Big Walnut board approves ClearGov budgeting and transparency subscription after brief tabling

The Big Walnut Local Schools Board voted Nov. 18 to approve a ClearGov subscription intended to replace spreadsheet-based budgeting and provide a public-facing transparency dashboard and digital budget book.

Superintendent and finance staff framed the product as a tool to build five-year budgets, centralize capital project scenarios and produce a searchable public transparency portal. ClearGov representatives demonstrated modules for capital budgeting, operating budgets, scenario analysis and a "checkbook"-style transparency feature.

The board debated timing and governance: one trustee questioned whether it was appropriate to approve a multi-year subscription while the district has an interim treasurer, arguing the next permanent finance leader might make a different recommendation. Board members moved to table item 9.5 until later in the meeting; after returning the item to the floor the board approved the subscription by recorded vote (motion carried; Mr Duffy voted no).

What it covers: The approved subscription includes operational budgeting, capital budgeting, a digital budget book and a transparency dashboard; the annual fee was stated on the agenda (as read during the meeting). Administrators said ClearGov will allow the district to produce an interactive, searchable budget presentation and to import state-reporting data efficiently.

Trustees asked about implementation and training; staff estimated a multi-month rollout with super-user training and phased data migration. Administrators also said existing Blue Sky archives could be migrated into the new system to preserve searchable minutes and other records.

Next steps: Staff will begin implementation and training if contract execution proceeds; the subscription is expected to support FY26 budgeting and ongoing transparency work.