Kaneland will only operate new middle school next year

In the face of a worsening economy and late payments from the state of Illinois, Kaneland School District 302 will operate only one middle school for the 2009-2010 school year.

The Kaneland Board of Education last week voted to assign students in grades six to eight to the new middle school on Harter Road in Sugar Grove. The facility can accommodate at least 1,200 students. About 1,100 middle school students are expected to enroll next year.

"We have enough money to open the new school, but we're scared that we can't sustain it," Assistant Superintendent of Business Thomas Runty said. "We're hearing that the economy will not improve for about three years."

Runty said staffing only one middle school will save the district about $1.3 million.

The existing school on the campus of Kaneland High School in Maple Park, which accommodates 750, will be used for athletic practices and high school physical education classes, as well as computer classes. It also will remain open for community groups that use it for wrestling and square dancing, Runty said. It might be used for overflow from the high school, but ultimately, it will be used as a middle school.

Runty said the state owes the Kaneland School District about $2.3 million for the transportation fund. Only one more payment is expected before the current fiscal year ends June 30.

The school district relies heavily on property taxes. According to Runty, revenue in property taxes is expected to decrease because of declining property values, including an increase in home foreclosures, and a housing market that has come to a virtual standstill. Growth in enrollment is expected to be flat for the foreseeable future.

"All this has come up since October," Runty said. "There doesn't seem to be a viable alternative to operating only one middle school."