November 2, 2010

As District 39 works toward a balanced budget for the 2011-2012 school year, administrators district-wide have agreed to a pay freeze. The budget for the 2011-2012 year will include no increase in administrative salaries.

“Our administrators understand the importance of making the necessary cuts to our budget while trying to minimize the direct impact on students in the classroom. It is commendable that they have shown their support by pitching in to help control costs. This comes at a time when we are asking our administrators to take on more responsibility due to other budget cuts,” said Superintendent Ray Lechner. “We had budgeted a cost of living increase and this administrative pay freeze will save the District approximately $54,000 for the next school year. Every dollar saved is a help as we try to balance the budget.”

Currently, District 39 is operating with a nearly $5.2 million deficit for the 2010-2011 school year. Previously, the District had said the deficit for the next school year (2011-2012) was projected at close to $6 million. The District has been actively identifying and prioritizing budget cuts and has committed to starting the 2011-2012 school year with a balanced budget. Budget cuts identified to date have reduced the projected deficit for 2011-2012 to approximately $4.2 million.

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