IPSD News
Superintendent's October Daily Herald Column
Reported by janet_buglio@ipsd.org on 10/23/09
The following column from Superintendent Kathy Birkett appeared in the Daily Herald on October 20, 2009:
District 204 Community Always Answers Call
I have learned to never doubt the power and strength of our District 204 community. It has been demonstrated again and again in our community's outstanding support of our students and our schools. I never take it for granted and appreciate it every day.
When our Citizens Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) put out the call last month for community members to share their ideas for addressing our budget deficit, our community stepped up once again. We received more than 100 ideas over the past several weeks. These ideas will receive consideration as the committee continues its work and makes suggestions to the administration.
The CFAC is a think tank comprised of business and financial professionals charged with advising the District 204 administration. The committee focuses on factors affecting revenues and expenses, looking for ways to improve the district's financial health. Members examine how existing activities and programs are funded and look for innovative ideas from education, government, and business, with an emphasis on performance and improved financial efficiency.
In looking at the district's budget for next year, if we do absolutely nothing to curb expenses, we are estimating we will face a $9.25 million deficit. We obviously are not going to stay the course and present a proposed budget for next year that includes that large of deficit, so administrators are examining ways to reduce the deficit.
If you have ever had to make cuts in your household budget, you know it can be challenging. The district has been "tightening its belt" for the past three years. We achieved a $5 million savings by making changes in healthcare providers, establishing new contracts for custodial and banking services, and joining forces with District 203 to purchase a financial software system.
We also made across the board reductions, including staffing and central office administration and used funds from the Federal stimulus package to eliminate a $6.5 million deficit we faced at this time last year.
While the cuts over the last two years led to balanced budgets, this year's budget poses a bigger challenge. We have made some obvious cuts and now must look deeper. We also must think outside the box and be creative. That's why we asked the CFAC for help. We anticipate some solid recommendations will be made on viable ways we can close the budget gap.
I thank all our community members for truly caring about our students and the education we provide. Your continued involvement and interest is what makes this district strong. As a very proud superintendent, I recognize and salute your efforts.
Kathy Birkett
Superintendent
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