Board considers student fees for 2012-13

The Board of Education discussed a recommendation from the district administration to freeze student fees at the same rates as last school year.

"In response to current economic conditions, the administration is recommending no increase in student fees," said Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs Hillarie Siena. "These economic times impact our families, and we feel that it is important to do the best we can to keep costs low and yet still be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers who support the District."

The following student fees will remain the same as last year: bus transportation; driver education behind-the-wheel; parking stickers; towels; materials; instrument rental; credit card convenience change; and pre-school tuition at Glenbrook South. The Glenbrook North pre-school tuition fee structure is proposed to change from $642 per semester for four days per week to $800 per semester for five days per week.

The District has not raised fees for transportation for four consecutive years, and will also maintain its sibling bus rider discount of 50 percent.

The Board is expected to vote on the student fees as proposed at its next regular meeting on Monday, March 12.

Board reviews financial projections

In the past two years, the district has reduced its ongoing expenses by $1.2 million.  By continuing to implement its cost reduction plan, the district expects to save an additional $1.2 million in ongoing expenses over the next two years. These actions contribute to the district's financial stability and have allowed minimal reductions in staffing levels.

The most recent financial projections demonstrate the district's financial stability until at least 2016.  Projecting further than three years out is difficult due to the changing conditions such as Consumer Price Index (CPI) and other variables.

View complete financial profile 

GBN and GBS propose new band uniforms

The Board reviewed a proposal by the administration, directors, and a parent committee, for the planned purchase of new band uniforms for both schools for the 2012-13 school year.  The directors and committee worked together for the past 18 months on the process, design, color, and fabrics of the new uniforms.  (See photos below.)  The total cost of the uniforms is $198,000 and they come with a 10-year warranty.  The uniforms were last replaced in 2000.