District 202 has approved its fiscal year 2027 operating funds budget of $424.6 million, which reflects an $8.0 million projected deficit. The budget includes a multi-level Budget Reduction Framework designed to address a structural revenue decline tied to changes in the state’s Evidence-Based Funding model.
The financial impact stems from a technical adjustment to the state’s Comparable Wage Index (CWI), which recalculates regional labor costs. This change has reduced the District’s Tier 1 eligibility status, resulting in a $7 million revenue impact beginning in FY2026. That impact is projected to grow to approximately $14 million in FY2027 and increase in subsequent years if current funding conditions remain unchanged.
Addressing the Funding Gap
The shift in the state funding formula has significantly reduced the District's revenue gap by assuming lower local labor costs, effectively reducing the District’s Tier 1 priority status and limiting flexible Tier 2 funding. To maintain fiscal stability, District 202 has implemented a structured, student-centered plan that prioritizes operational efficiency over classroom instruction.
Level 1: Operational Reductions (Implemented)
The District has identified approximately $22.8 million that will be deferred through operational efficiencies and non-personnel reductions designed to minimize direct impact on student learning.
Key actions include:
Facilities & Capital Projects: Over $14 million in deferred improvement projects, including flooring and roof replacements at schools such as Walker’s Grove Elementary School, Indian Trail Middle School, and Plainfield South High School.
Technology & Support: Over $4.6 million in deferred hardware and software licenses.
Departmental Savings: Reductions in contracts, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services, and out-of-district professional development.
Level 2: Staff & Workforce Evaluations (Ongoing)
Following the maximization of Level 1 reductions, the District has evaluated approximately $2.81 million in workforce-related reductions. This phase focuses on staffing structures and compensation, with an emphasis on natural attrition and enrollment-based planning.
Current projections include:
Staffing Adjustments: A current reduction of 22 elementary teacher positions, 6.8 middle school core teacher positions, and 16.5 high school teacher positions. In addition, a reduction of 29.5 in general staffing (administration, non-union, and non-certified positions).
Impact on Ratios: Student-to-staff ratios are projected to increase across all levels. Elementary ratios are expected to rise from 20.8 to 22.6 students per staff member. Middle school core ratios are projected to rise from 26.3 to 27.6, while high school ratios are expected to rise from 21.3 to 24.0.
Commitment to Future Restoration
The Board of Education emphasizes that these reductions follow guiding principles of transparency and shared responsibility. The District has established a Commitment to Restoration: as fiscal conditions improve, student-facing programs and staffing will be prioritized for reinstatement before operational services are considered..
The FY2027 budget was officially approved by the board on June 24, 2026. For more information on the budget and the reduction framework, please visit the District 202 Business & Operations webpage, https://www.psd202.org/page/business-operations.
Next Steps
To better understand priorities and perspectives on future funding options, District 202 sent out surveys to a sample of the community and hosted a series of discussion groups.
District 202 is hosting a fourth community engagement session at 6:30 p.m. June 30 at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 12350 S. Essington Road, Plainfield, to provide another opportunity for residents to learn more and share feedback. Residents interested in attending should complete the registration form at https://psd202.jotform.com/261315181956055.