Plainfield Board of Ed Approves $321M 2021-22 Operating Budget

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 will have about $3.3 million in excess revenue under the 2021-22 operating budget that the Board of Education approved at its meeting Monday night.

The approved operating budget shows $321 million in expenses for the 2021-22 school year and about $324 million in anticipated revenues, Tom Hernandez, District 202's Director of Community Relations, said in a news release.

Around 78 percent of that budget – a projected $248.9 million – will pay for daily operating expenses, including salaries and benefits, Hernandez said.

It will fund the hiring of 47 new certified District 202 staff members, including staff for full-day kindergarten and Wallin Oaks Elementary School, as well as part of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grants.

It also includes 3 percent raises for administration and non-union support staff, Hernandez said, as well as 3 percent increases in benefits and raises for Association of Plainfield Teachers and Plainfield Association of Support Staff members per their respective contracts.

"The proposed FY 22 budget will allow District 202 to maintain high-quality educational programs while continuing to develop and implement a responsible, sustainable financial plan," said Tony Arbogast, assistant superintendent for business and operations.

District 202's 2021-22 operating budget is up from $289.8 million last year, and its anticipated revenue is up from last year's $293.3 million, Hernandez said. The cost of salaries and benefits has increased 6 percent from last year's $235.8 million.

The budget is balanced and will keep property taxes as low as possible while allowing District 202 to maintain "Recognition" status, the highest possible ranking, on the State Board of Education's Financial Profile, Arbogast said.

Though District 202 earned the lowest possible status, "Watch," in 2012, it reached "Recognition" in 2016 and has stayed there ever since, according to the news release.