District 129 looking for money ideas

West Aurora School District 129 staff members and residents are being asked for their input on saving money because of financial issues affecting the district.

Among the biggest issues to consider: What if the state continues to send its aid payments late, or if it stops sending them at all; the termination of a $1 million federal grant for a reading program; and having to pay interest on loans taken out this budget year to pay bills the state was supposed to cover.

The meeting is at 5 p.m. Monday in Room A206 at West Aurora High School, 1201 W. New York St. The school board will use the information gathered to study budget cuts and moneymaking options.

"We face a state aid decrease of $9.9 million" for school year 2009-10, district spokesman Mike Chapin said.

The district has borrowed $15 million during the 2008-09 fiscal year - which ends June 30 - to pay for things state aid was supposed to cover. The board has authorized borrowing another $5 million, if necessary.

Chapin said more than one-third of the district's revenue comes from the state. The state owes the district at least $3.6 million, he said, much of it for programs that state law requires the district to provide. "We're stuck paying those bills," Chapin said.

The discussion is happening now because by mid-spring the district has to provide notice to any staff it intends to lay off for next school year. The district is also preparing its budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

During the past year, the district has continued to implement Vision 129, a plan to improve student learning. Priorities this year include implementing a new science curriculum in all grades and adding an eighth instructional period to the high school day. Next school year, the district plans to lengthen the elementary and middle school days.