The Cleveland School Board consistently monitors our finances, but we have watched even more closely over the last few years as we have had to use our fund balance (savings account) to pay for needed expenses.
Finance History
Some major events have influenced our current budget situation:
- 2015 - Voters approved an operating levy to help fund teachers and educational programs.
- 2018 - Voters approved a bond levy to renovate the school building.
- 2020-2022 - Covid relief funding was provided for personal protective equipment, technology, mental health supports and more.
- 2023 - State funding increased for general education and special education, but state mandated expenses also increased.
- 2024 - School board approval of operating levy extension.
- 2024 - A contract settlement with staff resulted in wage increases to remain competitive with neighboring districts.
Current Situation
As I noted in our last Building Future Leaders newsletter:
- We have used our fund balance (or savings account) for three straight years to balance our budget.
- State revenue increases have not kept pace with inflation. If they had, we would have received $800,000 in additional state revenue this year alone.
- Our operating levy is, on average, less per pupil than neighboring districts.
Operating Levy Renewed; Increase Contemplated
In February, my school board colleagues and I agreed that Cleveland schools cannot afford to let the operating levy expire at the end of the year. As a result, we approved a 10-year extension of the $512.40 per pupil operating levy approved by voters in 2015. It is critically important revenue, but it is not enough to fund the programs and staff that we have now, so the board will also explore an increase in the levy.
The question that faces us now is how much to ask for. The board is committed to serving students. And, we’re committed to protecting taxpayers. We will not ask taxpayers to pay for wants, only those things that we actually need. We hope to maintain what we already have: mental health supports, educational programs, and quality teachers and staff. Without new revenue, we’ll face reductions in staff and programs.
To help the board decide on the size of an operating levy request at a referendum in November, we are forming a Finance Committee that will include community members who will meet to deeply explore our financial situation and provide feedback and ideas.
Thank you for supporting our school over the long-term, including approval of the operating levy in 2015 and the bond levy in 2018. Please watch for additional information as we decide on next steps for the next opportunity to support our students and school this fall.
Sincerely,
Scott Miller, School Board Chairman
Miller.Scott@isd391.org