Kaneland 302's tentative budget includes deficits

The Kaneland school district is projecting deficits totaling about $3.5 million in its education and operations and maintenance funds, in a proposed budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year.

The year began July 1, but school districts have until the end of September to adopt budgets.

The tentative budget calls for $70.95 million in spending, and $68.82 million in revenue. That is about 3.4 percent more than last year's budget, according to figures published by the district.

As usual, the greatest part of the district's money, 74 percent, will come from local property taxes. About 19 percent will come from the state government, if the state pays what local officials estimate.

The state has not, however, told local districts how much general state aid they will get. The district typically learns that in late summer.

The budget reflects pay raises for teaching staff and administrators and some support workers. The district is negotiating a contract with Kaneland Support Professionals' Education Association, a new bargaining unit that represents health aides, secretaries, paraprofessionals, nurses, cooks, dishwashers, response-to-intervention math and reading assistants, teaching assistants, security workers and study hall supervisors.

The budget includes repaying debt. Overall, the district owes $95.29 million in principal, and $67.82 million in interest. Annual principal payments are expected to more than double by June of 2024. The debt ends in 2029.

A public hearing is scheduled Sept. 12, and the board plans to then adopt the budget later that evening.

The tentative budget is available at kaneland.org, and at the district's office at 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park.