Another balanced budget for once-foundering Mundelein High

For the third consecutive year, Mundelein High School officials have begun a new term with a balanced budget.

On its face, this might not seem terribly exciting. But considering the school was operating with mounting, multimillion-dollar losses just a few years ago, board members and administrators are celebrating.

"It truly is amazing, compared to where we were three years ago," board member Vicky Kennedy said.

The school board on Tuesday unanimously approved a $29.7 million spending plan for the new fiscal year, which began July 1. They expect to raise about $29.9 million in property taxes, fees and other revenue during the same period.

That should result in an estimated surplus of $241,441, the district's third annual surplus, business manager Gary Lonquist said.

Officials reduced spending last year by trimming programs, increasing class sizes and taking other cost-saving steps.

Some programs, such as a tutoring and a reading effort for ninth-graders, will be added or re-instituted this year, officials said. More teachers have been hired to reduce class sizes.

For more information, read Friday's Daily Herald or revisit www.dailyherald.com.