Wooster City Schools treasurer outlines plan to curb rising expenditures and possible staff reductions

Amy Welty, treasurer of Wooster City Schools, told the board the district's financial forecast covers the current fiscal year and three future years and shows expenditures rising across categories. She said 80% of the district's expenditures are for salaries and benefits and the remaining 20% are for supplies, purchased services, equipment and utilities.

Welty said the administration is reviewing options to reduce overall expenditures. "One of the things that the administration is looking at is how we can reduce our expenditures," she said, adding that staffing reductions are under consideration. She told the board that several employees are retiring this year and that the district wants to reduce staffing "without losing the benefit and the services to our kids." The report did not specify how many staff retirements are expected.

Welty said the district does not plan to rely on attrition alone to achieve staffing reductions. She also noted the administration is evaluating nonstaff costs for additional savings while trying to avoid cuts that would affect classroom services.

The treasurer emphasized the district's intent to preserve services for students while addressing budget pressures: "I want to assure you that Wooster City Schools is taking a serious look at our expenditures and how we can make these changes without affecting our kids." No formal motions or votes were recorded during the presentation; Welty presented the forecast and described planning steps for administrators and staff to pursue.

The board did not vote on any actions during the segment. The administration indicated it will develop specific options for further board consideration in future meetings.