The Belvidere School Board closes Kishwaukee Elementary & cuts operations, saving District 100 $2.5 mil

After months of discussions and public meetings the school board opted to close Kishwaukee Elementary School by next fall by a vote of 6 to 1.  Meaning Students from Kishwaukee will either go to Meehan Elementary School or Seth Whitman Elementary School.

The board chose not to close Perry Elementary School or Belvidere South Middle School, instead opting to reduce staff and operational costs.  The board also voted not to consolidate the middle school band and choir staff, or limit high school students to a six period day.  Meaning high school students are still allowed to take study hall for a period.  

Below is a complete list of cuts made at Monday night's school board meeting and the recurring cost savings associated with them:

For the 2013-2014 school year (FY14 Budget Cycle)

1. Cut two assistant principals:           $177,000

2. Combine similar clubs:    $25,000

3. Eliminate running start bus:             $35,000

4. Charge for/eliminate summer school:       $80,000

5. Eliminate WA intersessions (WA back to regular calendar):  $90,000

6. Close Endeavor:       $465,000

7. Cut two positions at BSMS:         $90,000

8. Cut two counseling staff positions:  $155,000

9. Don't replace a retiring custodian:       $40,000

10. Eliminate Retirement Dinner:        $3,000

11. 10% cut of supplies, purchased services, capital expenditures:    $475,000

12. Eliminate field trips:  $90,000

13. Scale back non-district conferences:  $40,000

14. Use non-aids for MS/HS lunch duty:     $60,000

15. Eliminate need for extended contracts:      $50,000

16. Reduce district paid tourney fees: $25,000

17. Close Kishwaukee Elementary School:    $498,540

Total:    $2,398,540