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District projects one‑year operating gap after steep Title I cut, outlines staffing and program tradeoffs
Summary
Indian Prairie School District 204 officials told the board that a $1.2 million cut to Title I funding contributes to a projected one‑time $4.9 million operating deficit for 2026–27; administration proposed $2.7 million in baseline reductions, about 20 FTE reductions, targeted special‑education investments and options to accelerate debt service using referendum cushion.
Matt Shiple, the district administrator presenting the 2027–2031 budget forecast, said the district is projecting a one‑time operating deficit of roughly $4.9 million for 2026–27 even as the five‑year projection remains structurally balanced. "We're showing a structurally balanced budget over the 5‑year period," Shiple said, "however, we are projecting a one‑time deficit for the 2026‑2027 school year of about $4.9 million."
Shiple attributed most operating revenues to local property taxes and said the district received $25 million in new property value—about $1 million in additional annual revenue—after final extensions from DuPage and Will counties. He contrasted that local growth with federal funding volatility, reporting a $1.2 million reduction in Title I during the April allocation process. "We are budgeting a $1.2 million reduction in Title I funding," Shiple said, noting the loss stemmed from the district’s poverty‑rate calculation dropping to just under 5%, which eliminated eligibility for some targeted and incentive grants.
To address the shortfall, administration proposed $2.7 million in baseline reductions, the elimination of about 20 FTE (roughly 0.6% of total district FTE), and some local reallocation to soften impacts at Title I schools. "We are transitioning about $200,000 worth of Title I funding into local funding programs," Shiple said, adding that some preschool programming would be consolidated. He said the district is also planning a net increase of roughly 15 FTE in special education to support rising service needs, funded in part by reallocations and one‑time opportunities.
Board members pressed administration on the human impact of proposed position reductions. "When you're talking about reducing 25 positions…what I'm wondering is if we're not able to bring some of these positions back, are we looking into ways that we can still academically help these students?" Board member Ms. Gantz asked; Shiple said schools would retain interventionists and the district would use IMTSS processes to target supports.
The board also discussed fast‑rising substitute‑teacher costs and purchased services—particularly special education transportation—which Shiple said are among the largest and fastest‑growing expense categories. He projected substitute costs to exceed $6 million for the current year and described a district effort that ranges from bargaining incentives to operational scheduling and routing to manage growth.
On the capital side, Shiple noted the Safer Stronger 204 referendum has left room under the board’s promised 37‑cent tax commitment; current projections put the debt‑service component at 32 cents. That cushion could allow the district to accelerate bond issuances or debt repayment and shift some capital work forward, he said. "There is an opportunity within the current debt schedule to maybe accelerate some debt issuances and repayments," Shiple explained.
Administration proposed a July 13 budget presentation and an Aug. 24 public hearing and adoption (required 30‑day notice). The board will revisit the forecast, potential personnel impacts and Safer Stronger 204 design updates at its June 8 meeting.
Outcome: No final budget vote occurred; the board asked further questions and requested follow‑up data and scenarios leading toward the July/August adoption timeline.
