DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A multi-million dollar budget deficit has a school board member worried about the district’s future.

Christopher Easton mentioned that he and other board members anticipated running a deficit this year due to construction projects. The district revised the budget, resulting in a $6 million increase in the deficit, totaling $18 million, from the previous $12 million. Easton stated that he was unaware of the amendment, the special meeting, or the possibility of this situation until early last week. He expressed concern about the potential repercussions for the district.

“The community needs to realize that $18 million is a significant deficit to start the next year with,” Easton noted. “Additionally, we are preparing for a potential revenue drop of 4% or more next year. I believe this is a crisis for us. It will affect our classrooms, our staff, and most importantly, our students.”

Easton said the new board is focused on being fiscally responsible, and he hopes this new regime can get the district to a better place financially.