District 87 finances strong but challenges loom

Glenbard High School District 87 is coming off a positive fiscal year, officials say, but the prospect of a lower consumer price index may mean more cuts in the future.

In its annual report released this week, the district described highlights from the past fiscal year, including the fact no tax anticipation warrants were issued in 2008. The warrants normally are issued when tax money doesn't come in by the time the district needs it.

Revenue also exceeded expenditures by $12.7 million this year.

However, the CPI, which indicates how much additional property tax money will be coming into the district next year, is at .1 percent.

District spokeswoman Peg Mannion said staff cuts aren't on the table right now, but officials will have to look at other options with a tighter budget.

"We're re-evaluating everything," Mannion said. "The CPI is going to have a dramatic effect on operations."

The report, which is available at glenbard87.org, also goes through the district's academic programs from the past school year.

The district has been concentrating on five priorities: academic growth, school climate, partnerships with the community, a collaborative culture and fiscal responsibility.

The report includes a score card on those goals, which uses data collected throughout the year.

"(The community) can see how we're using data to inform decisions on things like the curriculum and finance," Mannion said.

She said one area of focus is getting students involved in athletics and co-curricular activities.

"There's a link between students who are involved in co-curriculars," she said. "All the research shows they do better in school."

The report also indicates scores in math, English and science standardized tests are improving.

Superintendent Mike Meissen will give a rundown of the year-end report to the community at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the district's administrative center, 596 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

The district also is seeking community input through an online survey, looking for opinions on items such as staffing and communication.

The community survey is available through June 30 at glenbard87.org.