Proviso 209 board hears $20 million tax-revenue shortfall, places freeze on nonessential spending

The Proviso Township High School District 209 board was told the district is roughly $20,000,000 short of expected property-tax revenues, prompting a temporary freeze on nonessential spending while staff await county distributions.

Dr. Hill, who gave the tax update, said, "we are still short by $20,000,000" and noted the district has received about "$16,000,000 of our expected revenue," with the most recent check two weeks ago for approximately "$707,000." He warned delays in the fall distribution could push delays into the spring distribution and leave the district "pretty much upside down" in the near term.

Board members and administrators described steps already taken: pausing nonessential purchases, increasing scrutiny on expenditures, and continuing to prioritize transportation, payroll and day‑to‑day student needs. "This freeze is not impacting students. It's not impacting salary," a district official said, emphasizing the freeze targets discretionary items and nonurgent projects.

District leaders also described coordinated outreach to county officials and participation in regional coalitions of superintendents and finance officers to request clearer timelines for tax disbursements. Officials said some neighboring districts have pursued tax warrants or sold investments; Proviso has not done so but said it is running low on reserves.

The board did not take any additional fiscal actions during the meeting; administrators said they would continue to track cash flow, bring updated bill lists to the February meeting and may present further recommendations if the county does not provide timely distributions.

The board's next regular meeting will include additional financial updates and any proposed calendar changes, officials said.