Budget Cuts, Funding Drops Could Result in School Closure
By: Jordan Vandenberge
Updated: January 28, 2013
It should come as no surprise the financial crisis in the state of
Illinois has a trickle-down effect. That financial crisis could leave
administrators for White County Schools in the position to make some
tough decisions.
***
Crossville, Illinois lives with a ghost.
Decades ago, the tiny town lost it's high school to consolidation and annexation. In a couple months, it could lose it's grade school, the Crossville Attendance Center, as well.
Brad Lee can control many things as the Superintendent of Carmi-White County Schools.
However, the amount of state funding isn't one of them.
"I'd be lying if i said it wasn't frustrating because it is," said Lee. "I'm in my second year as superintendent and Carmi-White County has always prided itself on being a very financially responsible district."
If only the same could be said for the state he lives in.
Lee says the State of Illinois owes his district $500,000 in funding. Couple that with pending budget cuts, closing the Crossville Attendance Center outside of Carmi is the likely option.
"It's not something that's uncommon in Illinois right now because of the financial situation," said Lee. "We're seeing more and more districts having to eliminate a building."
The district currently has 6 buildings and a Pre-K facility.
While the 4th and 5th grade students at Crossville Attendance Center learn about history, their school could be a part of it. But this school even with it's chipped paint, empty swings and 172 students is part of the community.
"Graduating from there, I have a lot of memories and you just hate to see that happen," said White County Sheriff Doug Maier. "I'm hopeful it doesn't have to happen."
"It won't be pleasant and we understand that but we're just trying to do the best we can with the situation we're currently in," Lee said.
Lee says the option of shutting down the school is based on the costs of busing kids back and forth to the school as well as the costs of maintaining the building. It's still unclear where the 172 students will go if the school does in fact close.
An official decision will come at February's school board meeting.
***
Crossville, Illinois lives with a ghost.
Decades ago, the tiny town lost it's high school to consolidation and annexation. In a couple months, it could lose it's grade school, the Crossville Attendance Center, as well.
Brad Lee can control many things as the Superintendent of Carmi-White County Schools.
However, the amount of state funding isn't one of them.
"I'd be lying if i said it wasn't frustrating because it is," said Lee. "I'm in my second year as superintendent and Carmi-White County has always prided itself on being a very financially responsible district."
If only the same could be said for the state he lives in.
Lee says the State of Illinois owes his district $500,000 in funding. Couple that with pending budget cuts, closing the Crossville Attendance Center outside of Carmi is the likely option.
"It's not something that's uncommon in Illinois right now because of the financial situation," said Lee. "We're seeing more and more districts having to eliminate a building."
The district currently has 6 buildings and a Pre-K facility.
While the 4th and 5th grade students at Crossville Attendance Center learn about history, their school could be a part of it. But this school even with it's chipped paint, empty swings and 172 students is part of the community.
"Graduating from there, I have a lot of memories and you just hate to see that happen," said White County Sheriff Doug Maier. "I'm hopeful it doesn't have to happen."
"It won't be pleasant and we understand that but we're just trying to do the best we can with the situation we're currently in," Lee said.
Lee says the option of shutting down the school is based on the costs of busing kids back and forth to the school as well as the costs of maintaining the building. It's still unclear where the 172 students will go if the school does in fact close.
An official decision will come at February's school board meeting.
