By Michael S. Hoey
Correspondent
The Delavan-Darien School Board approved placing a referendum question on the November ballot at its Aug. 13 meeting. The question will ask for $2.8 million over four years on a non-recurring basis for operational expenses. The failure of the district to get a referendum passed in April in part led to 39 teachers being laid off and the closure of Darien Elementary School.
The question will ask for permission to exceed state revenue limits for operational costs related to reducing class sizes and supporting curriculum and instruction in the district. Replenishing the district’s fund balance is also a goal of the referendum, though it will not specifically be listed in the question.
After the meeting, Interim Superintendent Jill Sorbie clarified what the district will use the $2.8 million for if the referendum is successful. Sorbie said just under $2 million would be used to rehire up to 18 staff members, $380,000 would be for curriculum and technology, and $500,000 would be to build up the district’s fund balance, which the district uses for its operational expenses including payroll.
To read more of what Sorbie shared as well as details about a change in the frequency of school board meetings, see the Aug. 23 Delavan Enterprise.
