Dist. 128 looking to cut costs, boost efficiency

Although Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128's financial outlook is relatively bright, officials are teaming up to increase efficiency and cut costs.

A special task force has formed to find ways to save money, Superintendent Prentiss Lea said. The group doesn't have a target figure in mind.

“In doing that, it could limit our thinking,” Lea said.

Unlike some other area school districts, Libertyville and Vernon Hills high schools are on financially sound footing, making this the perfect time for such an effort, Lea said.

District leaders haven't asked residents to increase the schools' tax rate since 1997. There are no plans to make such a request any time soon, and any cuts that are made could help delay the need to make such a request for another two to four years, Lea said.

“We're very blessed,” he said. “Taxpayers have supported the district well.”

About 25 people have been tapped to be part of the task force. They include administrative assistants, teachers, department supervisors, administrators and both athletic directors.

“(They are) the A to Z of the school district,” Lea said.

The group will look at maintenance operations, supply purchases, recycling efforts and other areas for potential cost savings and ways to operate more efficiently, Lea said.

Personnel cuts are not being considered, he said.

District 128 board member Stephen Arthur said officials must ensure any cuts don't negatively impact the quality of education at the schools. With that caveat in mind, Arthur said, he's looking forward to learning what the group recommends.

“I'm all ears,” he said.

District 128 already has taken some money-saving steps, before the task force was formed, Lea said.

For example, all students used to receive printed curriculum guides every year. Now, freshmen get printed guides and updates are available online.

The district's Paw Prints newsletter primarily is published online as well, a change from past years.

The group also will investigate possible new revenue sources, too, such as grants or financial investments. Increasing fees to raise money isn't being considered, Lea said.

If the efforts continue, they will become “part of the culture” of the district, Lea said.

The group first met in December and will convene again in early February, Lea said. It could have recommendations for the school board after another meeting in March or April, Lea said.