District 13 drafts budget with no cuts

District 13 revealed its proposed 2016-17 school budget on Feb. 10. The budget aims to address changing economic conditions while preserving programs and staff, the district said.

“We are continuing to fulfill our pledge to protect district assets, and we are building organizational capacity to help children meet the challenges of their future,” said Superintendent Constance Evelyn. “I’ve often said that we’re preparing children for their future, not our past.”

The proposed budget is roughly $48.2 million, an increase of 2.73 percent over the current year. That is primarily due to factors that are out of the district’s control, according to Evelyn, who cited the Affordable Care Act as an example of an increased cost to school administrations. Gerard Antoine, assistant superintendent for business and human resources, assumed the role four weeks ago, and did not have access to the estimated increase to the average annual property tax bill by the time the Herald went to press on Tuesday.

The biggest changes to next year’s proposed spending plan are the addition of two reserve classroom teachers and general facilities upgrades. Evelyn said the teachers were suggested to address both students’ math performance and unforeseen shifts in enrollment.

In concert with the district’s bond referendum, which passed in December, a proposed $700,000 would fund capital projects in next year’s spending plan. Evelyn said that the budget and the bond would be two separate resources addressing the same goal: transforming the learning environment. Some of the outlined projects included installing air conditioning in large spaces, upgrading or replacing security cameras, adding rubber playground mats, bathroom renovations, updating plumbing and electrical systems and ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.