As a fellow Marengo taxpayer, I know how hard it is to keep our homes affordable—especially when my wife and I built our house with our own hands 35 years ago. Rising property taxes make it tougher to stay in the home we love. Here in Marengo, our property tax rate is around 2.6%, which is higher than the state average of about 2.11% and roughly in line with the rest of McHenry County. A large part of these taxes goes toward funding Marengo High School, so every increase puts more strain on both our wallets and our schools.

That’s why it’s so important to find creative ways for our schools to save money without sacrificing quality education. When elected, I promise to dive into a full list of 100 creative ideas. I’ll review which cost-saving methods Marengo High School already uses, explore the feasibility of those it doesn’t, and listen closely to ideas from parents and community members. Together, we can work toward a smarter, more efficient system that supports our schools, eases the burden on our taxes, and helps keep our cherished homes affordable for years to come.

List of 100 creative ways for schools to save money without sacrificing quality education:

Classroom & Educational Strategies

1. Use Digital Textbooks and Resources
Switch to digital textbooks to reduce printing costs and provide access to updated content.

2. Implement BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Encourage students to bring their own laptops, tablets, or smartphones, reducing the need for the school to purchase devices.

3. Utilize Open Educational Resources (OER)
Use free or low-cost online resources to reduce textbook and resource costs.

4. Organize Online Learning Programs
Offer some electives or courses online to reduce the need for extra staff and classroom space.

5. Create Peer-to-Peer Tutoring Programs
Students help other students in subjects they excel in, reducing the need for paid tutoring services.

6. Outsource Specialized Subjects
Instead of hiring full-time teachers for specialized subjects (like coding or art), offer classes through online platforms or adjunct professors.

7. Leverage Free or Low-Cost Online Tools
Use free or affordable online platforms for assignments, grading, or even virtual field trips.

8. Use Community Volunteers for Classroom Assistance
Parents, retirees, or other community members can assist teachers, reducing the need for additional support staff.

9. Create a Teacher Resource Exchange
Teachers share lesson plans, resources, and classroom supplies with each other to avoid unnecessary purchases.

10. Implement Hybrid Learning Models
Combine in-person and online classes to reduce classroom space and utility costs.

Operations & Facilities

11. Embrace Energy-Efficient Systems
Switch to LED lighting, optimize HVAC systems, and upgrade insulation to reduce energy bills.

12. Use School Buildings for Community Events
Rent out school facilities for community events during off-hours to generate extra income.

13. Optimize School Scheduling
Carefully plan class schedules to reduce idle time for staff and facilities.

14. Share Resources with Nearby Schools
Share services like custodial work, buses, or IT support with neighboring schools to cut costs.

15. Rent Out Sports Facilities
Rent gyms, sports fields, or tracks to local clubs or organizations to generate extra revenue.

16. Use a Four-Day School Week
Some schools have reduced costs by shortening the school week, saving on transportation, utilities, and staffing.

17. Reduce Paper Usage
Go digital for communication and assignments to minimize the cost of printing paper and ink.

18. Consolidate Transportation Services
Use shared bus services or carpooling programs to cut transportation costs.

19. Host Virtual Events
Offer virtual parent-teacher conferences, assemblies, or community meetings to reduce event costs.

20. Use Student Workers for Non-Educational Tasks
Employ students for light maintenance, office assistance, or even gardening, in exchange for credits or service hours.

Fundraising & Community Support

21. Crowdfund for Specific Needs
Use crowdfunding platforms like DonorsChoose to raise money for classroom supplies, field trips, or special projects.

22. Organize Community Fundraisers
Hold events like talent shows, bake sales, or silent auctions to raise money.

23. Form School-Community Partnerships
Partner with local businesses for sponsorships, donations, or volunteer support.

24. Offer "Adopt-a-Classroom" Programs
Allow local businesses or individuals to "adopt" classrooms and fund specific classroom needs.

25. Create a “Buy a Brick” Fundraising Campaign
Raise funds for new construction or improvements by offering families the chance to purchase personalized bricks for a new school building.

26. Apply for Grants
Apply for government or foundation grants to fund specific projects, technology, or educational programs.

27. Host Virtual Auctions
Hold online auctions where parents and alumni can bid on donated items or experiences.

28. Organize Peer Fundraisers
Have students create and run fundraising activities, such as a walkathon, that both raise funds and build leadership skills.

29. Start a School Store
Run a school store selling uniforms, school supplies, or snacks, and have students manage it for real-world business experience.

