GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley school district is projecting a $413,200 deficit gap at the end of the upcoming school year, noting four of its nine operating funds will be in the red.

While the district is seeing increased tax revenue from nearby solar and wind farms, teacher salaries and other operating costs are continuing to rise. The biggest factor of the deficit is a $3.1 million project making recreational facilities more accessible.

“Some of the equipment is 40 years old,” said GCMS Superintendent Jeremy Darnell. “One of the things we’re working towards is making all of our outdoor spaces ADA compliant — so accessible for all of our students. Some of our students have mobility issues and the simple reality is with tire chips, you cannot access those resources for all kids.”

Other additions include a complete renovation of the high school’s track and new pickleball and gaga ball pits at the middle school.

A public hearing for the budget will take place on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. in the board room at the unit office in Gibson City.