Partly paid district 95 programs still have chance
Recently reported fundraising totals from the Lake Zurich Unit District 95 educational foundation show there may be enough in the general fund to reinstate some partially funded programs that are set to be cut.
Community members were able to choose to donate to a specific program or to the general fund, which could be used to benefit any endangered program. The general fund balance now shows $16,820.
That money may go toward some partially funded programs, which received some donations but not enough to save them for next school year. There are five such programs - some received a couple hundred dollars while others received several thousand dollars.
Reinstating all five would cost $20,873 - meaning some partially funded programs will go by the wayside, leaving some donations unused.
"It wouldn't surprise me if they (the educational foundation) turn around and refund it to the person," board member John Kropf said.
The board has not yet said how it will disperse the money in the general fund. Kropf said it is too early to speak with certainty about programs the general fund will help, but added those with more money in their specific funds would be more likely to come back.
For instance, the freshman B boy's baseball team has $2,805 raised but still needs $932 to operate next year.
"For the activities that are completely funded or almost completely funded, they're going to be in good shape," Kropf said. "The ones that are mostly funded, I think those will be in pretty good shape too."
He added programs that received some donations but are not near what they need for reinstatement are not likely to be brought back.
For example, programs like freshman B girl's volleyball and the scholastic bowl coach need about $3,000 each, but each had less than $200 in donations.
The district has been taking measures to cut $4 million from its budget, in anticipation of a shortfall in revenue due to a drop in the consumer price index. The CPI determines the increase the district can request in the property tax levy.
The board passed a tentative budget in June and will vote on a final budget in September.