Schools
Lincoln-Way HS District Budget Ready for Public Viewing
Also from the board meeting: Lincoln-Way honored Charles Stark for his dedication to the music experience at the school and in the area, and the board discussed school on holidays.
Proposed 2012-13 Budget Available
The Lincoln-Way High School District 210 board approved a notice of a public hearing of the 2012-2013 budget at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 in the office of the superintendent at .
The proposed budget stands in excess of $97 million dollars ($97,145,292.) Meanwhile and in accordance with regulations, the budget will remain on display at the superintendent's office.
In a report, Supt. Lawrence Wyllie explained that 2011-12 revenues did not match expenditures. The district's reserves had to be used to cover the $3.27 million shortfall.
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He added that not all of the real estate taxes collected had been distributed to the taxing bodies as of June 30. In addition, the district did not receive $1.5 million in categorical (funds for operation and maintenance, education and transportation) money from the State of Illinois.
However, district officials expect to receive the funds soon.
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Long-Time Music Chairman Honored
Prior to the board meeting Thursday, a reception was held in honor of the recently-retired Charles Stark, district auditorium coordinator and former music department chair.
In a crowd of well-wishers, Stark posed next to an engraved photo plate that was ceremoniously installed on the brick wall of fame at the entrance to the Performing Arts Center.
Since 1969, Stark has been the engine that revved up music and theatrical performance in the Lincoln Way communities of New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort and Manhattan for the past 43 years.
Having formally resigned his position as of June 30, his years of service, dedication and inspiration were lauded. Along with members of the high school community, including teachers and staff from the Central music department, choir members from the were on-hand to toast Stark's many achievements.
In total, four engraved plaques were created—one for each of the four high schools in the district.
Wyllie shared a memory about Stark's commitment and dedication to the district. In 2000, when the East campus was opened, Stark was given a directive to avail the Performing Arts Center to the community. "And he did that with a passion." The facility has featured the U.S. Marine Corps Band, children's theatrical productions and much more.
community relations director, smiled when asked to comment about Stark's many contributions. "He's just been involved so much, a part of the community. He's part of the entire musical experience here at the Lincoln Way schools and in the area."
Commenting later, Stark said, he was "struck" by the engraved plague and the fact that it will be at the entrance to the Performing Arts Centers at each of the schools. The response and appreciation expressed for his years of service has been a bit "overwhelming," he said.
"It was quite and honor. I should have thanked more people, but I wasn't able to think of all the names."
And while he will be on-hand from-time-to-time for the next year, Stark said he and his wife are looking forward to retiring.
"Next week will be the first Institute Day that I've missed in 43 years. We're going to be in Door County."
School on Holidays?
At the board meeting, members approved a resolution that enables the district to hold classes on state designated holidays: Veterans Day, Columbus Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Casimir Pulaski Day and Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday.
"It doesn't mean the school will be open," said Wyllie, but it is now an option. Previously, if the district deemed it necessary to keep the schools open on a particular state holiday, a waiver would have been filed.
"Personally," he said, "I like the days off. You go for a stretch, and it's good to have a day off. It's good for the kids to have a break."
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