School District outlines budget reduction plan amid enrollment growth and inflation challenges

In a recent special board meeting held by the Perrysburg Exempted Village School District, officials addressed the pressing financial challenges facing the district as it prepares to revert to 2021 funding levels. The meeting highlighted the need for immediate action to ensure the sustainability of educational services amid rising costs and increasing student enrollment.

Superintendent Randy Drewer emphasized the urgency of the situation, likening the district's financial state to a patient in critical condition. He stated, "If we're a patient and we're on the gurney and we're bleeding out, we have to save the patient first." This metaphor underscored the necessity of prioritizing financial stability before addressing other operational needs.

The district has seen an increase of 330 students and added 33.5 teachers since 2021, yet it now faces a significant reduction plan that includes cutting 26 teaching positions. Drewer explained that 84% of the district's general fund is allocated to instruction and support services, highlighting the reliance on personnel rather than physical resources. He noted that the district's budget must be adjusted to align with the reduced funding levels while still accommodating the growing student population.

Drewer also pointed out the impact of inflation on school operations, referencing the rising costs of essential supplies, such as food for students. He acknowledged that while the district has managed to negotiate contracts below the rate of inflation, the financial landscape remains challenging.

The board is expected to provide direction in the coming weeks regarding the path forward, as the district grapples with the dual pressures of maintaining educational quality and managing its budget effectively. The discussions from this meeting signal a critical juncture for the Perrysburg School District, as it seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of its students and staff.