Plainfield District 202 operating budget shows $2M surplus

Plainfield School District 202 officials project the 2019-20 operating budget revenues will surpass expenses by up to
$2.4 million.

The District 202 Board received the preliminary proposed budget at its meeting Monday, according to a news release. It is based on the district receiving an expected tier-based state funding of up to $4.3 million.

The district’s total projected 2019-20 budget is $327.7 million, up from $311.6 million last year, the release said.

Salaries and benefits make up about 79% of the projected 2019-20 operating expenses. Salaries and benefits are expected to total about $227.5 million, which is up about $11.7 million over the 2018-19 figure of $215.8 million.

“The proposed fiscal year 2020 budget will allow District 202 to maintain high-quality educational programs while continuing to develop and implement a responsible, sustainable financial plan,” said Rick Engstrom, assistant superintendent for business and operations.

Engstrom said the proposed budget also keeps property taxes low and maintains the highest possible financial ranking with the state Board of Education.

The district board plans to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 and vote on the new fiscal plan at its regular meeting that night. The meeting will be held at the Administrative Center, 15732 Howard St. in Plainfield. The proposed budget can be found at psd202.org.