District 94 identifies possible budget cuts

The winter play, intramural sports and SADD chapter are on the list of student activities that could be eliminated in West Chicago Community High School District 94.

District officials have provided more details on the $776,000 in proposed budget cutbacks for the 2010-2011 school year.

"We are trying to save jobs; we are trying to save programs," said Katherine Doremus, school board president. "We still are working on coming up with a final plan."

The school board is expected to vote Jan. 26 on recommended reductions involving personnel.

Those proposed cuts total $516,000 and include two administrative positions (an assistant principal and a division head), four teaching positions (special education, English, mathematics and social science) and two clerks.

In addition, athletic coaching and activity sponsor positions totaling $44,000 could be cut next year. The positions include the winter play director, assistant director and set director; intramural adviser; Students Against Destructive Decisions sponsor; and sponsor of the Mind's Eye Literary magazine.

The winter play made the list because it is a small production involving fewer students than the fall and spring plays, Doremus said.

Some assistant coaching positions - including assistant coaches for boys track, girls swimming and boys golf - also could be eliminated next year, but the teams would continue.

The board is looking for ways to raise revenue, such as getting money for displaying ads in school facilities or increasing student fees.

District 94 serves students in West Chicago, Winfield, Warrenville, Wheaton and Carol Stream.