Wilmette SD 39 reviews FY2025 draft budget; staff recommends one-year transportation renewals

Corey, a district staff member, presented the Wilmette School District 39 draft fiscal year 2025 budget on May 13 and told the Committee of the Whole the timeline: an initial review in May, a tentative budget request at the June board meeting (a legal requirement), public display and hearings in August, and formal adoption at the Aug. 26 board meeting.

"We're looking at $78.7 million in total revenue and $74.0 million in expenditures," Corey said, noting a projected operating surplus of $4.75 million before transfers and an estimated operating fund-balance of about 45% for FY25 — above the district target of 40%.

The presentation called out key revenue assumptions: a 5% CPI increase in the levy, $15.5 million in reported new-growth value that yields an estimated $462,000 to D39, and a net collection rate set at about 90.98%. Corey said a quarter-point change in the collection rate would be worth roughly $172,000 to the district.

Corey also reviewed several risk areas. Interest income has risen from near-zero years, with…