School District 303 Board OKs $206.2 Million Spending Plan

The St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 Board of Education voted 6-1 Monday night, Aug. 12,  to adopt a $206.2 million spending plan for 2013-14.

The 6-1 vote came after a public hearing in which no one from the public commented, according to the district, and with little discussion among board members, who have been receiving regular updates on the process for months.

Board member Judith McConnell cast the sole dissenting vote.

The $206.2 million spending plan is 2.13 percent higher than the prior year and includes projected revenues of $205.7 million, an estimated increase of 2 percent, according to the school district. The district estimates 76.5 percent of those revenues will come from taxes, 16.7 percent state, 4.4 percent other local revenues, and 2.4 percent federal.

According to the district’s budget highlights, salary and benefits will account for 70.7 percent of the district spending — a proportion that is not unusual among school district both in and outside of Illinois.

The budget highlights also point out that the district will use $495,350 from saving to cover budget deficit.

“In general, this proposed budget will continue the district’s sound financial footing by

maintaining balanced budgets for all the operating funds … and continue to provide the necessary resources for district operations,” the budget highlights state. “However, it is anticipated that the district’s financial profile score will remain at the (state) “Review Status” for one more year as the district continues to pay off the remaining computer leases.”

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