With the state of Illinois’ finances being a total mess, schools across Illinois have had to continue to provide mandated educational programs (like special education) and services (like bussing) with less than adequate reimbursement from the state (despite the fact that these programs are state-mandated… and are to be state-supported).  These programs are appropriately called “Mandated Categoricals.”  Below is a brief summary of the quarterly amounts Rockridge should receive every three months from the state to help pay for these services.

• Funding for children that require special education services – $43,269.26
• Special education personnel reimbursement – $59,398.50
• Regular & vocational transportation reimbursement – $91,187.75
• Special education transportation reimbursement – $33,549.00

The state of Illinois has only made one quarterly payment to Rockridge as of today. Unfortunately, our district expects to only receive one more payment in 2011-2012 (losing out on the other two).  Additionally, the state has prorated the amount paid for Regular and Vocation Transportation, which will further impact the ability of the district to provide the mandated services required by the state.  This has created a deficit of over $678,000 for the Rockridge community to pay on its own.  As a result, Rockridge and many other schools are spending down their fund balances to cover these expenses.  Many schools are in a similar position as Rockridge (see attached article regarding the Rock Island Schools).

As a result, the Rockridge Board of Education has some difficult financial decisions to make in the next month or so.  Numerous items (programs and personnel) are being reviewed in order to balance the budget.  To brainstorm budget ideas, there have already been a few finance committee meetings, as well as conversation held at the February school board meeting.  At such meetings, there has been discussion regarding ways to enhance district revenue, decrease staff, and reduce programs.  Consequently, the school board has to make some extensive cuts and also plans to implement widespread fee increases.

Here is a brief summary of the probable changes for 2012-2013:

• Fee increases (registration, participation, and lunch)
• Eliminate pre-K program (keeping the early childhood/special education program)
• Staff Reductions:  reduce 1 administrator, reduce 1 Pre-K teacher, reduce 1 high school teacher, and reduce 5 paraprofessional aides
• Eliminate all freshman games and coaches (allow these students to participate at the JV or varsity level)
• Eliminate the gifted program (many of these needs are being met in other ways due to the RTI program)

To share this budget information (and more) with everyone openly, there is a community-wide finance meeting scheduled for Monday, February 27 at 7:00 pm in the high school auditorium.  Please plan to attend the meeting if your schedule allows.  I suggest forwarding this information to anyone you feel may benefit from learning more about the Rockridge budget crunch.  Feel free to contact the RHS (309-793-8020) or District #300 Offices (309-793-8001) as well.  We will do our best to answer any questions you may have.