30. Use Amazon Smile and Other Programs
Sign up for fundraising programs like Amazon Smile or Box Tops for Education that raise money through everyday purchases.

Supplies & Materials

31. Accept Donated Materials
Ask local businesses and families for donations of supplies, books, or used technology.

32. Recycle Supplies and Equipment
Recycle or repurpose older school equipment, such as furniture or technology, instead of purchasing new.

33. Negotiate Bulk Purchase Discounts
Buy supplies, food, and materials in bulk to take advantage of discounts.

34. Encourage Students to Use Reusable Supplies
Promote the use of reusable materials like water bottles, lunch containers, and notebooks.

35. Swap School Supplies with Other Schools
Partner with nearby schools to swap unused supplies or equipment.

36. Host a "Donated Supplies" Event
Allow the community to donate gently used school supplies, clothing, or equipment in exchange for a tax deduction or school credit.

37. Buy High-Quality, Long-Lasting Supplies
Instead of cheap items that need frequent replacement, invest in higher-quality, durable supplies.

38. Share Classroom Supplies Among Teachers
Have teachers share supplies that are not specific to their subjects, like markers, scissors, or staplers.

39. Use Open-Source Software
Instead of paying for expensive software licenses, use open-source software that is free and reliable.

40. Create Digital Portfolios for Students
Instead of printing physical reports, students can create digital portfolios for projects and assignments.

Staffing & Human Resources

41. Cross-Train Staff Members
Train staff to take on multiple roles, reducing the need for additional personnel.

42. Hire Part-Time or Adjunct Staff
Rather than hiring full-time teachers, use part-time staff for specialized subjects or after-school programs.

43. Offer Teacher Development Programs
Provide training to help teachers become more efficient, which can help reduce the need for additional support staff.

44. Use Retired Teachers or Volunteers
Engage retired teachers or community volunteers to assist with tutoring, classroom management, or administrative tasks.

45. Negotiate Group Health Insurance
Partner with other schools or districts to negotiate lower health insurance premiums for employees.

46. Use Student Interns for Office Tasks
Students can work as office assistants or help with administrative duties in exchange for service hours or school credit.

47. Outsource Non-Essential Services
Outsource tasks like food service, custodial work, or grounds maintenance to lower-cost vendors.

48. Create a Teacher Substitute Pool
Develop a list of retired teachers or local educators willing to work as substitutes to avoid high rates from substitute agencies.

49. Reduce Teacher Turnover
Offer competitive benefits or create supportive work environments to retain teachers and avoid the costs of hiring and training new staff.

50. Encourage Shared Job Positions
Allow staff to share positions (e.g., a job-sharing program for two teachers) to cut down on the need for full-time hires.

Technology & Digital Strategies

51. Utilize Free or Low-Cost EdTech
Use free or affordable digital tools for education, communication, and grading instead of investing in expensive platforms.

52. Embrace Cloud Storage
Switch to cloud storage to reduce the need for costly on-site server systems and equipment.

53. Host Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences
Save on travel and facility costs by hosting parent-teacher conferences online.

54. Offer Online Professional Development
Instead of sending teachers to conferences, offer professional development through low-cost or free online courses.

55. Use Video Lessons for Substitute Teaching
Create recorded lessons for students to watch during absences, reducing the need for costly substitute teachers.

56. Leverage Virtual Field Trips
Take virtual field trips instead of paying for expensive travel and accommodations.

57. Replace Physical Library Books with Digital Books
Offer digital libraries or e-books instead of maintaining an expensive collection of physical books.

58. Crowdsource Classroom Materials
Ask for donations from the community or crowdsource through online platforms for classroom materials and resources.

59. Offer "Bring Your Own Tech" Days
Students can bring their own devices for certain lessons or projects, reducing the need for schools to purchase additional tech equipment.

60. Switch to Digital Communications
Reduce the cost of paper, printing, and mailing by using email and online platforms for communication.

Community and Local Support

61. Form "Adopt-a-School" Partnerships
Local businesses or individuals "adopt" a school and provide ongoing financial or material support.

62. Host "Free Day" Events
Hold events where the community donates items or services, such as haircuts, meals, or tutoring, in exchange for school donations.

63. Offer Job-Shadowing Programs
Allow students to shadow local professionals or work in internships to gain real-world experience and potentially save money on career development programs.

64. Partner with Local Universities for Research Projects
Partner with universities to engage students in research projects that also bring additional resources to the school.

65. Leverage Local Nonprofits for Support
Collaborate with local nonprofit organizations that may offer resources, expertise, or volunteer labor to benefit the school.

