Elkville school district 'comfortable' for three years

The fact that Du Quoin Community Unit District 300 and the Elverado school district entered into a cooperative football agreement last year begs the question: Is consolidation of Elkville students into the Du Quoin school district imminent?

"I think we're comfortable for the next three years," said Elverado Dist 196 Supt. Kevin Spain last week.

"When I became superintendent the district was running a $300,000 a year deficit. We have gotten that down to about $190,000. We have eliminated a couple of positions." There are also a couple of retirements coming that will result in a savings.

"The district borrowed $500,000 for working cash," he said. And, that money is being repaid.

"We are trying to be responsible," said Spain.

The Elverado district has about 445 students with another 35 students that participate in special outlying programs.

The district's payroll has about 85 people on it.

Area superintendents point to the fact that newly elected Gov. Bruce Rauner says funding education is important, but he adds he does not want to reinstate the expired Illinois income tax increase.

"We've already been asked what losing another 20 percent of state aid would do to us," said Spain

In Tamaroa

Tamaroa Grade School Supt. Bob Trover commented Wednesday, "I think we're okay."