Lincoln-Way District 210 Seeks Feedback on Financial Solutions

As Lincoln-Way District 210 officials take a hard look at the future of its four schools, they’re asking for the public’s feedback on options to recover from dire financial straits.

The board has created an online form to solicit input on the three solutions suggested to improve the district’s financial standing.

The board on June 11 heard a presentation from Mark Anderson with the Illinois State Board of Education regarding the state’s requirement that the district submit a deficit reduction plan by September 2015—the first step in getting the district off of the state’s Financial Watch List. Dr. Don Weber and Steven Crouse of PMA Financial Network outlined various scenarios—a pension cost shift by the state, property tax freeze, school closure, referendum and a combination of these scenarios—and their financial outcomes for the district.

The board will research if the four high schools are being used to capacity, if the district can reduce curriculum offerings and still meet state requirements, and if voters will support a tax hike.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Tingley presented three options from the board:

• Building Closure: Estimated to save $5.2 million. This scenario includes a reduction of five administrators, 20 teachers, 30 clerical and support positions, 76 coaching stipends and 49 activity stipends.
• 5% CPI Tax Referendum: A two-year tax referendum would require approval from voters. 
• Eliminating one class and all extracurricular opportunities: Estimated to save $5.3 million annually. This scenario includes a staff reduction of 46 positions.

The board has scheduled a town hall meeting for Wednesday, July 1, at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln-Way Central Fine Arts Center. Parents will be welcome to address the board and ask questions at that time.