Schools
D97 Board Supports Proposed 2013-14 Budget
District underspent by about 4.6 percent in 2012-13. New budget shows 7.74 increase over dollars spent in 2012-13.
The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Board of Education last week voted to move forward with a proposed $73.6 million budget for 2013-14, the Oak Leaves reported Monday.
The 2013-14 figure represents a 7.74-percent increase over the dollars spent in the 2012-13 budget, due in part to 12 new teaching positions to accommodate increased enrollment and building upgrades at Brooks and Julian middle schools.
The district's early childhood collaboration, snow removal equipment, three-percent salary increases and criminal background software are among other reasons for the increase, District 97 Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Therese O'Neill wrote in a July 9 staff memo.
District 97 ended up spending about $3.3 million, 4.6 percent, less than expected in the 2012-13 budget.
The board will receive an updated budget at its Aug. 20 meeting, with plans to vote Sept. 24 on its final adoption.
Take a look at the proposed budget on the District 97 website.
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