As the evening light faded outside the Green Local Schools boardroom, members gathered for the November 25, 2024, Board of Education meeting, ready to tackle pressing financial matters that could shape the future of their district. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the board prepared to discuss the highly awaited five-year financial forecast, a crucial tool for ensuring the district's fiscal health.

The meeting commenced with a swift approval of the agenda, setting the stage for a detailed examination of the district's financial outlook. The forecast, required biannually by the Ohio Department of Education, revealed promising news for the district. For the current fiscal year, Green Local Schools is projected to end with a balance of approximately $11.8 million, marking a significant gain of $1.8 million. This positive trend is attributed to a recent property tax increase and strategic savings from staff attrition, which collectively contributed over $740,000 in savings.

Board members learned that local taxes now account for 61% of the district's revenue, while state funding represents 32%. This reliance on local taxes underscores the importance of community support in sustaining educational programs. However, the forecast also highlighted the challenges ahead, with 84% of expenditures dedicated to salaries and benefits, leaving only a slim margin for other operational costs.

A notable point of pride for the district was the effective management of CARES funding, which totaled over $2.4 million over the past three years. Unlike many districts that expanded staff and programs unsustainably, Green Local Schools focused on essential investments in security and technology, ensuring that they could maintain financial stability without compromising educational quality.

Looking ahead, the forecast indicates a positive cash balance through fiscal year 2028, but a projected deficit of $3.9 million by 2029 raises concerns. Board members acknowledged the need for ongoing vigilance and potential future levies to address these challenges. The discussion concluded with a sense of cautious optimism, as the board recognized their current fiscal stability while remaining aware of the uncertainties that lie ahead.

As the meeting adjourned, the members left with a renewed commitment to navigating the complexities of school funding, ensuring that Green Local Schools remains a beacon of educational excellence in the community.