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Middletown City board approves five-year forecast amid uncertainty over ESSER and state funding
Summary
The Middletown City School District Board of Education approved a five-year financial forecast that assumes flat state funding while district officials await decisions on ESSER funds and changes in the state budget; staff said the forecast will be updated if funding changes.
The Middletown City School District Board of Education on June 9 approved a five-year financial forecast that assumes flat state funding while district staff await decisions on federal ESSER allocations and the state budget.
The forecast was presented to the board and approved by roll call after a motion. An unidentified staff member presenting the forecast described it as "not the stellar forecast we've seen in the last few years," saying the document models a conservative, worst-case scenario while Columbus and federal agencies finalize funding decisions.
Why this matters: the forecast guides district budgeting and planning for staffing, capital projects and programs. Board members were told the estimate could change if the state or federal funding picture improves, and staff committed to return with an updated presentation if numbers change.
Key points presented to the board included a pending decision on ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding and differences between the Ohio House and Senate budget proposals. The presenter said the Senate version released after the forecast would add roughly $100 million more to public education statewide than the House plan, and would raise the district's projected state aid by about $2.2 million to $2.4 million in each of the next two years compared with the forecasted figures.
The presenter also said $6,750,000 that the district had moved toward ESSER-funded projects — including turf and other capital work — might still be returned to the general fund if approvals come through, which would improve the district’s outlook. The presenter said the district’s ESSER application is with the Ohio Department of Education and that no decision had been made as of the meeting.
Board discussion noted the uncertainty and the district's contingency planning. The presenter said the superintendent and district staff are coordinating with state legislators, including a mention of talking with Senator Lang, and exploring alternatives to fund outstanding capital projects across roughly 18 affected districts if federal or state dollars do not materialize.
Action taken: the board moved to approve the five-year forecast as presented. Roll-call votes recorded during the meeting were affirmative; the motion passed.
What’s next: staff said they will update the forecast and present revised figures if and when state or federal decisions change the district’s available resources.
