is inching closer to being in the black, after frugal spending within the District in 2012. The district posted a $110,000 deficit—a significant improvement on the $1 million deficit in the previous fiscal year.
District Superintendent Steve Stein said several factors contributed to the shrinking deficit, including:
- health care costs that were lower than expected
- a salary freeze for teachers (which they agreed to)
- saving $111,000 of $160,000 set aside from contingency fund
“We did solve our issues with the teacher's contract and the teachers did agree to a freeze, that certainly was a big part of helping to put us on that path,” Stein said, adding, “I think there was still a ratcheting down by staff, at all levels, to not spend money. I think there are a number of things that go into [the lower deficit.]”
He also added that unlike in previous years, there was no intrafund transferring in 2012, stating that “if a line item went in the red, it stayed in the red.
“That was done purposefully,” Stein said. “I think it will ultimately allow us to track and plan our budgets in the future.”
Though the year looks to be a solid one for the District, he said that the board was reviewing an unaudited version of the final budget. The audit is set to begin on July 30.
Further discussion of the 2013 budget raised eyebrows among board members, as the projected deficit is estimated at $400,000. Stein cautioned that the budget was “preliminary,” and that several line items could change.
Projected spending in transportation costs, which is preliminarily budgeted at more than $110,000 more than the previous year despite lowered enrollment, and technology supplies and equipment, which is projected at a total of $115,800, drew particular interest from the board. Technology spending for the previous year was $39,468.
“I see money here for wireless computers, while we're still charging kids a lot of money to be put on the bus,” said . “I think there's an awful lot of thought that needs to be put into this, in terms of wants versus needs.”
Also among the expected increased expenditures was a more than $20,000 raise—from $79,550 to $100,000—for the vacant business manager position.
“It's just a placeholder right now,” Stein said of the business manager's projected salary.
The Board of Education will again discuss the budget for FY2013 at its next meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 1. The budget will be approved after further discussion in September.
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Too late to register with the conference? Who dropped that ball. Nothing as to what would replace it. I guess money was saved on that also. But we are a feeder to Lincolnway East or were. No plans for an intramural to replace that program. Did anyone on the board ask what would replace that program. Surely President Markum and the board realize we could save money if the children only went to school for 1 hour a day. That would certainly put us in the black. Here is an idea...When the parents come to register their children why don't you give registration forms to the other schools in the area that parents could sign up for.If you cut the enrollment you save MORE money and rightly so that seems to be the bottom line,doesn't it.
The only stumbling block for any sport or activity, including boys basketball, is the number of students who sign up or try out for the sport or activity. Here's a link, directly from the district, on signing up for an Schedule B activities: http://www.mokena159.org/MJH/Documents/Pay%20to%20participate%20payment%20sheet%20Revised%20June%202012.pdf
We have not done enough yet. However be aware that we made sure all activities WOULD be in conference this year AND reduced the fees. I wish we could have eradicated them and hope to be able to do so in future. You Might check minutes of meetings or other newsclips and find I am a relentless advocate of "children first". I took it upon myself to donate and find others to donate the the MES Stars Program and anything else one person can do. I NEED your input to properly do my JOB as i am SIMPLY a REPRESENTATVE , elected to represent community, parents , children. PLEASE come to meetings or even have a cup o joe with me. It is MY DUTY to represent ALL. The toughest part is gettng good input. Regarding my budget focuse, we are required by law to have it submitted by a date certain, so surely that in top on the pile right now. By the way, we threw a carnival for children... and community. The park district has agreed to donate some picnic tables for kids, the blue demons are now able to dress up their ball fields and on and on and YET it is NOT enough. I know that. I will keep on fighting or advocating. Please help me when you can. Patrick Markham
pmarkham 1@yahoo.com If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn't thinking