66. Host Career Fairs Sponsored by Local Businesses
Local businesses sponsor career fairs, offering students valuable networking opportunities while minimizing event costs for the school.

67. Engage Local Artists for Workshops
Artists in the community may be willing to lead free or low-cost workshops, providing students with enriching experiences while saving the school money.

68. Organize "Adopt-a-Teacher" Initiatives
Parents or local businesses "adopt" teachers to help cover classroom expenses or provide supplies.

69. Partner with Local Farms for Healthy Food
Partner with local farmers to supply fresh produce for school lunches at a lower cost.

70. Host a Community Auction
Auction off donated items or services from local businesses, with the proceeds going toward school programs.

Sustainability & Environmental Strategies

71. Set Up a School Garden
Students can grow their own food, reducing costs for cafeteria supplies while also learning about sustainability.

72. Adopt Green Building Practices
Invest in sustainable building practices (such as solar panels or energy-efficient windows) that reduce long-term utility costs.

73. Start a Composting Program
Composting food waste from the cafeteria can reduce waste disposal costs and create nutrient-rich soil for a school garden.

74. Encourage Recycled Art Projects
Use recycled materials for art and classroom projects to save money while promoting environmental consciousness.

75. Go Paperless for Administration
Reduce paper waste by using electronic forms and digital communications for administrative tasks.

76. Use Recycled Furniture
Buy or accept donated recycled furniture for classrooms and offices.

77. Install Water Conservation Systems
Use water-saving devices like low-flow toilets and faucets to reduce water bills.

78. Host an Eco-Friendly Fundraiser
Organize an eco-friendly fundraiser, such as a swap meet or an environmentally conscious auction.

79. Reduce Bus Route Costs with Smart Routing
Use GPS or route optimization software to minimize fuel and maintenance costs for bus routes.

80. Encourage Carpooling for Parents
Encourage parents to carpool or use shared transportation services to reduce bus and fuel costs.

Creative Funding & Income-Generating Ideas

81. Sell School Merchandise
Create and sell school-branded merchandise like t-shirts, hats, or mugs to raise funds.

82. Start a School Café or Snack Stand
Students can run a café or snack stand during lunch, generating income while gaining entrepreneurial experience.

83. Hold an Annual "Buy a Seat" Fundraiser
Families can purchase a personalized seat in the school's auditorium or stadium, with funds going to support school activities.

84. Rent Out School Equipment
Rent out school equipment like projectors, sound systems, or musical instruments to local groups.

85. Offer Summer Camps or Programs
Use school facilities to offer summer programs for kids in the community, generating extra income during the off-season.

86. Host a Talent Show or Auction
Organize a community talent show or auction to raise funds for the school.

87. Create a Student Art Gallery
Display student artwork and sell pieces to raise funds for school programs.

88. Use "Naming Rights" for New Buildings
Offer businesses or individuals the chance to sponsor new school buildings or facilities in exchange for naming rights.

89. Host School Competitions
Organize paid-entry competitions like spelling bees, science fairs, or sports tournaments to raise money.

90. Offer Parking for Events
Charge for parking at school events or games to raise extra funds.

Creative Program Ideas

91. Host "Skills Swap" Events
Host events where people can trade skills (like tutoring, plumbing, or graphic design) to support the school.

92. Offer a School Choir or Band Subscription Service
Families can subscribe to receive regular performances from the school’s choir or band.

93. Create a School Cookbook
Sell a cookbook featuring recipes from students, parents, and staff as a fundraiser.

94. Run a Recycling Program for Electronics
Collect old electronics and recycle them for cash through programs like ecoATM.

95. Host a Family Fun Day with Donations
Create a family fun day with activities like games, raffles, or food vendors that raise money for the school.

96. Start a "Walk-a-thon" Fundraiser
Have students participate in a walk-a-thon where they raise money by walking laps around the school track.

97. Offer After-School Workshops
Charge small fees for after-school programs or workshops in areas like robotics, arts, or coding.

98. Create a Student-Run Café or Restaurant
Allow students to run a café or small restaurant that serves healthy meals to staff, students, and families.

99. Rent Out Classrooms
Rent out unused classrooms or spaces for community meetings, private tutoring, or workshops.

100. Create a Time Capsule Fundraiser
Have students contribute to a time capsule, and then sell the opportunity to contribute for a set price, with proceeds going to the school.

With these 100 creative ideas, schools can save money and generate new revenue streams without compromising educational quality!