District 54 tentative budget includes cost increases of 1.6%

The introduction of iPads and Chromebooks to younger grade levels and construction of an addition with nine more classrooms at Link Elementary School in Elk Grove Village are among the new elements of Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54's 2019-2020 budget year, which officially starts Monday.

That's also when the newly adopted tentative budget goes on display at the administration building at 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg, ahead of its scheduled public hearing and final approval at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8.

The tentative budget anticipates costs of $283.7 million, a 1.6% increase over the previous year's final budget, and estimates revenues of $271.8 million, 1.7% more than last year.

Because the 28-building district always has technology and construction costs, what's new this year isn't necessarily reflected by cost increases in the budget, spokeswoman Terri McHugh said.

After a pilot program last year, iPads will now be distributed to all kindergarten and first-grade students this year. And the Chromebooks first introduced at older grade levels will be rolled down to younger students, she said.

District officials said this is an example of trying to stay at the forefront of new innovations in learning.

"Every year we look to reprioritize our budget to positively impact student success," said Ric King, assistant superintendent for business operations.

At the same meeting at which the tentative budget was adopted, the board of education also approved salaries for the coming year. The total costs are based on projected savings from retirements as well as the raises of continuing employees. A 4.5% increase in benefit costs is expected.

District 54 will continue to freeze spending on supplies, purchased services and capital outlays except in the operations and maintenance fund in which increases can't be controlled as well as they can in the education fund for textbooks and technology.

Tuition costs are budgeted at the same level as last year, but are subject to fluctuation depending on how many special education services may need to be outsourced.

With no new debt to be incurred, District 54 will maintain the debt-free status it's had since 2011.