Belvidere School Board Approves $2.3 Million in Budget Cuts

Belvidere - The Belvidere School Board approved $2.3 million worth of budget cuts at Tuesdays meeting, but those would only go into effect if a tax increase referendum on the April ballot fails. Board members didnt approve the full $2.8 million that was necessary to keep a balanced budget and open the new high school in the fall. They decided to deficit spend approximately $508,000 with the hope to recoup that in the future. The district-wide cuts are all athletics and co-curricular activities, one central office administrator, and four custodians. At the high school level, the board approved cutting two administrators, two guidance counselors, and 1.6 curriculum coordinators. They decided not to increase the class sizes by 1.5 students. That saves eight teaching positions. The board decided not to make any cuts at the middle school and elementary school levels. "This is the last thing any of us wanted to get elected to the board for," says Ted Stenerson, Belvidere School Board President. "Were here to try to provide the best education we can for the kids. Unfortunately, we have to look at where we can cut money that stays out of the classroom." Before the final vote was taken, dozens of parents, students, and other members of the community spoke out against the cuts. "Cutting the sports hurts not only athletes, but their families, too," says Alicia OConnell, a sophomore. "What if those families dont have the money to send those children to college? They rely on scholarships to pay for them to go to college." "Im frustrated because we moved out here from the Rockford School District, and now my kids are taking the test as Boylan because theres going to be no athletics," says Skip Trotter, a parent in the Belvidere School District. Homeowners suggested raising impact fees. "Dont knock on my door and tell me that I have to pay for the impact of Landmark Crossing, Praire Fields Estates, West Hills, Stonegate, and Deerwoods," says Doug Bergeron. "Solve the problem. Work to raise the impact fees to offset the future burden." Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton suggests lobbying state lawmakers to reform Illinois education funding system. "The states over-reliance on property taxes has resulted in an ailing educational system," says Brereton. The budget cuts would go into effect July 1st if an April referendum fails. The board members will discuss the referendum at its next meeting on January 16th. Board members say the only issue is how much of a tax increase they will be asking voters to approve. In order to be placed on the April ballot, the decision needs to be made by February 13th.