Residents are encouraged to review the information outlined at the February 10 Community Finance Forum regarding options currently in discussion for closing an estimated $1.5 to $2 million gap in next year’s budget.

Goal: Keep Kids First
Hawthorn is currently determining a plan for increasing revenues and/or decreasing expenses by between $1.5 and $2 for next year’s budget. The Financial Advisory Task Force, a group of volunteers representing a range of stakeholders, was convened last fall to begin brainstorming and analyzing options. Over the course of several months of work, the group was able to identify a number of potentially feasible and sustainable options, all keeping in mind the ultimate goal of providing the least amount of negative impact on students and the programs and services Hawthorn provides for them. The Task Force and Administration expanded the discussion to the wider Hawthorn community through a series of meetings with Hawthorn Education Association leaders and members, as well as non-union staff people, parents and the wider community. Discussions continue in hopes of developing and presenting a final proposal to the Hawthorn Board of Education during the February 28 meeting (7 p.m. at Hawthorn District Office, 841 West End Court, Vernon Hills). Based on employment notification timelines and other requirements, it is expected that final decisions and any Board approval would need to take place before the last week of March (Spring Break) in order for any of the options for contractual changes to be available for next year’s budget process. The items currently under discussion are outlined in the presentation documents that follow.

Finance Forum Presentation

Added 2/15/11: Additional Information

Added 2/17/11: Update Regarding Administrator Salaries
During the Finance Forum presentations, slide 35 indicated that administrators’ would receive a 3% salary increase for 2011-12. After further discussions/correspondence with HEA and the Board, administrators have agreed to a 2.5% salary increase instead of the 3% increase for 2011-12 and will continue to work with the Board to align other benefits with those provided for all staff.

Last Financial Advisory Task Force Meeting - February 16
The last meeting of the Financial Advisory Task Force (FATF) was held on February 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hawthorn District Office, 841 West End Court, Vernon Hills. Residents were invited to listen in on this volunteer group’s efforts, which have been underway since November.

For More Information

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)., Superintendent or 847-990-4244
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Director of Finance and Operations or 847-990-4221
Visit the District’s finance webpage, www.hawthorn73.org/finance

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