Dolton West School District 148 adopts $39.4 million balanced budget

Dolton West School District 148 adopts $39.4 million balanced budget

A $39.4 million spending plan is in place for Dolton West School District 148.Following a public hearing at the September 27, 2016 School Board meeting, the Board gave unanimous approval to the final, 2016-17 budget.

The $39,426,633 budget includes a slight, 1.3 percent spending increase and a modest, 3.8 percent increase in revenues. The District is anticipating receiving $39,451,794 in local, state and federal revenues.

“Through thoughtful planning and a passionate desire to significantly enhance our curricular programs, the Board of Education and the administration worked collaboratively

to develop a financial plan that provides professional development opportunities for our staff and further improves the exceptional educational learning environment for all of our students,” said Dr. Kevin J. Nohelty, District 148 Chief School Business Official.

On the revenue side, the budget includes an additional $900,000 in General State Aid funding and relatively minor increases in Federal Aid. The spending plan also reflects successfully negotiated and fiscally responsible, multi-year labor contracts with the Dolton Education Association (DEA) and the Dolton Support Association (DSA).

In addition, the budget incorporates capital improvements in alignment with the District’s five-year roofing plan, a projected, 4 percent increase in benefit costs and continued professional development opportunities for staff. The plan calls for no new long-term debt and a freeze on overall cumulative spending in supplies, purchased services and capital outlay, Dr. Nohelty said.

“The community and the Board of Education can be confident the 2016-17 budget is balanced, fiscally sound and represents a solid financial plan that unequivocally enhances the educational opportunities for all of our students in District 148,” Nohelty said.

District 148 is a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school system with one early childhood center, three junior high schools and six elementary schools. The District serves families in sections of Dolton, Riverdale, Harvey and South Holland.

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