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Alexander Local officials weigh a 3/4% levy, delay further cuts amid projected deficits
Summary
Superintendent Mr. Hampton and board members discussed a growing budget shortfall — a projected $600,000 deficit next year and larger gaps thereafter — and agreed to pursue levy figures and community outreach before imposing additional cuts, moving to follow the district's five-year forecast for the near term.
Superintendent Mr. Hampton told the Alexander Local School District Board that the district is "deficit spending" and urged the board to consider presenting a levy to voters rather than immediately enacting deep program cuts.
Mr. Hampton said the district has cut about 22 positions through attrition over the past two-and-a-half years and faces roughly a $600,000 shortfall next fiscal year and larger gaps in subsequent years unless revenue or reductions change. "We're heading toward a situation that we have to have a plan for," he said, urging patience while administrators develop a public proposal.
Board members discussed several levy-rate options. Citing Department of Taxation estimates, members said a 0.75% income-tax levy would generate about $1.62 million annually under current projections while a 1% levy historically has raised roughly $2.4 million. One board member noted the community rejected a 1% request previously and urged consideration of a smaller ask to increase the chance of passage; others argued a lower rate would leave the district still deficit spending.
After extended discussion about balancing program preservation with fiscal stability, Board member Blake moved to "follow the plan as presented in the five-year forecast" and to avoid additional cuts at this time while the administration refines levy numbers and outreach strategy. The motion carried by recorded vote.
The board directed the treasurer and administration to provide a detailed breakout showing the projected deficits and the impact of a 0.75% levy for the next meeting and urged immediate community education and outreach ahead of a proposed November ballot measure. Mr. Hampton said the district could use reserves to bridge short-term timing gaps but emphasized that long-term stability depends on voter-approved revenue or continued structural reductions.
What happens next: the administration will supply detailed revenue projections and levy scenarios at the next board meeting so trustees can finalize a levy request and any accompanying spending plan. The board signaled it intends to start public outreach promptly if it decides to place a measure on the ballot.
