Board approves 2013-14 budget

Conservative approach offers financial stability for future generations

The Glenbrook High School District 225 Board of Education approved the 2013-14 budget, projecting $107,515,512 in revenues and $107,499,756 in expenditures in the Operating Fund. Based on the budget for 2013-14, the District forecasts an Operating Fund balance of $72.1 million as of June 30, 2014.

"Maintaining strong fund balances is a key financial strategy for our district as we face uncertainties such as increasing student enrollment and potential decreases in state and federal funding," said Board President Skip Shein. "By doing so, we greatly enhance our ability to remain fiscally stable as an organization."

The majority (96%) of the District budget is funded locally, primarily through property taxes with less than 4% of funding provided by state and federal sources (compared to the average Illinois school district which receives approximately 38% from the state and 9% from federal sources). This structure gives District 225 taxpayers greater control over the quality and value of their schools. It also ensures a favorable credit rating for the District and protects the schools from severe fluctuations in revenues, which could result in the elimination of programs.

"This past year, we agreed to new contracts with our various unions which has helped the district maintain a balanced budget," said Assistant Superintendent Hillarie Siena. "The unions are to be commended for their collaborative commitment during negotiations to the long-range financial stability of our organization."

The tentative budget was posted online July 31 for viewing, and the district held a public hearing on September 9 to allow for community input. The final budget is available on the district website www.glenbrook225.org.

View 2013-14 budget  

District identifies construction projects for 2014-15 

The Board discussed construction projects for the 2014-15 budget year that focus on GBS's growing enrollment and small building projects.  Later this fall, the Board will give further consideration to parking expansion at GBS and phase II renovation of the district offices at 3801 West Lake Avenue.

Each fall, the Board reviews and approves a construction project list for the upcoming year for the purposes of bid specifications. Once the final bids are received, the Board acts on the actual contracts at a later date.

Due to GBS's growing enrollment over the next few years, some of the proposed projects include splitting computer labs into classrooms, converting peer groups rooms into classrooms, and adding parking spots. GBS will also renovate classrooms for a new program called Project Lead the Way, for engineering students.