District 202's $5.9M Surplus Dependent on State Funding

PLAINFIELD, IL — District 202 approved a 2016-17 fiscal plan that could show a $5.9 million operating surplus if the state meets its funding promises, according to a news release from the district.

The Plainfield District 202 Board of Education approved the new budget at its Sept. 26 regular meeting after holding a public hearing earlier in the evening as required by law. The budget had been on public display for 30 days on the District 202 web site (www.psd202.org).

OPERATING BUDGET REVENUES

The total 2016-17 budget including the operating budget, debt service and construction costs shows $292.2 million in revenues versus $290.7 million in expenses, creating a surplus of $1.5 million.

The “Operating Budget” pays for all daily operational costs including salaries and benefits, which comprise about 78 percent of the total operating budget. It comprises the Education, Operations and Maintenance, Transportation, IMRF/Social Security, Working Cash and Tort funds.

District officials expect to receive about $258.4 million in operating fund revenues this year, down about $17.2 million from the 2015-16 (unaudited) budget, which showed $275.6 million in revenues.

The difference is due to the state funding about 92 percent of general state aid last year when District 202 “prorated” for 85 percent; and the proceeds of a $12 million bond issue to fund capital projects and provide for cash flow.

“Prorating” is the practice of budgeting general state aid at less than what the state actually owes local school districts or even what is telling districts to expect just in case the state once again reduces funding.

However, administrators are prorating state funding at 89 percent of general state aid this year. The state is supposedly planning to provide 100 percent of general state aid funding. However, Illinois still does not have a budget after nearly two years.

OPERATING BUDGET EXPENSES

The 2016-17 operating budget shows $252.5 million in operating expenses. That’s up about $9.6 million or about 4 percent over the 2015-16 (unaudited) budget, which included about $242.9 million in expenses.

The new operating budget essentially maintains staffing, service and building budgets at current levels.

It does not include funding for any major new initiatives, programs or capital expenses except for the installation of artificial turf at Plainfield High School – Central Campus and Plainfield South High School. Artificial turf will also be installed at Plainfield North and East high schools next summer.

Salaries are expected to increase by .7 percent to 2.9 percent for teachers and 2.5 percent for administration and non-union support staff.

Contract negotiations are nearly done with the Plainfield Association of Support Staff (PASS). The new budget includes sufficient funds for an expected salary increase for employees covered by the PASS agreement.

The new operating budget also includes a $1 million contingency for building-specific enrollment changes and special education needs, as has been done the last several years. It also reflects a 3.5 percent increase in health care costs.

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