School Board to Vote on Budget, 90/10 Policy

Following a public hearing, Valley View board of education members are slated to vote on a proposed $246.3 million 2011-12 budget with an anticipated operating fund deficit of $7.27 million. The district’s fund balance will be used to balance the budget.

The new budget has a zero percent spending increase over last year, according to Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services Gary Grizaffi. 

However, district revenues are expected to suffer this year due to a projected $2.45 million drop in General State Aid, Grizaffi told board members last month.

Slowed-down residential and commercial growth have also taken a toll on the district’s finances, he said, with no revenue increases expected from new property taxes.

Grizaffi is also expected to present a state funding update during Monday night’s meeting. According to district documents, the state still owes Valley View $4.4 million in reimbursements for programs including bilingual education, early childhood education, state free lunch and breakfast, and transportation.

The public portion of the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the district administration center, 755 Dalhart Drive. 

90/10 policy up for a vote

Board members will also vote on Superintendent James Mitchem’s , a new grading philosophy that places emphasis on test results and what students can prove they know.

The policy places little importance on what Mitchem calls compliance, such as class participation and homework.

This summer, Mitchem hosted a series of community forums laying out the policy, part of his “New View” for boosting achievement in Valley View. On Tuesday, the superintendent will host the first of six public question and answer sessions at Pioneer Elementary in Bolingbrook.