The Board of Education looked at a detailed list of proposed cuts on Monday and will continue the study at its next meeting Feb. 7.

“This is an exploration,” said Board President Julia Beckman. “We need to think and study this and determine priorities.” A final decision on staffing is expected at the Board’s Feb. 28 meeting.

The cuts would add up to $3.4 million out of next year’s budget or 5 percent. As proposed, the cuts are broad-based and scale back programs rather than eliminate them and represent hundreds of hours of discussion and study by the administrative staff.

“The budget recommendations are driven by staying as close to our core mission of teaching and learning as possible,” said Superintendent David Eblen.

The largest of the cuts suggested include:

• $600,000 in capital improvement projects

• $650,000 in reducing the number of custodial positions

• $560,000 to increase class sizes and not add positions for higher enrollment

• $435,000 to keep all salary accounts at a 2 percent increase.

• $253,000 in cutting back the professional growth and teacher training program

• $155,000 in classified staff hours

• $124,000 in the technology budget

“Every one of these cuts is painful to us,” said Beckman, acknowledging the difficult job of the Board and the fact that salaries comprise the largest part of the school’s budget.

Other cuts include eliminating the intramural program, downsizing athletic transportation, eliminating two dean positions, not filling the director of strategic learning upon retirement, cutting in half the special events and award budgets and reducing the salary budget in administration.

Besides cuts, generating more income is part of the consideration. Student fees could be raised in most areas, generating an extra $313,000 in funds, and raising the rent on facilities to outside groups could recoup $20,000.

Board members noted several concerns; the cutting of 10 custodial staff and increasing class sizes. They also questioned the reality of negotiating a 2 percent salary increase with bargaining groups.

Some board members said they favored raising student fees further than recommended and exploring more user fees such as for intramurals. Yet others said that raising fees beyond the recommended amount should not be an option.

$650,000 in Custodial Maintenance and Grounds

• Under the proposal presented to the Board Monday, the number of custodial positions would be reduced from 48 to 36-38. While salaries and benefits average $60,00 for District 99 CMG staff, and is comparable to area schools, it is much higher than similar positions in private companies.

• However, while many schools have favored outsourcing this work to private companies, it is not recommended in District 99. “These staff members aren’t just cleaning crews, they provide security, daily set-ups for events, know students and teachers and are loyal, hard workers,” said Marty Schack, director of physical plant and operations. Proposed are reducing the frequency of the cleaning schedule in classrooms and nonpublic areas.

$560,000 in teacher, student ratio

• Increasing the ratio of students to teachers would mean higher class sizes in core classes (that aren’t limited by lab stations) like English, math, social studies and foreign language. In the last two years, these classes have averaged enrollments of 26-28 students with some classes over 30.

• Under the proposal, the average number would go up. It would also mean that course sections that had 20 or fewer students such as capstone courses would be curtailed.

• Under the plan, six teaching positions that would have been added next year due to increased enrollment will not be filled.

$600,000 in capital expenditures.

• The capital project budget would be cut by 40 percent. “We really need $1.5 million a year for these large buildings,” said Schack. The cuts would mean only the most essential maintenance projects would be done and no renovations would be scheduled.

In other business, the Board heard its regular quarterly financial report.

The report shows where the District is with expenditures and revenues compared to last year.

The budget is on target with last year, though fund balances are recording a $2 million loss. The analysis also shows that nearly 100 percent of property taxes have been collected, interest income is up compared to last year, but state aid is down. “The only good news is that interest income is up and we’ll be able to make our (budget) goal,” said Controller Mark Staehlin.

• Feb. 5 Bagels with the Board, 9-11 a.m. Downers Grove Library.
  Julia Beckman, Paul McCarthy and David Eblen will be available to discuss school district issues.

• Feb. 7 Special workshop meeting of the Board to further discuss next year’s budget cuts, 7:30 p.m. at the ASC.

• Feb. 28 Regular meeting of the Board, 7:30 p.m. at the ASC.