Woodridge Superintendent: Expect $1.8m in Cuts if Levy Isn't Passed in 2012

At Tuesday’s special meeting, the started answering the school system’s most pressing question—what if?

If – the district’s five-year, 6.83-mill levy – doesn’t pass on Aug. 7, voters will cast ballots on an identical levy this November.

In the event the November issue fails, the board will need to approve seven-figure cuts ($1.2 million in personnel, $600,000 in employee benefits) to keep the budget balanced and in the black through 2015, according to Woodridge treasurer Deanna Levenger.

The reductions would go into effect July 1, 2013, she said.  

As discussions got underway at the meeting, Davis said eliminating 20 full-time teachers would avert $1.2 million in costs, but he noted the layoffs could also be split between the day-to-day operations staff and educators.  

Among the teachers, those laid off would most likely be teachers in elective programs versus those who teach common core standards like math, science and social studies.

One way or another, the cuts are coming if a levy isn’t passed in 2012, he said.

“The members of the community have consistently said ‘don’t threaten us.’ Well, I don’t believe we’re threatening anybody by telling them what they’re facing…(in the 2013-14 school year),” said Davis.

Board president Tammy Heffernan voiced her central concern, saying “my fear is when we talk about the levy having to be passed in 2012 the people will not vote in August because they know they have November coming up…it’s imperative that it passes in August.”

If approved, Issue 5 would generate $3 million per year, raise a total of $15 million in revenue and cost property taxpayers $209 per year for every $100,000 in valuation.

The district hasn’t been able to pass a levy since 2004. To remain in the black, school officials have cut

What do you think? In light of potential cuts, are you more apt to vote for the upcoming levy?