Dist. 118 budget includes job, program cuts

Wauconda school board members have approved a cost savings package that includes job and program cuts, and fee increases to reduce a $2.2 million deficit projected in the 2010-11 budget.

The 25 measures, worth some $1.5 million, that were approved Thursday by the Wauconda Unit District 118 school board also included administration and nonunion staff pay freezes.

Superintendent Dan Cole said he and Associate Superintendent of Business Services Bill Harkin examined each item in the budget before deciding which cuts to recommend.

"I think in tough economic times you have to find unique ways to think outside of the box to achieve the same goals," Cole said. "We can't look at this and say District 118 is going to come to a grinding halt."

The district saved more than $250,000 by eliminating five full-time positions, including one elementary school assistant principal. It also eliminated a part-time curriculum coordinator, saving $45,500.

District 118 will save more than $300,000 by eliminating previously projected staff new hires. These positions would have likely been teachers, and classroom sizes may rise as a result, Harkin said.

Cole said his goal was to make changes to the budget that would have the least affect on students. Given the economic reality of the deficit, he said these cuts do just that.

However, some cuts mean Wauconda High School will offer fewer elective courses next fall, and students may notice less availability in those courses, officials said.

The extended-day programs at District 118's two middle schools were aeliminated, saving $20,000. However, the district plans to offer a "tenth hour" for students to stay after school and receive tutoring, Cole said.

There will be no new textbooks adopted next year, and less money will be allocated for professional development of teachers, saving more than $21,000.

And, parents can expect to see higher student fees to generate an additional $50,000 in revenue for the district. Which fees will be increased and by how much has not been decided, but a proposal will be developed and sent to the board in April.

The full list of cuts and freezes is available on the district's Web site.

Even with the cost savings measures, the district will operate with a $683,488 deficit budget in 2010-11. If its financial situation does not improve, Cole said officials will be forced to make similar cuts next year.