District 158, parents argue about use of stimulus funds

Tempers flared and heated words were exchanged Thursday during a vigorous debate among Huntley Unit District 158 officials over how to spend federal stimulus dollars.

The district expects to receive an estimated $1.6 million in stimulus funds. Although the money is earmarked for special education, district officials can use up to half of the money on other areas, according to the state.

District administrators had recommended using half of the stimulus funds to balance the budget. Parents have insisted that the district spend 100 percent of the money on new special education initiatives.

District 158 officials handed special-needs parents a mixed bag Thursday. On the one hand, board members pledged to spend all of the stimulus funds on new special education programs.

But on the other hand, district officials said they plan to spend half the money next year - when budgetary concerns could force the district to use the stimulus money just to maintain current services.

Board members who supported the staggered spending plan said it would give school officials more flexibility and insulate the district against changing winds in Springfield.

"I'm not going to take my chances with the state of Illinois," board member Paul Troy said. "My intention is to spend it on initiatives, new initiatives for these kids."

But board member Aileen Seedorf and Linda Betzold, who has served as a spokeswoman for fellow special education parents, said the deferred spending plan gives the board too much flexibility to use money that was designated for special-needs children.