Dist. 211 budget preview shows plusses

Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 won't unveil next year's budget until August, but so far the numbers show the district's received about $7 million more than projected.

A budget preview was presented at Thursday's board meeting. Superintendent Nancy Robb said the presentation reflects positively for the district, which isn't a surprise. Robb has been upbeat in describing the district's financial situation since she started as superintendent.

"I think we have some pretty good news to show here," Robb said.

The report, prepared by Associate Superintendent of Business David Torres, revealed the district $6.9 million more in receipts than planned. That figure includes money from the state, taxes and food service sales. The district has also spent $3.9 million less than projected. The report attributes the difference from the state law signed into effect in January which required property owners to pay a higher portion of their property taxes for the first installment. The reduced spending comes from reduced costs for supplies and utilities.

The district's revenues will still take a dip, down 5.1 percent from projections when compared to last year. However, Torres still said the budget is in good shape.

"We will have a balanced budget for next year even though we see a decrease in revenues," Torres said

Together the report shows a "favorable" budget balance of $9.1 million for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Board member Anna Klimkowicz remained concerned about the escalating cost of the health insurance and benefits. They went up $1.9 million more than projected. Salaries have actually gone down a bit from estimates. Officials budgeted $126.6 million for salaries, but so far $125.9 million is being spent.

Robb said premium increases to employees enrolled in PPOs will help offset the overall increases the district pays of health insurance.