Strongsville board hears five‑year forecast showing growing deficits, directs staff to start with natural reductions

The Strongsville City School District board reviewed a February five‑year financial forecast that projects the district will continue to run deficits in coming years and asked administration to begin with a plan of natural reductions while preparing staged reduction scenarios.

Treasurer Mr. Agnostu presented the forecast, describing the assumptions behind revenue and expenditure estimates, recent changes to state filing deadlines, and how assessed valuations and property‑tax collection timing affect the district’s outlook. He said the district is projecting a deficit of roughly $9.8 million in the current fiscal year and that, even with a renewal levy, the forecast shows a growing shortfall in later years that could reach about $15 million cumulatively if unaddressed. He warned the board to expect an Ohio Department of Education review after the August filing and the likely request for a plan to address deficits.

Superintendent Dr. Bridal and the treasurer laid out three broad approaches for the board to consider: (1) implement 'natural reductions'—using attrition, not filling some vacancies and modest program/section adjustments; (2) pursue option 1 plus set a targeted dollar reduction (for example $1 million) to reach; and (3) take more aggressive cuts that would likely require staff reductions and would impact programs and services. Administration emphasized option 1 as the prudent starting point while preparing more detailed option 2/3 scenarios if needed.

Board members asked for clarity on timing and impact. Trustees and staff agreed administration will return with dollar estimates for natural reductions, a categorized list of potential reductions for more aggressive scenarios, and an updated plan to discuss in March and again by May so the board can make informed choices before the August forecast filing. Members stressed that, because roughly 84 percent of the general fund is salaries and benefits, deeper cuts would be difficult without affecting student programs.

Public comment during the meeting flagged bond levy concerns (see related article) and several trustees noted state legislative changes—including limits on non‑voted millage growth and new county options for tax credits—are tightening local revenue options. The board directed staff to begin modeling natural reductions now and to bring back a refreshed reduction plan with estimated savings and likely program impacts.

The board did not take final action on reductions during the meeting; next steps are for administration to present quantified options and timelines for implementation and to coordinate any levy decisions with the August filing calendar.