HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86's administrative costs are increasing by 7 percent this year, exceeding the state's limit.
As a result, the district needs an exemption under state law, which restricts such hikes to 5 percent annually.
For the district, the administrative category consists of two items. One of them, "executive administrative services," is rising 9 percent. A district memo did not explain why.
Overall, though, the local district's administrative costs are far lower than most high school districts across the state.
According to state data, the district's administrative spending amounts to $345 per student. That's significantly less than neighboring Lyons Township High School's $460. Both districts have about 3,700 students.
Economies of scale may play a role. Township District 211's per-student administrative spending is $229. It runs five northwest suburban high schools with a total of more than 12,000 students.
On Tuesday, the District 86 board plans to vote on seeking a waiver to state law.
According to a district memo, it can seek such an exemption because it is in the bottom quarter of districts in per-student administrative spending.
Here's a look at per-student administrative spending for selected suburban high school districts:
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