The Township High School District 113 school board approved a $115 million budget that includes money to make new hires, funding capital projects and covering expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the $2 million approved for hiring, the district could get 20 more employees, including 10 interventionists to help students during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the budget approved at the board meeting Monday night.
The fiscal year 2020-2021 spending plan also includes $8.4 million for building projects and $3.7 million for expenses related to the pandemic, said Assistant Superintendent of Finance Ali Mehanti. The district’s FY21 started July 1.
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The district expects about $109 million in revenue, including $99.5 million from property taxes. Mehanti said the district will dip into its reserve fund to cover building projects and COVID-19 related expenses.
According to budget documents, the district would end FY21 with about $43.9 million in reserve unrestricted funds, or enough for about five months of expenses.
“We are fortunate that we have the rainy day fund,” school board member Ken Fishbain said, referring to the reserves.
In the spring, school board members approved adding 10 full-time special education and student services positions. The board also recently agreed to adding 10 full-time interventionists to provide assistance to students during the pandemic.
The budget also includes $3.7 million in spending for expenses related to the COVID-19 disease, including enhanced cleaning, professional development, renovation of the nurses offices at both Deerfield and Highland Park high schools, online curriculum and supplies, consulting services and software., according to the information in the budget document.
Another $8.4 million is budgeted for capital projects, including $4.9 million for the final payments related to the Highland Park High School cafeteria, a new scoreboard at Deerfield High School and roofing projects at both high schools.
Taxpayers may see a slight increase on their tax bill as a result of the levy, which the board approved earlier this year, officials explained. The district anticipates taking in about $2.2 million more in property taxes versus last fiscal year due to new construction and increased property values, Mehanti said. A property valued at $500,000 would see a $200 tax increase for the school district’s portion, he explained.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelancer.