Naperville District 203 School Board approves new budget for 2024-25
The Naperville District 203 School Board has approved its fiscal year 2024-25 budget, with projected revenue of $344.3 million, about 5.6% more than last year’s amended budget, and expected expenses of $356.3 million, an increase of 5.15%.
Property taxes make up the bulk of the district’s budget, with the district anticipating $292.3 million in property tax revenue.
Personnel make up more than 77% of the budget. Salaries and benefits are estimated to cost about $275 million for the year, which starts July 1.
New budget initiatives include about $430,000 for the Centegix Safety Platform, which provides a panic button connected to the 911 system for every staff member; $60,000 for a school resources officer to support elementary and junior high schools; and $50,000 for the MagicSchool AI program to help them with lesson plans, assessments, newsletters and other classroom tasks.
For the high schools, the budget includes the purchase of iPads with drawing software for art and design classes at a cost of about $145,000 and $20,000 for theater production rights and scripts classes.
Up to $880,000 is earmarked for the replacement of worn and outdated furniture in the district’s 14 elementary schools.
The board will use $10 million from its fund balance for capital projects, including improvements at Connections, Naperville North High School and Ranch View Elementary School. The cost of the projects is anticipated to span multiple budget years.
DuPage County Forest Preserve District holding summer photo contest
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s summer photo contest runs through Sept. 2.
Photographers can submit their favorite shots showcasing the county’s forest preserves in three categories: plants; wildlife; and people, places and things to do.
A panel of district employees will select one winner per category. Winners can choose a picnicking, boating or camping-themed prize package valued at about $140.
The photo generating the most online votes will receive forest preserve district merchandise, including a $25 gift card to use for permits, programs or rentals.
One randomly selected email address will be chosen from all eligible entries on July 1, Aug. 1 and Sept. 2. Those winners will receive a $25 forest preserve district gift card.
For rules and to submit photos, go to www.dupageforest.org.
CPR/AED training workshop to be held July 24 at Naperville VFW
RJM Strategy Group will host a workshop on how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at the Naperville VFW, 908 Jackson Ave.
The event is open to anyone 13 or older, although children will need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian to participate.
The workshop is $25 per person for noncertified learning purposes or $40 per person for a two-year certification. Payment will be taken the day of training, but advance registration is required by emailing ray@rjmstrategygroup.com or calling 630-360-1965.
Jim Geovanes of RJM Strategy Group, a certified CPR/AED instructor and seasoned aquatic safety and risk management professional, will lead the program.
Endeavor Health Half Marathon, 10K, 5K registration underway
Registration is ongoing for the 2024 Endeavor Health half marathon, 10K and 5K races to be held at 7 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, starting in downtown Naperville.
Race routes follow loop courses through the downtown area and are spectator-friendly for those who want to view the events or cheer on participants.
Runners 14 or older can register for the half marathon and the 5K and 10K events are open to anyone 6 years or older, according to online information.
There will first aid stations set up to provide water and Gatorade and manned by qualified medical personnel. Each participant will receive a medal when they cross the finish line and legacy medals presented to runners who compete in consecutive years.
Runners who sign up with multiple friends for the half marathon will receive a discount.
For more information or to register, go to www.runnaperville.com/register.
Naperville police stepping up enforcement for July 4 holiday
The Naperville Police Department is planning for increased traffic enforcement through the early morning hours of July 8 to keep impaired drivers off the road and ticket those not wearing seatbelts, according to a department news release.
Drivers need to stay sober and not use marijuana or other impairing substances before or when driving, the news release said. Anyone planning to drink or consume cannabis should designate a sober driver or plan on using taxi, public transit or ride sharing app, the release said.
Anyone who spots a suspected intoxicated driver on the road should call 911.
“Our officers will be on duty around the clock, dedicated to enforcing traffic laws and, most importantly, saving lives,” Naperville police Sgt. Derek Zook said in the release.
