Dist. 200 passes balanced budget despite state shortfalls

After delaying passage of its budget for a month, a move made to include the most up-to-date state revenue information as possible, Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 officials approved a balanced budget Tuesday.

The $146.5 million budget does not include an anticipated $14 million payment the state has said is forthcoming in capital development money. After falling behind on payments to school districts across the state, state officials say the money is now held up at the state comptroller's office.

Repeating a refrain heard from other Illinois school chiefs, Superintendent Brian Harris said he remains skeptical about whether those payments, even after a recent assurance, will come through.

“It is frustrating,” Harris said. “We are (intentionally) underestimating revenues and aligning our expenses accordingly. If it comes through, we will adjust the budget and deal with it.”

The budget met a deadline that requires the school board to file a budget by Sept. 30. Harris said he has spoken with other superintendents who are owed money.

“We are all in the same boat,” he said. “We have almost established a new norm at the local level.”

School officials said the balanced budget came about because of targeted reductions and entering into the second year of a collective bargaining agreement that saw minimal salary increases for the district's unions.

But the state legislature has done the district no favors.

Harris said he appreciated the work of the legislature and says that he thinks “they are trying” to make good on past due payments.

However, he said, as they continue to try to find ways to pay school districts, it's the districts themselves that have to field the questions concerning revenue.

“In the meantime, it's playing out at the local level,” he said. “Taxpayers come to school board meetings. They usually don't make the trip to Springfield.”