Cuyahoga Falls board hears options to close or repurpose Preston or Price elementary amid multi‑million shortfall

Cuyahoga Falls City Board of Education members met in a special session at Preston Elementary School on Aug. 21, 2025, to review a financial recovery plan and preliminary options that could close or repurpose Preston or Price elementary schools.

Dr. Salico, who delivered the presentation at the board’s request, told the board the district "is in what is called fiscal caution" and that the treasurer’s recovery plan identifies a need "to save $3,000,000 $4,000,000 in 3 years." The presentation — posted on the district website under the treasurer tab — laid out enrollment trends, building capacity, transportation impacts and draft redistricting maps for two closure scenarios.

The issue stems primarily from long‑term enrollment decline and resulting fixed costs. Dr. Salico said enrollment has fallen roughly 25% over 10 years — "we've lost, just about a thousand children" — and noted a projected decline of about 350 students over the next decade. The treasurer’s analysis, the presentation said, evaluated large budget “pockets” for savings (staffing through attrition, a 10% budget reduction, and sale or repurposing of facilities) but said proceeds from selling certain buildings cannot be counted toward the state’s recovery target.

Why it matters

The board’s review focuses on reducing operating costs while maintaining services. The…