District 87 cuts $2 million from budget

Several building projects scheduled for this summer in Glenbard High School District 87 will be delayed in an attempt to cut $2 million from next year's budget.

Chris McClain, assistant superintendent for business services, said the delays come on the heels of a falling consumer price index, which is what school districts use to gauge property tax increases. In 2008, that number fell to .1 percent, although the district is projecting it at 4 percent for the 2009-2010 budget process.

"Based on our projected decrease in revenues, we need to reduce our spending," he said. "We have to make sure we have a reasonable surplus in the 2009-2010 budget year."

On Monday, the school board agreed to defer some energy conservation and remedial summer capital projects, most of which included enhancements to things like restrooms and auditoriums.

"It's a variety of projects that aren't as highly prioritized on the list," McClain said.

The $2 million represents some cost-cutting for the coming budget cycle, but McClain said the staff and the board will look further into reducing spending in the capital, education and transportation funds. The total budget is about $125 million.

"This budget year we should be in good shape; we should have a surplus this year," McClain said. "But we're doing our due diligence in our planning to make sure we're just being prudent."

McClain also addressed concerns that the board is cutting building projects but proceeded with approving the installation of artificial turf at some of the high school fields.

"All that's been approved to date is a resolution," McClain said of the plans for Glenbard West. "Parties still need to come forward with definitive agreements that they can raise about $700,000."

The turf installation has been moved forward for Glenbard North, although that includes contributions from the park district and the Boosters.

That project is about $1.3 million, with the park district paying for half, school groups paying 17 percent and the district taking up 33 percent of the cost at $429,000.