Treasurer reports $18.26 million reconciled balance; bus bids, cooperative purchasing and student trips discussed

At the Feb. 18 meeting the district treasurer reported a reconciled balance of $18,260,006.24 as of Jan. 31, 2025, consisting of roughly $1,000,004.86 in deposit accounts and $17,000,001.79 in investments. On a year-over-year basis, the general fund showed about $84,000 more in receipts through Jan. 31 than the same date a year earlier.

Staff told trustees the district extended its current bus-purchasing bid (originally executed in October) and expects to open new bids in June or July; district staff said vehicle delivery can take about 18 months after order and insurance/payment timing begins when vehicles are received. Board members discussed buying up to two buses while prices are favorable.

Trustees also approved retroactive athletic event approvals (indoor track meet at Mount Union and a retroactive Sunday practice) and several overnight student trips (BPA state competition, HOSA state competition, a vocal festival and a fifth-grade outdoor camp). The board approved continued membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association and a request to participate in the Ohio Schools Council, a cooperative purchasing consortium with estimated dues of about $500 to facilitate future large purchases.

The superintendent and treasurer warned of state budget uncertainty, noting a staff estimate of reduced state aid (approximately $180,000 less next year and an additional $280,000 the following year) as state budget bills move through the legislature.

Next steps: staff will post procurement solicitations per the June/July timeline and pursue cooperative purchasing for large-ticket items.