District 54 OKs $152.7 million levy, 2.7 percent hike over last year

The Schaumburg Township District 54 school board on Thursday approved a $152.7 million tax levy for 2010, a 2.7 percent increase over what they levied in 2009.

The 2010 levy, district reports said, will provide funds for part of the 2010-11 budget year, as well as the 2011-12 budget.

The 2.7 percent hike is the most allowed under the state's property tax cap law, which ties school district property tax hikes to the amount of the Consumer Price Index.

Board members said the increase does not mean they're being something less than frugal with district funds.

“We may be the largest chunk (of the property tax bill) but we've been very prudent and responsible,” board member Charlotte Kegarise said of the district's efforts to cut costs.

The school district will have no outstanding debts in 2011, a feat that garnered praise for Mohsin Dada, the district's assistant superintendent of business services, and his work to help get the district out of debt.

The board on Thursday also reviewed its policies for administering medicine to students. Under draft language of a new policy, the district would allow a student use of an epinephrine autoinjector, sometimes known as an EpiPen, if his or her physician provides written authorization and instructions.

Parent or guardian authorization also would be required for student use of a epinephrine autoinjector, which combats a severe allergic reaction.

Current district guidelines state that written orders are required for all prescription and nonprescription medications. Parent or guardian permission is required and must be renewed each year and the medicine must be supplied by the parent or guardian after consultation with the school nurse, among other restrictions.