Minooka School District 201 Approves $66.38 Million Budget for 2025-26

Officials in the Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201 have finalized their operating budget for the 2025-26 school year, which totals an anticipated $66.38 million in revenue against $66.37 million in expenses. The budget includes a modest surplus of $4,483, a figure that reflects the district’s commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring quality education.

The budget for the district, which serves grades K-8, was officially approved during a board meeting on September 15, 2023. The current fiscal year began on July 1, but officials had until the end of September to finalize their financial documents according to state law. The education fund, the largest component of the budget, is set at $53.45 million for expenses, with revenues projected at $52.13 million.

Federal Funding Clarity Enhances Budget Planning

During discussions leading to the budget’s approval, Mary Robinson, the director of finance and operations, emphasized the importance of clarity regarding federal funding. Recent confirmations from Washington, D.C. have provided the district with more accurate projections for various federal programs. For instance, the funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is confirmed at $772,874. Additionally, Title grant programs supporting English learner instruction and academic enrichment range from $26,926 to $395,185.

Robinson noted that most of the tax revenue for the current budget stems from the previous year’s levy, which reflects a 9.44% increase in the equalized assessed value of properties within the district. “The majority of the taxes that we collect have already been established and levied from last year’s levy,” she stated.

Budget Prioritizes Staff and Programs

As part of the 2025-26 budget, the district is adding several new positions, including an English language arts teacher, a multilingual learner teacher, and two special education teachers, among others. Nearly 74% of the budget is allocated to salaries and benefits, underscoring the district’s focus on staffing to enhance educational programs. Salary increases for staff will vary based on collective bargaining agreements, and the district anticipates a 5% increase in health insurance costs.

Robinson expressed optimism about the district’s financial health, projecting an overall surplus of $311,253 by the end of the current school year, bolstered by carryover from prior years. She reaffirmed that these figures align with the board’s policy to maintain at least 25% of the fund balance in cash reserves.

In response to the budget’s approval, Emily Conquest, president of the school board, commended Robinson and the district staff for their diligent work in balancing educational needs with fiscal responsibility. “I know I speak for the board when I say, ‘thank you,’” Conquest said, expressing appreciation for the efforts to ensure that educational programs remain robust while managing the budget effectively.

This budget approval marks a significant step for Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201 as it prepares to meet the educational needs of its students while navigating the complexities of financial planning in the current economic climate.