Elmhurst D205 Official Questions Staff Hikes

ELMHURST, IL – In the last decade, Elmhurst School District 205 has seen enrollment rise by 10 students.

During the same time, its certified employee count has risen by 100.

At Tuesday's school board meeting, member Jim Collins said the district's financial position has increased greatly over the years.

But he said he wanted an explanation why the increases in the number of employees vs. students have been 10 to 1 since the 2011-12 school year.

Officials told Collins that much of the increase has been for staff in special education and other areas where student needs are greater.

"Student needs are changing and expanding. That's been the driving force behind the requests that have come forward," board President Athena Arvanitis said. "I don't want it to sound like (enrollment) is the only factor that impacts budget."

Collins, however, said the board's oversight role requires that it find out where the additional employees have been deployed. He also said he recognized that more employees are required for students with greater needs.

At the same time, Collins said property tax collections for the next school year are projected at $129 million, up from $119 million last year.

"The community is being asked to pay more and more property taxes," he said.

The board was addressing this year's budget. Collins has brought up staff increases in such discussions over the years.