Glenbard Dist. 87 outlines cost-cutting plans

With revenue projections expected to severely decline during the next five years, Glenbard High School District 87 wants to make sure it is not scrambling to pay its bills.

That means layoffs and maintenance cutbacks that could lead to delays in repairs and patchwork fixes.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Chris McClain said the district has made tough choices as it anticipates a decades-low consumer price index and decreased state revenue that will slash the district's projected income.

"If your revenues are going to decline, you need to make commensurate reductions in your spending," he said. "If we want to hold true to the principles that we have established, then that's what we have to do."

McClain spoke to an audience of about 30 residents, parents and district officials at an informational session at Glenbard South High School on Wednesday. Another is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at Glenbard North.

McClain laid out the district's financial projections, which had to be adjusted to now reflect about a $4.5 million reduction per year for the next five years. The change is based on a decades-low consumer price index of .1 percent in 2008 as well as large cuts in state funding. Previous projections had forecast about a 3 percent index, which was just above the 2.7 average of the previous 18 years. The index in 2007 was 4.1 percent.

"We are reacting and want to be proactive," McClain said. "We are just keeping prudent and responsible."

Among the $4.5 million in cuts are $2 million in the district's operations and maintenance fund, which means the district will have to be more selective in repairs.

Another $1.7 million will come from the educational fund, which includes teachers' salaries.

"It's such a disconnect for me," said Glen Ellyn resident Joy Joyce. "They're talking about cutting staff but in the same presentation, they're not talking about its effect on the educational process. I don't think you can separate the two."