Beaver schools placed under fiscal watch

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBIANA — State Auditor Mary Taylor announced Friday a fiscal watch in the Beaver Local School District.

The district’s status is elevated from fiscal caution to fiscal watch because of projected deficits of more than $800,000 in fiscal year 2010.

“Beaver Local School District officials face some tough financial decisions in the weeks and months ahead,” Taylor said Friday. “During this time, district officials must work to restore financial stability as soon as possible.”

Beaver Local School District was placed in fiscal caution by the Ohio Department of Education on April 24. Under the fiscal-caution declaration, the district is required to provide the ODE with a written proposal correcting the conditions that placed them in fiscal caution and detailing ways to prevent further fiscal difficulties.

Because school officials have not provided ODE with an acceptable written proposal, the Ohio auditor reviewed financial paperwork including the district’s five- year forecast. The forecast reveals the district anticipates deficits of $555,000 and $819,000 for fiscal years 2009 and 2010, respectively. Taylor elevated the district to fiscal watch to help prevent further fiscal decline.

When placed in fiscal watch, the Local Government Services (LGS) section is available to provide technical and support services to the district. LGS serves as a consulting and fiscal advisory group to all government agencies and subdivisions when needed.