Board approves treasurer's report as members flag multimillion-dollar shortfall

The Danville CCSD 118 Board of Education approved the treasurer's report by roll-call vote, with five members voting yes and one abstaining.

During discussion before the vote, a board member said the district is "gonna be in a deficit this year between 4 and $6,000,000," and warned that a budget amendment may be required. Another member later noted last year's deficit exceeded $18 million, underscoring the scale of ongoing financial challenges.

The board also discussed registration plans and school-supply supports as ESSER funding has expired. District staff said the returning-student portal will open March 30 and a centralized registration event for new and returning students is scheduled for June 9 at Danville High School Fieldhouse from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mobile health clinics will be available during centralized registration.

Board members debated whether to continue funding book-bag and school-supply kits. Staff cited an "edge kit" priced at about $50 per student and said Title I funds will continue to cover backpacks in some cases. Members discussed coordinating with community organizations that run book-bag drives.

Separately, the board approved funding to allow members to attend the National School Boards Association conference in San Antonio, April 10-12; that motion passed by roll call 6-0.