Approximately 150 teachers and parents attended Tuesday’s Evanston/Skokie School District 65 school board meeting focusing on different methods of alleviating the district’s approximate $3.7 million budget deficit.

The library of King Lab School, 2424 Lake St., overflowed with attendees and some were routed to the auditorium to watch the meeting on television screens. More than 25 teachers and parents gave public statements in opposition to possible cuts to curriculum, especially in arts education and library programs. The teachers union organized a large teacher presence to protest potential changes.

John Lalley, president of the District Educators Council, restated the union’s belief that cuts to education are not necessary. By not hiring to fill open teaching positions and adjusting non-curricular programs, D65 would be on sound financial ground, Lalley said. The union’s estimated deficit is approximately $1 million less than the administration and board have projected.

“(The union’s) position remains the same,” Lalley said. “We do not see what you see in the deficit. To make draconian cuts is completely unnecessary.”

Attrition remains a viable possibility for reducing part of the deficit, board members said. The board is considering alternatives to its proposed cuts to drama, library, music and art programs and staffing. The District 65 Ad Hoc Committee, a group of 32 district parents with expertise in finance, has been independently analyzing long-range means of reducing spending and raising revenue. The committee recently submitted a proposal for charging for specific materials like workbooks, and programs like after-school sports clubs.

These user fees, as well as registration fees of approximately $200 per pupil, would be adjusted for low-income families.

The board may introduce a referendum in the next few years to involve parents and community members more closely in the budget process.

“What I’m hearing most from the community is that they want the right to take part in this decision, by voting ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ through a referendum,” said board member Mary Rita Luecke.

The board decided to rethink its commitment to a three-year financial plan, with a balanced budget at the end of that period. If they do not adhere to a three-year plan the board would have more flexibility in their decisions, Board President John Chatz said.

The teachers union’s proposal is founded on a year-to-year basis, reducing next year’s budget through attrition and a few cuts, Chatz said.

“I hope we’re not back here again next year,” said board member Mary Erickson. “It’s a strain, and it’s keeping us from our business, our focus on (academic) achievement.”

The board will most likely call a special meeting on March 11, one week before it will make its final budget decision, Chatz said. Overwhelming numbers of public comments have led to time constraints at the last few meetings. The board plans to vote on business it has not been able to address, including the sale of D65’s current administration building at 1314 Ridge Ave., which is part of Evanston’s Northeast Historic District.

Lalley and board members will meet today to discuss discrepancies in their budget analyses. The board will vote on the budget March 18.