New Lenox School Board slashes student fees

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Updated: March 20, 2012 8:15AM

NEW LENOX — Residents will get yet another reprieve from these tough economic times. First, the village offered a refund on property taxes. Now, the school district is reducing students fees.

The New Lenox School Board voted unanimously Wednesday to reduce fees by $40 per student next year. This means a $180,000 loss in revenue.

Superintendent Michael Sass credited the district’s ability to live within it’s means as the reason it can offer the reduction. It has $19 million in a savings account, which equates to about 35 percent of a year’s revenue, he said.

“I feel we can do a substantial reduction in fees for our families and still not impact our budget,” he said.

This reduction will not impact the number of teachers or reduce the quality of services, Sass said.

Member Kathy Miller said she was concerned about the volatility of state funding.

“It’s very scary right now what’s going on in Springfield,” Sass said.

The board originally voted on a $50 reduction in fees. That was defeated 3-4.

Member Deborah Kedzior said she wanted to reduce fees, and cautioned parents not to expect this every year. No one knows what kind of funding cuts the district will face then.