Maercker D60 Community,
As promised before winter break, I am writing to provide another update on our ongoing financial planning work and to share additional resources now available to the D60 community.
First, I want to reiterate an important message from my earlier communication: there will be no changes to programs, staffing, or services for the remainder of this school year. This work is focused on planning responsibly for the future, with any potential changes considered for the 2026-27 school year and beyond.
Since December, the Financial Working Group has met twice to develop a shared understanding of the district’s financial position, including factors that have contributed to the use of financial reserves in recent years. The group has also generated ideas for both increasing revenue and reducing expenses, and will reconvene next week to further examine the financial and operational impact of those proposals.
At its December meeting, the D60 Board of Education provided guidance on long-term budget targets, including a planning goal of approximately $856,166 in savings and budget adjustments for the 2026-27 school year. This figure reflects a combination of potential cost reductions and revenue enhancements, not reductions alone.
While we have taken deliberate steps in recent years to manage these financial pressures and protect classroom instruction, additional action will be necessary to support the district’s long-term financial stability. We are committed to addressing this work carefully and responsibly.
To support transparency and ongoing communication, we have launched the D60 Financial Information Hub, which includes background information, frequently asked questions, and resources that provide a clearer picture of school finance and the specific challenges facing our district.
Next steps include assessing the operational impact of prioritized proposals and developing a final set of recommendations for the Board of Education’s consideration in February. As shared previously, any approved changes would take effect in the 2026–27 school year and would not impact the current school year.
I encourage you to review the Financial Information Hub and to watch for future communications with updates and opportunities for community feedback. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to plan responsibly for the future of Maercker D60.
Regards,
Dr. Sean Nugent
Superintendent
