The Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A School Board will have more time to iron out some of their differences.

School Board President John Wood said board members will start meeting once a week “if we have to” to analyze the district’s current financial situation.

The board normally meets twice a month. Board members met three times in September due to a special meeting called to discuss the budget. Another special meeting was held last Saturday, Oct. 24, also to discuss financial matters.

“The more frequently we meet, the more effective we’re going to be as a board,” he said.
Wood is hopeful more meeting opportunities will make it easier for members of the finance committee to attend and offer feedback.

One option board members will consider is going to referendum to help shore up the district’s $2 million shortfall.

“The community has shown concern about the potential loss of programs and the only way to remedy that is to increase revenues,” Wood said. “The only way to increase revenues is through a referendum.”

However, he acknowledged that might be a tough sell in the current economic climate.

“Given the current economy, we find ourselves in we have to look at the best possible way with the least possible impact to solve the problem,” Wood said.

District 113A recently approved the 2009-10 budget, along with a deficit reduction plan option, to shore up the district’s shortfall. The deficit reduction plan includes reducing spending  by $500,000 in for the 2009-10 school year, another $500,000 in 2010-11, and $1.5 million for 2011-12, to balance the budget the following year.

School Board member Sue Murphy lauded Wood for his “efforts at board unity” by offering to meet more often.

“It’s not what we planned as volunteers but it would be great to all sit at the table and hear the same information and hopefully become more unified,” she said.

Wood said the measure is necessary in the short-term.

“It’s important that we have a plan going forward to resolve the many issues that face us right now,” he said.