The continued budget stalemate in Illinois is forcing Heartland Community College to take a hard look at its budget over the next few years.

School leaders are asking Heartland’s Board of Trustees to allow officials to draw out of the school’s reserve funds in order to balance the operating budget if it becomes necessary.

Vice President of Business Services Doug Minter says with the uncertainty of state funding, being able to tap into reserves can prevent unnecessary cuts that would hurt students.

“We’re not going to draw on reserves haphazardly. We’re going to do so, only to maintain essential functions and services, those that are most important to student success. We don’t want to draw down the reserves, but the reserves allow us the flexibility to be able maintain continuity in our services if we need to,” Minter said.

Heartland has already cut programs and positions over the last few years. Leaders say more cuts would harm students. Right now, the school has about 15 percent of its total budget in its reserve fund, but hopes to bring that up over the next few years.

The board will make a decision later this summer.

This story was submitted to us by WMBD TV