Sylvania Schools board approves biennial financial forecast; levy and budget context explained
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Summary
Treasurer presented the district’s two‑year forecast showing a June fund balance of about $28 million (~95 days cash), projected small revenue growth and larger expense pressures; the board approved the forecast and several consent agenda personnel and activity items.
The Sylvania Schools board reviewed and approved the district’s biennial financial forecast after a presentation by the treasurer. The forecast projects a June fund balance of roughly $28,000,000 — about 95 days of cash on hand — on a roughly $108 million operating budget. The treasurer said revenues changed by under $200,000 for the current fiscal year while expenses were forecasted to increase about $400,000.
The presentation highlighted a falling state share under Ohio’s Fair School Funding Formula: the district’s state share has dropped toward 16 percent and forecasts suggest it could approach the 10 percent minimum floor under current rules. The district is currently on a Transitional Aid Guarantee that, according to the treasurer, protects about $2.3 million compared with the formula output; that guarantee and recent base‑cost adjustments will change how incremental enrollment gains translate to additional state aid.
The treasurer reviewed revenue drivers, including property taxes (noted as roughly 70 percent of revenue), state reimbursements and other funds. He said House Bill 335 limits growth on inside mills and will constrain property tax revenue growth after reappraisals. The presentation also showed operating expenditures per pupil and noted the district spends comparatively little per pupil while providing many programs.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the forecast and the board recorded affirmative roll‑call votes from members present. The meeting also included motions and approvals on routine items: continuing membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association; an overnight field trip for speech and debate to Kenton, Ohio; consent agenda approval of licensed retirements (Karen Beddoes, Gail Massey, Holly Welsh), substitute listings, classified new hires and supplemental contracts; and a motion to enter executive session to consider personnel matters. Several of those items were approved on a consent basis without discussion.
The treasurer said the forecast assumes no new levy and emphasized the importance of fiscal restraint to avoid future deficits; he noted a proposed 7.9‑mill levy would generate additional revenue if voters approve it in May, with partial collections appearing in fiscal year 2027 and full collections in 2028.
