Benefit concert to raise funds for District 95
Parents, teachers and students in Lake Zurich Unit District 95 are finding creative ways to keep fine arts and athletic programs afloat, at least for another year.
In the latest fundraising effort, a benefit concert hits the Performing Arts Center at Lake Zurich High School on Sunday, in an effort to save fourth and fifth grade band and orchestra from the budget ax.
A sprawling list of recommended cuts that would affect every school in the district was announced last month, as officials anticipate a $4 million revenue shortfall.
There is a very steep mountain to climb for fourth and fifth grade band and orchestra in particular - the cut, including the loss of four teaching jobs, would save the district $200,000.
"It's a whole different problem when you're trying to save tenured teachers," said Josh Thompson, a music teacher at Lake Zurich High School.
The concert runs from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $18 for adults or $12 for seniors and students. The Lake Zurich High School orchestra will play side by side with the Lake Shore Symphony of Chicago.
"We're proud to do what we can and then figure out what's going to happen later," said Serge Penksik, the Lake Zurich High School orchestra director.
Penksik said he hopes to sell out the Performing Arts Center. The venue seats 679 people, so a sold out show could bring in $8,148 to $12,222, based on ticket prices.
Thompson is concerned about the sustainability of fundraising efforts because the $200,000 price tag would save the program for only one year.
"I think it's absolutely silly that we (would be expected to) raise $200,000 each year to save this program," he said.
LZ Hoops, a youth basketball program, is launching its own fundraiser to save Lake Zurich High School freshman and sophomore B boys basketball. They would need to raise $12,230 for those teams for next year.
"This area doesn't have a park district and without these activities, there isn't much for these kids to do," said Barbara Evans, the parent of a sophomore B team player.
The district's expected revenue decrease comes as a result of a drop in the Consumer Price Index from 4.1 percent to 0.1 percent. The CPI dictates the increase the district can request in the property tax levy.
The Corner Kick Club got the fundraising ball rolling when it presented the school board with a $4,620 check to save sophomore girls soccer and JV boys soccer for next year.
"The board was hearing from the community that they want to help so we are doing everything we can to make it as easy as possible for anyone who wants to donate," said Board President Kathy Brown.
The board decided to use the educational foundation, a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes resources to the district, to accept the donations. Contributions can be made to the general fund or for a specific purpose.