State Financial Crisis Means Drastic Reductions in 2010-2011 for District

from David C. Elson, Superintendent

    I have been an educator for over 40 years now and I cannot remember a time when a new school year has ever looked more financially bleak than what the Alton School District will be facing in 2010-2011.  Historically, there have been many lean years along the road.  However, next year is projecting to be one of the worst on record.

    Like the majority of public school districts in Illinois, Alton is facing major budget reductions for the 2010-2011 school year because of the growing state financial crisis.  The Illinois’ budget deficit has now topped a staggering $13 billion. The Alton School District is currently owed $4.5 million by the State in mandated categorical and grant payments.  Last year, we encumbered the cost of providing student transportation, special education, and other grant services such as early childhood, reading improvement and truancy. The State is then required to reimburse the District for these costs.  However, we are still awaiting our reimbursement to the tune of the aforementioned $4.5 million.

     This year, the State has buoyed itself by using federal stimulus money to fulfill some of their growing obligations and deficits. For example, the first general state aid payment to districts was made using stimulus funds with two more payments expected to come from that same source. The State also used stimulus funds last year to make all five of their general state aid payments.  Next year, stimulus funds will no longer be available to support the State in making their general state aid payments.  Therefore, in the absence of stimulus funds, thousands of school districts, public universities, social service organizations and others are bracing for the financial buzz saw that awaits all of us in Fiscal Year 2011.  The brewing FY11 financial crisis only adds insult to injury considering that many school districts, including Alton, already slashed their budgets to the bare bone in order to survive FY10 (current school year).   

    Last year alone, the Alton School District Board of Education and administration trimmed over $2.8 million from the education fund for the 2009-2010 school year through budget reductions, savings and cost shifts.  Even with budget reductions of this magnitude, the District was still able to accomplish these savings while minimizing the impact on staff and preserving our student academic and extracurricular programs.  While these reductions have aided in supporting the District this year, they are one-time cost savings.  Therefore, the Board and administrative team will once again be forced to scrutinize every program, its funding source and the impact it has on students before deciding to sustain or eliminate that program. 

    Difficult and painful decisions must be made in the next two months.  Because this is such a critical and important process, I am seeking input from parents and the community.  On January 28 at 7:00 p.m., the Alton School District will conduct a Public Forum at the Alton High School Auditorium.  I encourage parents and residents to attend.  I will be reviewing the State’s financial crisis and its impact on the Alton School District (present and future).  The forum will also be an opportunity for parents to share their opinions on programs and services that they feel are vital to the educational community within our schools.  The feedback from parents and residents will become essential as the Board of Education and administration team make crucial budget decisions and implement cost-reduction strategies in preparing for next year.  It is my strongest hope that parents and residents consider attending this forum to voice their concerns and opinions.  Our only method to weather this financial storm is by working together.