Berkshire Local board adopts corrective fiscal plan, seeks tax-rate certification and eyes Nov. 2026 levy

The Berkshire Local Board of Education voted to adopt a written fiscal-caution corrective action workbook and narrative to address a projected deficit in fiscal year 2028 and to submit the plan to the Ohio Department of Education and the workforce by May 18.

Superintendent Dr. Stoddard told the board the deficit stems from several factors outside the district's control, including the elimination of open‑enrollment funding, the failure of a renewal permanent improvement levy, the loss of pipeline funding, underpayments by a utility contractor and restrictions under House Bill 186. "We do have a deficit projected for fiscal year 28 and that's what this plan is intended to address," he said during the presentation.

Dr. Stoddard outlined revenue and expenditure adjustments the district will use to reduce the deficit through fiscal year 2028: revised assumptions for residential and commercial growth, modest increases in income‑tax projections, reductions in purchase services and supply budgets, administrative position eliminations and selective staffing adjustments. He said the district secured roughly $15,000 in grant funding for a separate student career-assessment program but that the fiscal-caution plan will rely primarily on operational changes and monitoring.

The board also discussed a possible voter measure to bolster long‑term stability. Dr. Stoddard and a board member recommended pursuing a half‑percent earned‑income tax levy on the Nov. 2026 ballot, noting additional stabilization efforts may be required beyond fiscal year 2028. Board members requested staff provide calculations of estimated revenue at both 0.5% and 0.75% rates at the next meeting.

Separately, the board approved a resolution formally requesting certification of estimated tax rates from the Ohio Department of Taxation under Ohio Revised Code 574802 so staff can determine precise levy scenarios. The board approved the certification resolution by roll call vote.

Votes at a glance: - Adopt corrective fiscal plan and workbook (to submit to Ohio Department of Education/workforce): approved by roll call (votes recorded as yes). - Resolution requesting tax-rate certification under Ohio Revised Code 574802: approved by roll call (votes recorded as yes). - Other financial actions that evening (donations, financial amendments, personnel, volunteers, contracts): approved (see meeting record).

The board instructed its finance committee to track the plan monthly and report progress against targets and revenue projections. No levy was placed on the ballot at the meeting; staff were directed to provide revenue estimates and tax-rate certifications to inform any future action.