Larger classes could be in Kaneland's future

More alternatives to cutting student activities will be presented to the Kaneland school board Monday during a special budget forum.

The board is trying to avoid a projected $2.6 million operating deficit for fiscal year 2010-11, which begins July 1.

At the board's last meeting, district administrators gave specifics on what clubs and sports at the high school would be eliminated or lose assistant sponsors and coaches. The board then asked administrators to come up with other options that didn't directly affect students.

The answer officials came up with is not likely to please: Have fewer teachers in the fall despite the expectation of increased enrollment. That would lead to larger class sizes.

Administrators have agreed to freeze their own pay - and those with contracts have already done so - which should save about $48,000.

The district could save $127,000 by freezing wages for support staff. If six teaching positions are eliminated, that would save about $300,000.

If teachers are cut, some class sizes at the elementary and middle schools would grow to 30 students, and up to 33 at the high school. Without the cut, it would be 24 to 26 students per class at the elementary level, and an average of 27 and 29 at the middle and high school levels, according to officials.

Monday's board meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Harter Middle School, Esker Drive and Harter Road, Sugar Grove. The budget forum will start at 6:30 p.m. Attendees should park on the south side of the school and use Entrance 20.

The district is also soliciting residents' input via a form on its Web site, kaneland.org.

The board intends to decide what cuts to make March 8. The budget does not have to be adopted until Sept. 30, but the district must give any teachers to be laid off at the end of the school year 60 days' notice.