Could be 5 months before anymore payments are made

•March 23, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

“The current checkbook balance is $5,525,184.24,” stated Superintendent Kenny Schwengel at the last Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School Board meeting. “All funds are in the black, but the balance is getting a little smaller.”

Schwengel noted that the district received a second mandated categorical payment in the amount of $199,000. “I am anticipating it to be the last one for the year though,” he cautioned.

“The state still owes us about $240,000,” Schwengel informed. The district has received only two of four mandated payments. “We are definitely up for some challenges,” he solemnly said.

Schwengel explained that it could be five months before they see any type of payment.This could make the district come up with nearly $1 million.

Illinois may not approve any education budget until the November election or some type of reforming takes place he said of future expectations.

“Presently, we are looking at three areas to make some cuts – middle school math, media in the library and Spanish. We possibly could use those resources where they are better needed,” Schwengel said. “We are still in better shape than a lot of schools right now.”      Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.