Unit 5 schools try to weather a ‘perfect storm’

Posted on August 24, 2017
The Unit 5 School Board is considering a tentative budget with a $1.2 million structural deficit in the education fund. (WJBC file photo)

By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Unit 5 is starting the new school year uncertain about its finances as state lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement on a school funding formula.

The school board is considering a tentative budget with about a $1.2 million structural deficit in the education fund.

State government still owes a payment from last year, which could help balance this year’s budget, but Superintendent Mark Daniel said the district is dealing with the perfect storm.

Uncertain state funding, reduced revenue from property taxes and bonds that were issued means the board will have to make some tough decision, as Daniel told news partner WMBD-TV.

“From a structural deficit standpoint, we have to find a way to reduce expenses and increase revenue,” said Daniel.

The public has a month to review the proposed budget. Unit 5 will hold a public hearing in September before the board votes on the $162 million spending plan.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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