School District 304 Will Host Oct. 1 Forum on School Finance

Geneva School District 304 announced by e-blast that it will host a community forum titled “Understanding School Finance” at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, in the Geneva High School Auditorium, 416 McKinley Ave.

Speakers Dr. James Fritts, author of Essentials of Illinois School Finance, and Dr. Howard Bultinck, chair of the Educational Leadership Program at Northeastern Illinois University, will conduct the forum, discussing a variety of topics both in general and specific to Geneva. 

Topics to be discussed, among others, include:

• a comparative look at state funding in Illinois and surrounding states
• an overview of the property tax cycle and levy process
• the effects of the tax cap
• an overview of the District’s debt structure
• the role of fund balances

Time will be allotted for questions and answers, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Here's more about the presenters:

Dr. James B. Fritts is the author of Essentials of Illinois School Finance and is an adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University and former assistant superintendent for business at Skokie School District 68.

Dr. Howard Bultinck is chair of the Educational Leadership Program at Northeastern Illinois University.  He was a long-term superintendent in Sunset Ridge District 29, where he also served previously as a principal and business manager.