its funding from the state, while 17 percent of District 204's funding comes from Springfield, Mitrovich said.
In its announcement last week, District 204 recommended residents contact their representatives and urge them to resolve the budget crisis. But on Tuesday Mitrovich said "our legislative representatives have been beat up about this already.
"They understand with complete clarity the position these districts are in. I do not believe that the leadership in the General Assembly has the same clarity that our local representatives have," Mitrovich said. "And until that changes, it's going to be very difficult to change things in this state."
--- see 203 doesn't have anyone trying to embarass local reps