Canfield treasurer reports $17.5 million general fund; public urges early facilities planning

The Canfield Local School District treasurer reported on September finances at the Nov. 12 board meeting, stating a general fund balance of $17,500,000 and a food service fund balance of $1,200,000. The treasurer highlighted several notable expenditures and purchase orders, including a new transport box truck ($61,000), property and fleet insurance moved to the Ohio School Plan ($153,985), a Ford Transit van for special services ($76,924), and a scoreboard lease payment of $54,958 funded by boosters. The treasurer also noted planned work to replace fire alarm systems at elementary schools and reported more than $90,000 in interest earnings for the month, with the district's sweep account yielding about 4.55%.

During public participation, resident Jason Henry urged the board not to postpone facilities work because of an impending board changeover. "I would encourage the board to not use the changeover coming up at the end of the year as an excuse to put it off a couple months," Henry said. He advised starting preparations early for any potential ballot measure, noting that scheduling a levy for May or November requires substantial advance planning.

Board members acknowledged the comment and reiterated that facilities remain a priority but noted that some decisions may be timed to accommodate the incoming board members and to avoid polarizing outcomes. The treasurer's report was approved by roll call later in the meeting.

Next steps: The district will proceed with the purchases and planned maintenance items presented in the treasurer's report; any capital projects requiring voter approval will require additional planning and possible inclusion on future ballots.