Deficits forecast for Campbell schools

By jeanne starmack

starmack@vindy.com

campbell

The school district’s latest five-year forecast projects deficits from 2012 through 2014.

The forecast is only a snapshot from this point in time, officials stressed.

It can change, but the uncertainty of whether the district will get enough state and federal dollars in the coming years is begging the question.

“What do we do then?” asked district Treasurer Nora Montanez.

The cash balance for June 30 shows this fiscal year at $1,441,944. In 2011, the district shows a positive balance of $815,014. In 2012, the projected deficit is $890,812; in 2013, $3,499,901; and in 2014, $5,932,000.

Montanez presented the forecast at the school board meeting Tuesday.

The state requires it by May 31.

“In Ohio, funding is always an unknown factor,” said schools Superintendent Thomas Robey.

But the next budget is most critical for Ohio, he said.

“There is no knowledge if there will be any more stimulus money given to the state or school districts,” he said.

He noted that Campbell is heavily dependent on the state. State funding makes up 80 percent of the district’s general fund, he said.

Montanez said federal stimulus money was funneled from the state to the district.

The district also received stimulus money outright.

She said Campbell received $473,628 in Title I grants and $346,198 in Title VI grants.

Montanez also said Campbell has lost students through open enrollment and to community schools, meaning dollar losses of $402,000 and $554,000, respectively.