The proposed 2024-25 budget for Naperville School District 203 calls for new AI programs for teachers, new security features and two additional staff members beyond the nearly 13 full-time equivalent positions approved in March.
One new position would be an instructional technology coordinator and the other a technical theater director for Naperville North and Central high schools.
The spending plan was presented this week to the D204 School Board, who were told district officials anticipate about $344.3 million in revenue — up about 5.78% from last year — and nearly $356.3 million in expenses, an increase of about 5.15%.
It’s expected the current fiscal year will end June 30 with an estimated $112.4 million fund balance but that there will be a deficit of about $12 million because of planned improvements to be made at Ranch View Elementary School and Naperville North High School.
Among the proposed budget initiatives is the Centegix Safety Platform, a $430,000 system that provides a panic button device connected to the 911 emergency notification system for every staff member.
An additional school resource officer to support the elementary and junior high schools will cost about $60,000, Chief Financial Officer Michael Frances said. The position will be added through a contract with the city of Naperville, Frances said.
The district is also budgeting for the purchase of 30 iPads with drawing styluses and drawing software for each of the high schools. The program, at about $45,000, will give art students hands-on experience with the tools used by art and design professionals, Frances said.
Staff is also expected to receive a new initiative, MagicSchool AI, at a cost of about $50,000 that will help with lesson plans, assessments, newsletters and other classroom tasks, he said.
The district plans to begin a multiyear process to replace worn and outdated furniture in each of the 14 elementary schools as funds are available.
“Each month we analyze actual revenue and expenses to make sure we are on track with the budget plan and, if needed, make adjustments accordingly,” Frances said.
About 85% of the district’s revenue comes from local property taxes. At this point, the district does not know how much state and federal funding it will receive, he said.
The largest expenditures are related to personnel costs. Salaries and benefits account for about 77.2% of all district expenses. The proposed budget has taken into consideration estimated salaries for the Naperville Education Support Professionals Association, representing about 600 employees, whose contract expires June 30, Frances said.
Among the new staffing members added in March were employees to accommodate an increasing demand for English Learner services, enrollment in junior high honors and Project Idea Plus (PI+) math courses, and a projected enrollment increase in specialized classrooms that require services for speech-language, occupational therapy, psychological and social work services.
Of the projected $12 million deficit, $10 million will stem from capital improvement projects at Naperville North High School and Ranch View Elementary School, the cost of which will be spread out over multiple budget years.
The district plans to spend $9.5 million on an addition to Ranch View, which calls for adding four regular-sized classrooms, instructional and office space for social work, English language services and staff collaboration, and additional staff and student restrooms.
At Naperville North, the district has budgeted $32.9 million to remove inadequate mobile classrooms, repurpose and increase instructional space, create a multipurpose instructional space, and address Americans with Disabilities Act compliance issues. Plans also call for the addition of a multipurpose turf field for physical education classes and sports programs and improvements to resolve stormwater storage issues.
When complete, the outdoor athletic field space will be similar to what is available at Naperville Central High School.
“I know our community is very excited about these improvements and they are needed,” board member Kristin Fitzgerald said at the Monday meeting.
There will be a series of reviews, workshops and public hearings for the spending plan before it is finalized and adopted at the board’s June 17 meeting. Copies of the budget will be available starting Friday at the district’s administration center, the Nichols Library, the Naper Boulevard Library and on the district’s website.
The district’s fiscal year begins July 1. By law, the district has to adopt a budget by Sept. 30.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
