CCSD 89 board approves 2024–25 budget projecting $952,000 operating surplus

The Community Consolidated School District 89 Board of Education unanimously approved the district’s 2024–25 budget at its Sept. 23 meeting. Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Maureen Jones presented updated revenue and expenditure assumptions and the board voted to adopt the budget by roll call.

Jones told the board the district is presenting a budget that anticipates an operating surplus of $952,000, an increase of $52,218 from the tentative budget adopted in August. She outlined key revenue variances: tax receipts are about $1.1 million lower year‑to‑date than the prior fiscal year, interest income is down roughly $8,000, and Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax (CPPRT) receipts are down about $25–42K depending on estimates. On the expenditure side, Jones noted increases such as $100,000 for private‑placement tuition and decreases including $50,000 for outsourced special‑education aides.

Board members moved and seconded the budget approval without further discussion; the roll‑call vote was unanimous (Ayes: Pope, Neurauter, Koger, Kemp, McGee, Lerch). The board’s approval makes the adopted figures the district’s official budget for the coming fiscal year and authorizes staff to implement the planned revenues and expenditures.

Looking ahead, Jones said some revenues (notably certain property‑tax installments and MCAT payments) remain timing‑dependent; the district noted it has not yet received the first MCAT payment for 2024–25. The board will receive routine financial reports and budget‑status updates in subsequent meetings.