Bowling Green City Schools faces $2.6M budget cuts without new operating tax levy

The Bowling Green City School District Board of Education convened on February 18, 2025, to address pressing financial challenges facing the district. The meeting focused on the district's current fiscal situation, options for addressing budget deficits, and potential reductions in services and staffing if a proposed levy does not pass.

The district's financial presentation highlighted a concerning trend: expenditures have outpaced revenue, leading to a projected overspending of approximately $2.6 million for the upcoming fiscal year. The Board discussed two primary options to rectify this imbalance: passing a new operating levy or implementing significant budget cuts.

The proposed levy, set for the May 6, 2025 ballot, is a 0.75% traditional income tax for a five-year period. This marks a shift from a previous proposal for a continuing levy, reflecting community feedback received last fall. If approved, the levy would allow the district to maintain current programs and staffing levels. However, if the levy fails, the Board is prepared to enact a plan to reduce expenditures by $2.6 million, which would involve eliminating numerous positions and programs.

The meeting outlined specific potential cuts, including the elimination of 29 staff positions across various roles, such as teachers, nurses, and administrative staff. Additionally, extracurricular activities, including athletics and arts programs, would face significant reductions. Transportation services would also be limited, affecting high school students and reducing routes for younger students.

The Board emphasized the importance of transparency in these discussions, noting that the proposed reductions are not desired but are necessary given the district's financial reality. The administration has already made cuts in the current fiscal year, totaling approximately $422,000, and has sought grant opportunities to help offset costs.

In conclusion, the Board of Education underscored the critical nature of the upcoming levy vote, framing it as a pivotal moment for the future of Bowling Green City Schools. The outcome will determine whether the district can continue to provide quality education and maintain essential services for its students or if it must proceed with substantial cuts that would alter the educational landscape significantly.