Woodland leaders optimistic about upcoming budget

Although expenditures are projected to top revenue, an upbeat note was sounded for a new budget approved at Gurnee-based Woodland Elementary District 50.

"It's a very positive budget," Woodland Associate Superintendent Robert Leonard told school board members at a recent meeting. "It's at least the best one you've seen in a couple years."

Total budget expenditures are projected at almost $84 million for the 2007-08 academic year. Revenue is pegged at nearly $75 million.

Following are some budget highlights:

• Salaries and benefits for teachers and other employees paid from Woodland's education fund represent the largest expenses. About $44 million has been set aside for salaries and benefits in the education fund.

Total expenditures in the education fund are projected at about $53 million on revenue of $52 million.

• Local taxes are expected to generate nearly 87 percent of the education fund's $52 million in revenue. State and federal money cover the remaining 13 percent.

• District 50 must pay for 95 new employees in its transportation department because it no longer will contract with an outside bus company to bring students to school.

Roughly $2.6 million has been allocated for salaries, with transportation department revenue expected at $5.6 million, Total expenditures are projected at $5.3 million.

Working cash fund transfers are traditionally used to cover shortfalls in a particular budget area.