Batavia schools budget approved

Batavia School Board members this week unanimously approved a bare-bones budget that includes $2.2 million in layoffs and service cuts made last spring and a 25 percent decrease in supply and equipment spending at all district schools.

"We appreciate that cuts were made across the board," said Batavia Education Association representative Tony Malay. "The budget process was more transparent than I have ever seen. With transparency and collaboration, we will continue to work together in these difficult times and go to the root of the problem, which is in Springfield."

The $65 million spending plan reflects an anticipated 65 percent drop in interest income from district reserve accounts; stagnant property tax rates due to a 4 percent drop in the consumer price index; a 21 percent hike in the district's contribution to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, which pays teachers' pensions; and probable cuts in state aid to the district. Staff had proposed operating at a $1.45 million deficit, but board members approved the supply and equipment cuts and postponed several technology improvements to balance the budget.

The district could revise the budget as circumstances change throughout the year.

"We could get changes in state funding that would impact the budget," Finance Director Kris Monn said. "We could have to re-evaluate our equalized assessed valuation (the taxable value of property within the district). Some items will come in under budget, allowing us to transfer funds to other items. What we won't change is our bottom line."

The entire budget is posted on the district's Web site, www.bps101.net.