District 95 to Pass Balanced Budget Despite Funding Delays

Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 is set to approve a $94.2 million 2010-11 budget at its Sept. 23 board of education meeting at Lake Zurich High School, 300 Church St.

District 95 is passing a balanced budget even though Illinois is 180 days late in paying its 10 percent of the budget's revenue.

"From a cash flow standpoint it creates problems, but we're not reliant on it, so it doesn't create issues," said Jeff King, the district's assistant superintendent of business and operations. "Overall, the budget is in good shape."

King added the district's budget is still in the black because it closed Charles Quentin Elementary School and made other personnel and program cuts about 18 months ago.

The programs and personnel cuts were reinstated through donations and the district absorbing the remainder. The school board is in discussions to sell or lease Charles Quentin Elementary School.

Overall expenditures are up $5.9 million from last year's budget. That accounts for $3.7 million in salaries and benefits, $300,000 debt service, $300,000 capital expenditures, $300,000 additional bus equipment, $500,000 special education, and $450-550,000 in contingencies.

The district is also facing rising costs in insurance benefits, which increased 6 percent this year, King said. The average annual increase is between 6 and 11 percent. Salaries increased between 3 and 4 percent, King added. About 85 percent of the district's budget goes to payroll and benefits.

Last year, the district received $1.2 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is not likely to receive that money again, King said.

"We had to spend that money within the year and was told it was just a one-time fund," he said.