{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"DEC Signal","title":"September 14 Committee of the Whole Recap","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":294,"description":"Monday's Committee of the Whole was one of the most consequential meetings of this school year. Interim Superintendent Dr. Eric Witherspoon presented a case for change — a comprehensive plan to end District 65's cycle of annual financial crisis rather than patch it one more year. The plan, to be presented in full on October 13th, includes approximately $20 million in reductions for FY28 and the closure of two additional schools. The financial picture is stark: enrollment has dropped 25% over the past decade, 75% of the budget is compensation growing at twice the rate of revenue, building occupancy sits at 64%, and without action the district's fund balance runs out by FY30. DEC President Kelly Post thanked Dr. Witherspoon and the cabinet for meeting with all five union presidents before decisions are made — and reaffirmed DEC's commitment to every child and every educator through whatever comes next. Community meetings are being scheduled at Chute, Haven, and Nichols. October 13th is the date to watch.\nDEC Signal is produced by the District 65 Educators' Council in partnership with The Signal Lab.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/4dpw7RBHzCZV9m8bRgQqk1hRg6JTvaH5e2fWUWq3p1A/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS85MjBk/MDkwODk5NmY1YzRm/YzgyODY2MzQ1ODNl/N2JjYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}