By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – The outgoing president of the Unit 5 school board said he’s fearful for the district if its budget outlook doesn’t improve, and school leaders will have to find money to pay for increased school safety programs.

Board President Jim Hayek backs the superintendent’s view that psychologists and social workers must be hired so mentally ill students don’t resort to violence.

“To work with kids who might not be connecting the way we need them to connect to the school, to the community. We need to have more eyes and ears on that so they get the services they need,” Hayek said.

He’s concerned because the district’s property tax base is flat to lower, so the school board might have to cut other programs or perhaps raise taxes to pay for additional staff.

“If you don’t have enough money to pay for something you need, you either have to stop doing other things that you think are less important or you have to raise more income,” Hayek also said.

Hayek announced Wednesday he’s resigning this spring to work at State Farm’s Phoenix, Arizona hub.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]