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Galesburg schools look at slicing $3.3 million in 2016

The Galesburg School Board is bracing to learn Monday about a mounting deficit that could force making $3.3 million in cuts next year. That could force tough ch...

The Galesburg School Board is bracing to learn Monday about a mounting deficit that could force making $3.3 million in cuts next year.

That could force tough choices about programs like Galesburg High School North.

It's helping to produce the district's best graduation rate in some 25 years.

"North has really been like a safe place for me," said Naomi Grindle, 17.

Grindle is part of the success story.  She graduates on Friday and plans to study Radiology at Carl Sandburg College.

But this alternative school faces uncertainty.

A district-wide deficit, now topping $2.6 million, could force it to close.

"We truly are a family," Grindle said.  "I couldn't imagine somebody like me not having this."

District 205 must balance declining enrollment with state money troubles.

That reality will likely force board members to be more aggressive.

Superintendent Ralph Grimm, who admires the alternative school, is trying to stay positive.

"This has turned into an opportunity to revitalize the district," he said.  "Take a look at what we're doing now.  Are we as efficient as we can be?"

The district must try to align staffing with enrollment.

Nearly 90 students attend GHS North these days.

While it's cutting the dropout rate, this program, like others in Galesburg, is vulnerable.

"We're helping them graduate high school but also go on to college, the military or job force," said principal Jason Spring.  "Without this place, a lot of these kids would not graduate."

It's something to think about in coming months.

For college-bound Naomi Grindle, it's a life-changer.

"I can be comfortable here," she concluded.  "I can accomplish big things, and everyone here will be proud of me."

Pride and progress that must now battle the bottom line in Galesburg.

 

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