Dist. 158, 300 awarded state growth grants

Community Unit District 300 and Huntley Unit District 158 are among the 43 districts that will receive fast-growth grants this year.

The state grants are awarded to districts with fast-growing enrollment.

District 300, which has grown about 2 percent in each of the past two years, will receive $400,941. The grant, about double what the district expected, will go toward computers and technology infrastructure.

"We got a little more than we expected," Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates said. "The main area we'll be spending is technology."

District 158, which has grown by 10 percent or more in recent years, will get $499,858.

District 158's grant, almost exactly what the district budgeted, will go toward general educational expenses.

"We had budgeted exactly half a million," board Vice President Tony Quagliano said. "We almost hit the number right on the head."

"That obviously helps the cause, but we knew it was helping the cause long ago."

District 300's enrollment is about 19,500, while District 158 has about 8,200 students.