The Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board Business Meeting held on June 2, 2025, focused on several key issues, including transportation costs, infrastructure expenses, staffing projections, and budget updates. The meeting aimed to address ongoing challenges and future planning for the district.

The session began with discussions on transportation costs, specifically the $3,000 per student allocated for yellow bus services. Board member Crossett inquired about the ability to benchmark this figure against other urban districts in Ohio. The response indicated that comparisons are challenging due to differing transportation models among districts, but data would be gathered for future reference.

Next, the board reviewed the infrastructure costs associated with the district's growth plan. The total projected cost was reported at just over $3 million, which includes expenses for moving classrooms, renovations, and new furniture for middle schools. Notably, the plan includes a phased approach to replacing cafeteria tables, prioritizing middle schools this year.

Staffing projections were also a significant topic, with a reported savings of approximately $7.4 million anticipated due to right-sizing efforts in underutilized schools. Board member Craig raised concerns about whether these staffing changes were a response to declining enrollment or a strategic adjustment to better meet student needs. The administration clarified that the savings stemmed from optimizing resources rather than a drastic drop in student numbers.

Enrollment trends were discussed, revealing a stabilization with an increase of about 500 students compared to previous years. This positive trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating a flat or slightly increased enrollment for the upcoming year.

The meeting also included a budget update, highlighting a target budget of $624 million. The board was presented with a breakdown of fixed costs and new initiatives, with a remaining allocation of $184 million after accounting for approved changes. The discussion emphasized the importance of tracking both budget reductions and new expenditures to maintain fiscal responsibility.

Finally, the board considered a potential reduction in force (RIF) to address budget gaps, with a request for guidance on moving forward with this process. The administration noted the urgency of making decisions by June 6 to avoid impacting the next fiscal year.

In conclusion, the CPS Board Business Meeting addressed critical financial and operational issues, setting the stage for future planning and adjustments as the district navigates its growth and budgetary challenges. The board's next steps will involve further analysis of enrollment data and budget allocations to ensure effective resource management moving forward.