Regaining Lost Ground

State oversight helps Illinois district rebound.

A small Illinois school district that struggled with financial woes for more than 15 years is back in the black under the direction of state-installed leaders.

After six years of state fiscal supervision, the Round Lake Area School District has a balanced budget, a good credit rating, revitalized facilities, and stronger community support.

Its leaders, hired by a state-appointed oversight panel, see the passage in March of a $17 million bond referendum as a sign that their work has restored faith in what had become...