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BOARDMAN SCHOOLS Board doesn’t say ‘levy,’ does project deficit
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.
Board member John Landers said the board has one main priority driving its decision-making: “We want to continue to provide the best opportunity and education to the public and the next generation,” he said.
The last time voters approved a new Boardman school levy was in 2003.
Boardman saved more than $3 million last year by eliminating 26 teaching positions, two administrative positions and three nonteaching jobs.
The five-year forecast also includes the two-year base wage and step increase freezes already in place for employees, and con- tinues the base wage freeze throughout the forecast.
In fiscal year 2011, Boardman spent $8,660.90 per student, the fourth-lowest per-student spending rate of all schools in Mahoning County, the school treasurer has said.
The state average per-student spending in 2011 was $10,697.