By Eric Stock
NORMAL – Unit 5 superintendent Mark Daniel said if the state goes into early 2016 without a budget, which is looking more likely by the day, it could mean a long, cold winter for schools.
“It’s very important for our legislators to get to the work at and let’s pass a budget,” Daniel said, noting Unit 5 has budgeted for only three of the four state aid payments that are due each year.
PODCAST: Listen to Tim and Colleen’s interview with Daniel on WJBC.
Illinois lawmakers did appropriate money for elementary and secondary education even without a budget, but Daniel told WJBC’s Tim Lewis, the state’s recent history of delaying payments for months has him concerned.
“Our reserves are depleted,” Daniel said. “I like to say we are on thin ice.”
Unit 5 has a 45-day worth of cash in reserve. Daniel said the district will also need to cut close to $900,000 from its transportation fund by next year.
Daniel said the district would need to trim its number of daily bus routes by 18. He added everything is on the table as the district continues its strategic planning, including charging for transportation for extra-curricular activities. He hopes there’s a proposal in place by the end of January so the community can weigh in before any changes take effect.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
