District 117 Passes Balanced Budget, Despite Late Payments From The State

North Palos School District 117 was able to pass a balanced budget on Sept. 28 despite late payments from the state and a shaky economy.

The district's education budget, which covers everything from teacher salaries and benefits, to books and programs, will total $27.42 million for the 2010-2011 school year. That total is down only .5 percent from last year's projected budget.

The district's $1.8 million transportation budget has seen a decrease of only $63,400.

The only major change in this year's budget occurred in the $2.35 million operation and maintenance fund, which saw a decrease of about 25 percent. That decrease is simply the result of recategorizing certain services under a different fund, said Brian Stachacz, the district's business manager.

Like most school districts in Illinois, North Palos has been late to receive payments from the state. Of the four scheduled payments last year, the district only received two, Stachacz said.

The district is scheduled to receive four state payments this year, but believes it is unlikely that will happen. This year's budget anticipates the state paying last year's two missed payments and making one additional payment, for a total of three, Stachacz said.

"Financially we are in good shape," Stachacz said. "In our district we are fortunate that with the referendum (passed in 2005) we are able to weather this as best we can."

Stachacz also said that the economy and Illinois budget troubles have had a financial effect on the district.  The transportation fund is operating at a deficit of $465,653.

"We do have a balanced budget," Stachacz said. "We are good for this year and hopefully the future will see a rebound in the economy."