Marissa Community Unit School Di

The Illinois Constitution states:

“The state has the primary responsibility for financing the system of public education.”

Dear Citizen:

I am informing you of District 40’s financial impact stemming from our State’s fiscal crisis. There is state-wide concern about what is occurring in this year’s state funding and in the potential decisions of the years ahead. The State of Illinois is estimating a shortfall of $13 billion dollars which in turn, directly impacts our school’s budget.

The state received $1 Billion dollars in federal stimulus money that afforded budget repair for one year. However, legislative decisions were not taken to adjust the state budget. Now, continued fiscal difficulties that were postponed or ignored, now surface. Current legislative decisions now occurring directly impacts our district:

REVENUE LEGALLY DUE AND EXPECTED TO OUR DISTRICT FROM THE STATE

· State of Illinois late on payments to District No. 40

Special Education $168,575.30 School Lunch & B’fast $ 15,275.96

Transportation $104,973.35 Driver’s Ed $ 3,025.06

Early Childhood $133,750.00 Title I $118,953.00

Rdg. Improvement $ 22,448.00 Title II $ 27,333.00

ADA Block Grant $ 5,079.29 Drug Free $ 1,014.00

Not only is the state late on payments, there is discussion that funds may not be disbursed to the districts at all. Additionally damaging is what is potential for next year’s budget. Current discussions among our legislators include, but are not limited to, decreasing their contribution to schools 10% across the board. Another item being discussed is cutting the general state aid foundation level back. Every scenario results in our district losing funds and placing more financial responsibilities on the local tax payer.

· If the foundation level is cut from $6119 to $5500 per student the district would lose approximately $300,000

Current legislative discussions involve varied ideas with regard to what will be cut and how much. Decisions are yet to be made leaving all districts strapped regarding fiscal planning. Uncertainty creates discussion of R.I.F. (reduction in force) of teachers and paraprofessionals for FY2011.

Simply, the State of Illinois is in dire financial trouble. Decisions to be made will impact our district and taxpayers.

We have maximized our local resources, made value-based decisions, and have been fiscally responsible over time. The district has done what the state has asked and requires. Yet, it is clear the decisions our legislators are about to make will substantially negatively impact our district’s financial position.

Please contact our state legislators to help prevent educational funding reductions. Do not allow them to negatively impact the children of Marissa. You have done your part! The district has done our part! Demand state legislators do their part!