Unit 5 approves 2024-25 budget, presents plan to maintain facilities

Posted on September 19, 2024

*The school board also discussed millions of dollars worth of repairs that need to be made to various buildings and facilities in the district. (Photo courtesy WMBD-TV)*

NORMAL – The McLean County Unit 5 School Board approved its 2024-2025 budget on Tuesday.

The board unanimously approved the budget.

During a public hearing of the 2024-2025 Budget, the district’s chief financial officer Marty Hickman said the educational budget is balanced for the first time in several years thanks to a referendum that passed last year.

The school board also discussed millions of dollars worth of repairs that need to be made to various buildings and facilities in the district.

Unit 5 Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle said they are working on making a 15-year plan to make sure the facilities meet and maintain the needs of the district.

“I want to emphasize ‘maintain,’ it’s not to beautify, it’s not to expand, it’s just that ongoing maintenance that we all have in our own homes and apartments,” Weikle said.

One of the biggest repairs that need to be addressed is the roofing of several buildings, including Chiddix Jr. High and Normal Community High School.

Fire alarms, geothermal systems and air handling equipment also need to be addressed.

Weikle said about $50 million is needed just for the projects in the next five years. The district is still working on the plans to fund the projects.

The full board meeting is available to watch here.

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