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Berkshire Local accepts five‑year forecast, warns of multi‑year deficits and eyes new revenue streams
Summary
Trustees voted to accept a five‑year forecast showing revenues lagging expenditures and projected depletion of reserves; the superintendent and treasurer outlined options including expanded preschool, opening vocational seats to other districts, workforce development programs and possible levies.
The Berkshire Local Board of Education voted to accept a five‑year financial forecast that projects the district will move from positive balances to near exhaustion of reserves within two years, and trustees discussed new revenue and cost‑reduction options.
Beth, the treasurer, presented the forecast and the district’s assumptions, noting the plan covers only the general fund and is an estimate based on current information. She said year‑to‑date estimated revenues are $22,010,000 — about $162,000 less than predicted in November — and estimated expenditures are $21,840,000. “So we are deficit spending,” the treasurer said, and the presentation projected shrinking ending balances: “we believe we'll end with $2,800,000. In 2026, that'll be $1,600,000. And then '27, we're ending with $15,000 in the bank.”
The treasurer flagged pending state legislation (introduced as House Bill 96) and other bills she said could affect school funding or property tax treatment, and she described the timeline for budget reconciliation at the state level and the district’s requirement to file forecasts in May.
Superintendent John outlined several options the district could pursue to close the gap short of immediate, across‑the‑board reductions. Proposals included expanding a growing preschool program; opening the district’s vocational and workforce development programs to students from other districts for a fee; offering adult education in the evenings; and creating an alternative school at the workforce campus to house students who struggle in traditional settings while connecting them to paid internships. John said some of the vocational pathways are already producing placements — the district works with 32 employment partners — and noted the district is one of only 10 in Ohio to receive a Battelle manufacturing grant and a tier‑1 partner with Ohio Machinery.
The superintendent also outlined cost‑reduction steps the board could consider, including an offered voluntary buyout that he estimated could save roughly $500,000 over five years if seven staff accept, reductions in professional learning and field trips, increased fees, and staffing changes.
Board members said they preferred pursuing revenue options that would not increase taxes on the local community immediately. After discussion, the board moved to accept the five‑year forecast; the motion passed by roll call with the trustees present voting in favor.
The board will revisit the forecast when updated information from the state budget process is available and continue to develop revenue proposals and potential reductions for future consideration.
