District 231 School Board Approves 2012 Budget Without Cuts

Unlike many other schools in Illinois that have been hit with budget woes, the  Board of Education without making cuts that would impact students’ education. To date, the school’s direct budgetary revenues amount to $17,187,167. This year they will spend $16,668,801 leaving a surplus of $518,366 for next school year. 

“We’ve had a surplus the last couple of years. We’ve tried to be fiscally conservative (by) projecting expenditures high and revenues low, so that we can come in under budget,” said Supt. M. Elizabeth Hart.

And to make sure they don’t over spend, the board puts the brakes on spending on Mar. 1, anything after will have to wait until next year, Hart said.  

The school spent about 3.1 percent more than last year, and its revenue increased by about 2.3 percent. Their expenses increased this year since the school gave raises to their staff, Hart said.  Not replacing retired teachers and administrative staff also aided them continuing to have a surplus every year, Hart said. Last year, the school board didn’t replace a retired special education teacher. Two years ago, an English teacher retired, they didn’t replace her.

Although the school has fewer teachers, it hasn’t increased classroom sizes, Hart said. Part of why classroom sizes haven't increased is the decrease in student population by 66 students in the last four years. Also, to save money, the school doesn’t have a class if there’s less than 15 registered, Hart added. And this year they raised drivers’ education by $50.

To make sure cuts aren’t made, the board continually looks for ways for the school to make money, Hart said. Currently, . The investigation includes collecting data from other schools that have corporate sponsors. If the school decided to have corporate sponsorships, it would allow advertisements in hallways and in the gym, said Hart.

Also, to keep costs for the school down about, two years ago the school mandated a $25 athletic activity.

“We encourage fundraising for athletics and other activities,” to make sure there are no cuts to extracurricular activities. Evergreen Park Community High School has active Boosters clubs for several student activitie.

While 91.7 percent of district's revenue comes from property taxes, it also makes an effort to get grants from the state and federal government, Hart said.

“Economize, we’ve tried to make sure we can take out of a grant account” before the district dips into other funds, Hart explained.

The Evergreen Park Community High School Foundation for Educational Excellence also aids the school by donating about $10,000 every year towards technology education and equipment. Just last year, the foundation’s donation allowed the school to install new television sets in the cafeteria as well as devices for teachers to communicate with students better, Hart said.