Grayslake H.S. District 127 Approves Balanced Budget

While presenting District 127's balanced budget for fiscal year 2012-13, Michael Zelek, associate superintendent for business services, credited the accomplishment to "putting students' needs first when making tough decisions on how funds would be spent to support student learning."

The operating budget includes revenues of $43.6 million and expenditures of $43.2 million, with an anticipated surplus of $356,000.

The school board voted 4 to 1 to approve the budget. Members Edwin Brown, Jon Cokefair, Ann Dingman and Tom Halloran voted to approve. Ken Witkowski did not. Board members Russell Chamberlain and Suzanne Swanson were absent.

Witkowski gave no public comment on why he voted against the budget, but told Patch following the meeting that his reasoning was simple.

"We need to reduce our spending. There are funds out there where we could save money."

When pressed for examples, Witkowski said, "Everything should be up for review. We need to continue to push to make our schools as efficient as possible."

Proving his consistency, Witkowski, who has served two years on the school board, said he also voted down last year's proposed budget for the same reasons, though he is "very happy" with the performance of the administration.

The district, said Zelek, has instituted proactive financial practices and procedures during the past few years to ensure overall financial stability.

The District 127 Board of Education has received the Illinois State Board of Education's financial recognition status for nine consecutive years. It is the highest status a school district can receive from the state for strong fiscal management, said Zelek.

The district anticipates receiving that status this year as well.