Boardman schools face dire financial forecast

Boardman schools face dire financial forecast

BOARDMAN

Like its neighboring school districts along U.S. Route 224, Boardman is looking at a financial forecast with shrinking revenues that flat line, at best.

The board of education discussed finances Tuesday during a special meeting. Treasurer Richard Santilli outlined the district’s most recent five-year forecast and told the board that during this state budget biennium — two fiscal years, with one still to go — the district will have lost $2.3 million in state aid, whether through foundation or tax reimbursement, which equates to more than 2 mills.

The district is projecting a multimillion-dollar deficit starting by the end of fiscal year 2015.

The board did not mention the word “levy” during the meeting.

After the meeting, the board was asked about the possibility of a new levy.

Board member Mark Fulks said the board does not relish asking voters for new money, but also has to prepare for the future.

“We’re looking at a $26 million deficit in 2018 and there’s not much in the way of revenue,” Fulks said.