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Center Cass SD 66 board approves tentative levy showing up to $850,000 in potential new revenue
Summary
The school board approved a tentative levy for December 2024 after the superintendent said the district could receive up to $850,000 in new property-tax revenue next year, noting special-education costs consume roughly 20% of the budget and federal IDEA funding is well below the original 40% target.
The Center Cass School District 66 Board of Education on Nov. 6 approved a tentative levy for December 2024 after Superintendent Dr. Wise said the district could receive up to $850,000 in "new money" next year due to rising property values.
Dr. Wise told the board the $850,000 represents a high-end estimate and that the actual new revenue is "very possible" to be closer to $700,000. He emphasized that additional funds are "much needed" as approximately 20% of the district budget is devoted to special services for students with diverse needs and that federal support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) currently covers roughly 15% of costs rather than the originally intended 40%.
Why it matters: district leaders said the extra levy revenue would help sustain services that include special-education teachers, English-language staff, paraprofessionals, speech-language pathologists, social workers, counselors and nursing services. The tentative levy must move through formal budget and tax-setting steps before it becomes final.
Board action: Christopher Esposito moved to approve the tentative levy; Tiffany Watson seconded the motion, which passed with six votes in favor and one member absent.
Next steps: The tentative levy will be part of the district's budget process in coming weeks and is subject to public notice and the usual statutory timelines before final adoption.
