Another Shortfall Projected For Elmhurst Schools

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst School District 205 is projecting a budget deficit this fiscal year, which is occurring in a school system that dropped to the state's worst financial designation last year.

According to budget documents, the district is planning a $3 million shortfall for the budget year that started July 1. That is lower than deficits over the last four years, which have ranged from $4.7 million to $10.9 million.

Over the last three years, the district has made $7 million annual payments to cover costs beyond the $168 million in building projects that voters approved as part of a 2018 referendum. Those payments have ended, allowing for a smaller shortfall this year.

One change in this year's budget is that it keeps the employee headcount the same. For years, the district has expanded its staff while enrollment has stayed about the same.

"In addition, district leaders are working carefully to examine and limit the necessity of overtime from our staff, which includes ensuring positions are filled and that tasks and responsibilities are accomplished during the normal work day," Joe Blomquist, assistant superintendent of finance, told the school board Tuesday.

Overall, Blomquist said the district wants to reduce the "structural stressors" on the budget. At the same time, the district expects to face a new stressor – an increase of up to 20 percent in energy costs this year.

The total budget for this year is $168 million, a 3.6 percent increase.

Last year, the state gave District 205 its worst financial rating, which local officials blamed on an accounting change.

District 205 is one of only a handful of districts among 850 statewide to get the "watch" designation. The district is far wealthier than the others on the "watch" list.

The next annual ratings are expected to be released in September.