The state budget impasse has forced schools to come up with plans for how they’ll open next year without state funding.
It’s a decision which schools that operate year-round have to confront sooner than most.
Some school districts designate just a handful of buildings to operate year-round, but in Rock Island, every school is on that schedule.
The school board has considered cost-saving measures, like eliminating athletics and band, as well as debt options like opening a line of credit.
Spokeswoman Holly Sparkman says that, for now, the district plans to use its rainy day fund.
“I mean, we’re basically going to wash away 30 years of fiscal prudent management, of building up our reserves to $23 million, and that’s going to be gone in a year," Sparkman said. "That’s kind of a bitter pill to swallow.”
Without state funding, that money will run out early next year.
If a state budget still hasn’t come through by then, the district plans to borrow against future property tax revenue.
