District 205 Board Working to Get Ahead of the Curve With Regard to School Funding Issues

With school funding a perpetual problem for Illinois school districts, Elmhurst Unit District 205 School Board members are working to get ahead of the curve by engaging state legislators. The purpose is to outline in no uncertain terms the financial challenges they are facing in terms of state mandates, tax caps, building needs, special education and non-English speaking student services and more.

To that end, the district has prepared a briefing for legislators that includes myriad information about the district, including demographics, budget drivers, funding sources, student sacrifices to date, and the limited options that exist to address increasing costs. The objectives include fostering "two-way dialog (with legislators) around key legislative issues related to education."

The School Board will present the legislative briefing at its next meeting, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. The board also will present information on the fiscal year 2014 budget. The first installment of 2012 taxes will come due to the District in early June.

Here's a look at the full agenda:

After a closed session to discuss employment of an employee, student discipline and contract negotiations, the open meeting will convene at 7:30 p.m. with student recognition. Students earning accolades from the Illinois Drafting Educators Association, Skills USA and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America will be recognized.

This will be followed by public comment. Members of the community will be invited to speak for up to three minutes on any topic.

Superintendents communication items are as follows:

• Corporate Benefit Consultants Inc. insurance renewal presentation
• Legislative presentation
• Fiscal year 2014 budget

The superintendent's consent agenda will include:

• Approval of an additional law firm
• Approval of health and dental insurance renewal
• Approval of a donation of automotive parts worth $15,563 to York High School from Arlington Heights Ford
• Approval of a $1,500 donation to York High School for the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Program from Elmhurst Eagles Youth Football

Action items include:

• Approval of a resolution to transfer money from the education and operations and maintenance funds to the debt service fund
• Approval to appoint School Board member John McDonough representative to the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County

The board will then review its upcoming meetings, take action on two items from closed session and hear any additional communications from board members.

The meeting will be held at the District 205 Administration Office, 162 S. York Road.