District 203 Plans 4% Increase in 2012-13 Budget, As State Funding Drops

For the next 30 days, Naperville residents can review the proposed 2012-13 budget for  before a public hearing June 18.

Dave Zager, the district’s chief finance officer, said the budget is balanced. Compared to last year, the operating budget has increased 4 percent to $233 million and the total budget is $240.9 million for 2012-13. 

Zager also noted the tax increase for residents during Monday night's Board of Education meeting. 

"With the tax levy that we passed last year, our taxpayers are paying about 1.5 percent, on average, more than they were last year," Zager said. 

State funding is set to decrease for the district from $21.7 million to $20.9 million while federal funding is anticipated to remain the same as last year. 

"The budget reflects an anticipation that state funding will decrease for us this coming fiscal year," he said. "[We] mainly anticipate general state aid reductions as well as reduction to our regular transportation reimbursement." 

Included in the total budget is an increase of $3.6 million for improvements or new gymnasiums or multipurpose rooms at , , and .

"Because of some of the boundary changes that we did, those schools are going to experience some significant increases in enrollment," Zager said. "And I know Elmwood in particular has one of the smaller gymnasiums that's used both for gymnasium and cafeteria purposes at our district, so it would be appropriate to make those improvements to those schools."

Within the operating budget, one time expenses totaling $1.2 million are expected to purchase and upgrade software as well as other improvements for the district. 

Zager said student services and fees are unchanged from last year, however lunch prices will increase to comply with federal regulations. Elementary and high schools can expect a 10 cent increase and middle schools a 15 cent increase.  

The board voted Monday night to approve a resolution allowing the proposed budget to be made available to the public. Starting Tuesday, the budget is available for review online, at the  branches and at the district’s administration offices.