By Neil Doyle and HOI ABC
NORMAL – McLean County’s largest school district voted unanimously at about 1:20 a.m. Thursday to save 5th grade band and orchestra from budget cuts.
But the Unit 5 School Board approved $2.1 million in budget cuts which include 8th grade foreign language programs, 36 teacher and staff positions, and two administrative jobs.
75 people, including parents, teachers and students spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. Public comment wrapped up just before midnight, according to our news partner HOI ABC.
The vote to amend the fifth grade band and orchestra proposal saved two staff positions from being eliminated. That added an extra $108,000 to district expenses to cover the two salaries.
Board President Amy Roser said if the district doesn’t get another source of revenue, the deficit will only grow. That means future cuts would likely have to be much more expansive.
“We wouldn’t be talking about just fifth grade band,” Roser said. “I need every single person who spoke tonight and who advocated for fifth grade band and orchestra to fully understand the scale and the magnitude of what $14 million looks like for this district.”
“We’re gonna need some help,” Roser said.
The education fund deficit, which is projected at $14 million next fiscal year, is expected to rise to $32.5 million five years from now.
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