SUPERINTENDENT NEWSLETTER

Dear FSD 145 Staff and Families,

I want to share where Freeport School District 145 stands financially, what we're doing about it, and a change you'll see on our buses this fall. Our schools belong to this community, and you deserve to hear this straight from me.

What's happening

Like many districts across Illinois, we're facing a tight budget. This isn't the result of mismanagement or misuse of funds. It's the result of several pressures that have been building for years and are now hitting at the same time:

• Federal pandemic relief (ESSER) has ended. These temporary funds paid for about $4.2 million in teacher leaders and instructional support staff who helped students recover from COVID learning loss. That money is now gone.
• A key state tax revenue (CPPRT) has fallen sharply, from about $5.6 million in 2023 to $2.4 million in 2026.
• The state is not keeping up with transportation costs. Illinois is supposed to reimburse districts for getting students to school, but it hasn't set aside enough money to do that. Last year, districts statewide were owed about $523 million for regular transportation, and the state budgeted only $342 million, leaving a gap of more than $181 million. This year, the state expects to cover only about 68% of those costs.
• Special education transportation is even further behind. Just four years ago, the state fully covered these costs. Last year, districts statewide were owed about $769 million, and the state budgeted only $467 million, a gap of more than $300 million. This year, the state expects to cover only about 55%.
• Special education tuition is also underfunded. When a student's needs are best met in a specialized program outside the district, we are required to pay for it. This year, the state expects to reimburse only about 63% of those costs.
• Freeport is not fully funded under the state's own formula. Illinois's Evidence-Based Funding formula says our district needs $21.3 million to be adequately funded, and that our percent adequate funding is 65%. On top of that, the state shorted Evidence-Based Funding last year.
• Health insurance costs keep rising. Our health insurance costs grew by $1.6 million last year alone, an increase of nearly 16%.

Every dollar the state doesn't cover still has to be paid, and it comes out of the same budget that supports classrooms. Altogether, our total revenue is about $6 million lower than it was three years ago, while costs have kept climbing. For this school year, we're projecting an operating deficit of roughly $7.6 million.

How we're managing right now

To keep paying our bills, the district has borrowed against future tax dollars. In June, we issued $9 million in short-term loans called Tax Anticipation Warrants, due back December 1, and we expect to need another round this fall. We've also issued working cash bonds and restructured existing debt. We've now reached the legal limit on how much debt we can take on. Borrowing is no longer an option, so we have to bring spending and revenue back into balance.

Working together on solutions

Our Fiscal Sustainability Committee is taking a hard look at where we are and how we can close the gap. The committee is reviewing health insurance, workers' compensation and property coverage, pay differentials, staffing models, and transportation routes. There will be difficult decisions that need to be made, and none of them will be made lightly.

A first step: combining bus routes

Beginning Monday, October 26, we will combine our five preschool-only bus routes with elementary routes to create PK–5 routes. Illinois doesn't require districts to transport general education preschool students, but we chose to keep this service. Every preschooler who rides today will keep their ride, with curb-to-curb service and a bus monitor on routes with more than eight preschoolers. Students whose IEPs require specific transportation will continue to receive it.

Early Childhood Center bell times will move about 5 to 10 minutes earlier, and affected families will receive their updated bus times directly before the change.

This change is expected to save about $400,000 through lower fuel and staffing costs, increased state reimbursement, and retiring two buses we would otherwise need to replace.

We're in this together

I know this is hard news. I'm grateful for our staff, who show up for kids every day, for our families, who trust us with their children, and for a community that has always stood behind its schools. We'll keep you updated as the committee's work moves forward, and I welcome your questions along the way.

Even as we navigate serious financial challenges, moments in our schools continue to remind us what our work is ultimately about—our students.

At a recent FHS home football game, our Dance Team welcomed some of our youngest Pretzels to the field following their Mini Camp. Our high school students taught, encouraged, and performed alongside them, giving these young dancers a chance to experience what it means to be part of the Pretzel community.

It was a wonderful example of older students inspiring younger ones and creating a sense of belonging that can stay with them for years. Thank you to our Dance Team, head coach Samantha Warner, assistant coaches, and our families for making this special experience possible.

With gratitude,

Dr. Anna Alvarado

Superintendent of Schools

Our first Inside 145 spotlight takes us to the FSD 145 Early Childhood Center, where children learn through play, conversation and connection. Principal Aimee Kasper shares how the center helps students build the academic and social skills they need for kindergarten.

Who does the Early Childhood Center serve?
The center serves children ages 3 and 4, as well as eligible children who turn 5 after September 1. It can serve up to 280 students from families throughout FSD 145. Children who are transitioning out of Early Intervention services or may be at risk of academic struggles are prioritized. Classrooms bring together children of different ages and abilities, including students with individualized education programs (IEPs).

What makes the center special?
This is the second year the district’s early childhood program has been together in one building. Principal Kasper describes a team that is engaged, patient, kind and always willing to help. “Being all together is new to us,” she said. “We are looking forward to making traditions!”

The center offers full-day and half-day classes through Preschool for All and Preschool for All Expansion grants. Its approach uses play to support learning and the Pyramid Model to develop social and emotional skills.

