Big Walnut board approves five‑year forecast, directs treasurer to draft $3.03 million bond‑reduction resolution

The Big Walnut Local Schools Board of Education on Monday approved an updated five‑year financial forecast and a package of fiscal actions, and it voted to direct Treasurer/CFO Scott Gooding to prepare a resolution to return $3,026,730.65 to reduce bond millage for the next tax year.

The forecast presentation by Treasurer Scott Gooding summarized the district's August 2025 financial results and long‑range projections. "Total revenue and other financing sources received in the general fund were $25,780,000, exceeding our estimates by $1,730,000, or 7.2%," Gooding said, noting timing differences in property tax advances and front‑loaded purchases such as textbooks and technology devices.

Gooding told the board the district moved $18 million from the general fund into the capital projects fund this year, creating a one‑time spike in transfers and helping preserve the district's cash position. He also warned the board that the projection shows the district beginning to run annual deficit spending in fiscal year 2028 under current assumptions: "In FY '28 is when we start…