Coping with Enrollment and Revenue Declines in Assumption Community Unit District #9

As we proceed toward the end of the twentieth century, it has become increasingly clear that the future of public education in the United States is somewhat uncertain. This uncertainty is due to a number of causes: concern over discipline, lack of parental interest, decreasing enrollment, lack of quality teachers, and decreasing supplies of tax monies to fund the schools. Some of these reasons have more impact in one area than another, but the effect can be determined easily. Schools are faced with program cuts and diminution of services for the student population. This field study addresses this problem as it pertains to the Assumption Community School District #9. This district is currently faced with the two-edged problem of enrollment decline and decreases in equalized assessed valuation of the real estate in the school district. The results of these problems have the potential to be catastrophic for such a small school district. This paper will explain the present situation in this district, project what may happen in the next several years, and try to offer some intelligent alternatives for solving the problem or at least softening the blow as much as possible. In order to accomplish these tasks, the paper will explain in the financial picture, both present and future, in depth. Enrollment trends are predicted as accurately as possible, given all the information available. Suggestions are made for the future direction of the district based on the data presented and discussions with local and area school officials. Possible avenues for the future of the district are presented and the flaws and pitfalls of each, as well as the advantages, are noted. It is the hope of the author that the report of the district\u27s successful referendum passage may be useful to other districts in planning tax hike referenda