Unit 5 receives “early warning” designation from ISBE

Posted on March 18, 2018
Unit 5 is the only local school district to receive an “early warning” designation from the State Board of Education. (WJBC file photo)

By Patrick Baron

NORMAL – The Illinois State Board of Education has released its annual financial report for fiscal year 2017, and one local school district has received an “early warning” designation.

Unit 5 is the only school district in the area to have an “early warning,” which is the second lowest ranking. Superintendent Mark Daniel said there are many factors that go into that designation.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott’e interview with Daniel on WJBC. 

“It’s based on [how you are] paying for the various programs that you’re offering, [how you are] maintaining your buildings. All those pieces coming together, that’s what creates that type of ranking,” Daniel explained.

Enrollment numbers also play a role in the designation, Daniel added. He also said the ranking has to do with the level of balances in the district’s operating expenses, which has lost some breathing room given the state’s troubled financial situation.

“Those different fund balances are becoming tighter and tighter, so with that said, and I think if you look at all districts – at least in our area – we’re all in deficit spending,” said Daniel.

Meanwhile, District 87, Heyworth, Lexington, Tri Valley, and Olympia school districts were among those that received the “recognition” designation, the highest ranking available.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

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