Board approves 2014-15 budget

Conservative approach offers financial stability for future generations 

The Glenbrook High School District 225 Board of Education approved the 2014-15 budget, projecting $ 110,723,201 in revenues and $110,720,984 in expenditures in the Operating Fund. Based on the tentative budget for 2014-15.

The District forecasts an Operating Fund balance of $76.8 million as of June 30, 2015, some of which may be needed to pay for increased fixed costs, along with anticipated costs associated with a growing student enrollment. (This amount represents 64.4 percent of projected operating expenditures for the 2015-16 budget.)    

"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 Assistant Superintendent Hillarie Siena.  "For example, Senate Bill 16, if adopted, would reduce our state revenue by an estimated minimum of $1.8 million annually, but by utilizing the reserve, we would be able to maintain our level of exceptional service in the short-term, with a plan to balance our budget through reductions in the long-term."

District 225 is approximately 96 percent locally funded, primarily through local property taxes.  Less than 5 percent of the district's revenue is provided by state and federal sources (compared to the average Illinois school district which receives approximately 38 percent from the state and 9 percent 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 fluctuations in revenues, which could result in the elimination of programs.

 "This past year, we agreed to a new contract with the Glenbrook Education Association (GEA) which has helped the district maintain a balanced budget," said Board President Skip Shein. "The union is to be commended for its commitment to students and 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 8 to allow for community input. The final budget is available on the district website.    

View budget  

Board considers construction projects for summer 2015

The facilities committee recently reviewed a five-year financial plan to maintain and update the district's buildings and grounds. A proposal detailed an aggressive construction plan for the summer of 2015 to meet facility needs that were identified, but not addressed, by the 2006 referendum. 

"Given the district's financial stability, it is a prudent practice to establish a reasonable budget to proactively maintain our building assets," said Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle. "This is an opportune time to address identified issues."

The proposal for construction includes the following projects for an estimated total cost of $6.5 million: Roofing (GBN); paving (GBN/GBS); District office (phase two) renovation; PE and Athletic office relocation and renovation (GBN); Women's locker room renovation (GBN); Cooking station renovation (GBN/GBS).

The Board is expected to vote on the facility plan later this fall.

Read more: Facility Projects MEMO