Oakton Community College trustees unanimously approved a $40.2 million operating budget Tuesday night for the coming fiscal year.
The new budget, which takes effect Saturday, calls for a 3.6 percent increase in spending over last year’s budget of $38.8 million.
The increase is due to an increase in instructional salaries and equipment purchases that will, in part, enhance the college’s computer science department. In addition, the college is setting aside $2.5 million toward plans to build a 33,000-square-foot addition to the college’s Ray Hartstein campus in Skokie.
If the expansion plan is approved, college officials anticipate receiving $10 million in state and local funds toward the project. Officials hope to begin the project in December 2001. The college also plans to renovate the performing arts center at the college’s main Des Plaines campus.
David Hilquist, vice president of business and finance, said the college spends more money on student services–including instruction and academic support–than most community colleges in Illinois.
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“We are 12 percent over the state average when it comes to student services,” Hilquist said.