What does learning look like during the day?
Children spend time moving, sharing meals, gathering for a short lesson and choosing activities in classroom learning centers. Full-day students also have rest time and additional opportunities for meals, movement and center activities.

Learning continues throughout the day. Teachers help children practice language, respect and responsibility during meals. During movement time, students learn skills such as riding bikes and throwing, catching and kicking balls. As Principal Kasper puts it, the team teaches children how to “do school” through play and conversation.

What’s new this year?
The center welcomed a classroom for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing from across the Northwest Illinois region. Students join their hearing peers for meals and movement activities, with plans to begin spending time in general education classrooms. Staff and students are learning sign language, and signs around the building now include it, too.

How does the center live out “All In For All Kids”?
The center welcomes children regardless of family income, home language, disability or whether they are potty trained. Through Child Find screenings, the team works to identify children who may need additional support and connect them with services early.

That commitment extends to families. Parent education sessions planned for this year will cover topics such as building children’s language skills, reading together, supporting social and emotional development, responding to challenging behaviors and setting rules at home. The center also plans to work with the public library to help students get library cards.

Who makes it all happen?
Every classroom has a full-time paraprofessional who works alongside the teacher. Speech and occupational therapy providers also work with students in the classroom and collaborate closely with teachers. “The biggest theme for our building is amazing teamwork to meet the needs of our students,” Principal Kasper said.

On October 2, FSD 145 celebrates School Custodian Appreciation Day and the dedicated people who care for our schools. Our custodians prepare classrooms and common areas for each new day, respond to needs large and small, and help create clean, welcoming spaces where students can learn and staff can work. Much of their work happens before or after the school day, but its impact is felt by everyone. To our custodial team: thank you for all you do for our schools and our Pretzel community!

National Coaches Day is celebrated each year on October 6. First proclaimed in 1972, the day recognizes the people who guide, encourage and inspire others through coaching. At FSD 145, that includes coaches in athletics, speech, the arts and student activities. Thank you for the time you give, the confidence you build and the difference you make in our students’ lives

We continue to celebrate this year's Hispanic Heritage Month theme, "Unidos, Somos Más" ("Together, We Are More"), which celebrates the strength that comes when many countries, cultures, languages, and voices unite. In that spirit, the Department of Language & Culture and LULAC have planned events across the district that bring students, staff, families, and our community together to celebrate, learn, and reflect.

What We've Celebrated So Far:

Our celebration is off to a wonderful start. Spanish for Relationship-Building courses for staff are back, with Level 1 and Level 2 sections to help staff connect with our multilingual students and families. Class information will be shared soon.

On September 16, the FHS LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens)

Student Council led Cuentos y Conchas: Piñata Night, a Spanish story time and craft night at the Freeport Public Library.

Our Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) has been busy connecting students and families with valuable resources and experiences. BPAC participated in the Community Resource and Wellness Fair on September 17 and hosted a parent workshop featuring psychologist and speaker Ferney Ramírez on September 24. The following day, members of the HCC women’s basketball team visited Blackhawk’s morning assembly and spent time reading with students in our bilingual classrooms.

Coming Up:

Language & Culture Homecoming Float (October 7):When several FHS multilingual students shared that they wanted to participate in the Homecoming Parade but weren’t connected to a club or team, we made sure there was a place for them. This year’s float is open to all students who want to join the celebration, alongside FHS LULAC, FHS Ballet Folklórico, and a band featuring our own multilingual students. It’s another way we’re making sure every student has an opportunity to be part of the Pretzel Pride!

"Sabor Latino" Taste Tour: The Department of Language & Culture will host Central Office staff for a taste tour of the Latin American countries our team members come from, featuring some of our "must-eat" favorites.

"Latin and Legends Live" Wax Museum (Date TBA): The FHS LULAC Student Council and bilingual staff will bring inspiring Latino historical figures to life at the Freeport Art Museum. Students researched the figures who inspire them most and are excited to share their living project with you. Details coming soon.

LULAC FHS "World Cup" (October 24): Open to all FSD families, this multicultural soccer tournament brings multilingual students and the whole FHS student body together through the love of the game, friendly competition, and cultural activities. The event takes place at 11 AM in Pretzel Stadium.

We invite you to join us at these events as we celebrate the many voices that make our district stronger. ¡Unidos, somos más!

Dear Parent/Guardian,

This is an important reminder that a school physical examination and/or vaccination(s) are required for students entering Freeport School District #145 in preschool, kindergarten, 6th, 9th and 12th grades, or students who are NEW to Freeport School District.

REQUIRED DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15

In accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, students who do not meet these requirements by October 15 will NOT be allowed to remain in school beginning October 16. Students may return to school once the required proof of physical examination and/or vaccination records has been provided.

Please do not wait until the deadline. If your student has not yet met these requirements, we strongly encourage you to submit the required documentation as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school nurse during school business hours.

At FSD 145, we’re All In For All Kids and proud of the diverse talents of our student performers. This Newsletter "Pretzel Performing Arts: Off the Stage" offers a glimpse into the many facets of performing arts across our district and the creativity, preparation and dedication that bring them to life. View the Newsletter.

Upcoming Events

Notable Dates

Reminders