Efforts are picking up in Danville District 118 to fine tune a challenging financial situation. During Wednesday evening’s (April 22nd) board meeting, Interim Business Administrator and former St. Joseph Schools Superintendent Todd Pence talked about projected adjustments to the current budget, which runs through the end of June. One of his goals is to get the projected deficit down to $3.2 million. Pence says efforts began with realizing the reality of what 118 actually had in its bank account to begin with.
AUDIO: They also thought they had $12 million. They really only had $9 million. So, trying to make sure they have good solid numbers had been my main focus.
(1st Picture) Interim Business Administrator Todd Pence talks about adjustments to current budget. (3rd Picture) Superintendent John Hart talks about adjustments for the next budget.
Following Pence was Superintendent John Hart, and his list of adjustments, from the current budget to the 2026-27 budget, that he believes would save the district about $4.2 million dollars. A lot of items would slide over to being paid for by grants, and Hart cited an example for CIMG.
AUDIO: One of the biggest ones that we were able to do is our home interventionists, and be able to put them into a grant. Very important positions; they go to houses.
Board member Christopher Easton, who’s been especially outspoken about the district’s financial troubles, cited continuing education for teachers, both online or in person, as an unfortunate area that would take a hit in the new budget according to the described plan. But he says that’s certainly better than sacrificing teachers.
AUDIO: Well it’s teacher support. It’s personal development, helping them get better as teachers. Helping them to learn how to handle poverty in education. They learn some of that in school, of course. But like, that personal development’s a big loss. But they’re still going to have teachers; which is probably the most important thing that we can do for students, is to keep the teacher.
Superintendent Hart reminded us that the adjusted current budget would still have to be put on display for 30 days, just like a newly proposed budget. He says that could take place at the next board meeting on Wednesday, May 13, if the district’s required audit is completed.
