Eddie Barrios

A public hearing will be held to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for School District No. 101, Cook County for 2025. The corporate and special purpose property taxes for 2024 were $23,196,625.29, while the proposed taxes for 2025 are $24,320,000.00, representing a 4.84% increase. Property taxes for debt service and public building commission leases for 2024 were $1,711,663.51, with estimated taxes for 2025 at $1,711,000.00, a 0.04% decrease. The total property taxes for 2024 were $24,908,288.8, and the estimated total for 2025 is $26,031,000, a 4.51% increase.

The meeting included updates on the district's new data management system, Panorama, and follow-up air quality testing at Laidlaw Elementary. The board discussed and approved expenditures, including an annual maintenance fee for the Field Park Land purchase. They also reviewed and approved the semi-annual reviews of Closed Session Minutes and voted to eliminate certain Closed Session recordings.

The budget includes discussions and estimates for various funds including Educational Operations & Maintenance, Debt Service, Transportation, Municipal Retirement/Social Security, Capital Projects, Working Cash, Tort, and Fire Prevention & Safety. Key topics include estimated beginning and ending fund balances, receipts/revenues from local, state, and federal sources, and disbursements/expenditures for instruction, support services, community services, and debt services.

The strategic plan for Western Springs School District #101 is designed to enhance student learning and preparation for college and career readiness. It focuses on academic growth and achievement, creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, attracting and retaining qualified staff, and managing finances and facilities effectively. The plan also emphasizes student ownership of learning and the development of key personal attributes such as reflection, risk-taking, inquisitiveness, resilience, collaboration, compassion, and advocacy.

The Board of Education of Western Springs School District 101 will hold a hearing on the proposed 2025 - 2026 budget.