Minooka Community Consolidated School District Approves Budget for 2025-26

Officials in the Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201 have finalized the budget for the 2025-26 school year, establishing a comprehensive operating plan that balances anticipated revenue and expenses. The district’s overall operating budget is set at $66.38 million in expected revenue against $66.37 million in projected expenses, resulting in a small surplus of $4,483 for the current fiscal period.

The largest component of the budget is the education fund, which allocates $53.45 million for expenses and $52.13 million in revenue. The fiscal year began on July 1, 2023, but state regulations allow districts until September 30 to finalize their financial documents. The board approved the budget during its meeting on September 15.

Mary Robinson, the district’s director of finance and operations, provided regular updates to the board throughout the summer. She noted, “Not much has changed, but there are a few items,” as she presented the final budget compared to earlier projections. A key update concerns federal funding, which has become clearer in recent months. Robinson confirmed specific amounts, including $772,874 in IDEA funding for special education, as well as various Title grant programs ranging from $26,926 to $395,185 for English learner instruction and academic support.

The budget will be funded through the 2024 tax levy, which reflects a 9.44% increase in the equalized assessed value of properties. Robinson explained that most of the taxes collected stem from last year’s established levy, which forms the foundation of this year’s budget.

In terms of school and lunch fees, Robinson indicated that these remain unchanged compared to the previous year. Salaries and benefits comprise a significant portion of the budget, accounting for 74% of total expenditures. This year, the budget includes several new positions: an English language arts teacher, a multilingual learner teacher, an assistant director of special education, a speech language pathologist, two special education teachers, four literacy aides, and one custodian. Salary increases will vary based on collective bargaining agreements, and the district anticipates a 5% rise in health insurance costs.

With this year’s modest operating surplus, Robinson projects an overall surplus of $311,253 by the close of the fiscal year, incorporating prior year fund balances. She emphasized that these figures align with the board’s policy of maintaining at least 25% of cash reserves in the fund balance.

School Board President Emily Conquest commended Robinson and the district staff for their efforts in balancing educational initiatives with fiscal responsibility. “I know I speak for the board when I say, ‘thank you,’” Conquest expressed. “We’re all very appreciative of the work you do.”