Dr. Goggins: Westlake districts depend on property taxes; levy likely not before 2027

Dr. Goggins delivered the Westlake City Schools "State of the Schools" presentation on May 11, saying the district remains fiscally stable but is deeply dependent on local property taxes and faces uncertainty if state or constitutional changes alter that revenue.

"Seventy-six percent of our funding comes from property taxes," Dr. Goggins said, adding the figure is a close, ballpark estimate. He warned that major changes to property-tax law or other statewide shifts could "drop the floor out from under us," and said the district's current planning assumes any operating levy would likely be targeted for 2027 so the board can monitor legislative developments.

Why it matters: Westlake's effective millage rate is lower than many neighbors, Dr. Goggins said, and three of the district's four buildings are newer construction—facts the administration says give the district time to plan. But large capital projects or changes in state funding could force earlier ballot timing or deeper cuts.

Facilities and capital needs were a principal focus. Dr. Goggins said an archway at Dover Intermediate School is separating from the building and, while not immediately unsafe, should be removed this summer: "We really have to make a choice on whether or not we repair it or we take it down. Our position is that we take it down." He also flagged soft spots on the performing arts center stage that will require repair and said larger renovations (track work, expanded performing-arts improvements) would likely require a bond or permanent-improvement request if placed before voters.

On safety, the district described layered measures intended to detect and respond to student risk. Dr. Goggins outlined a 24/7 reporting tool that scans district Google accounts and other digital communications to identify crisis indicators and alert administrators so staff can contact families at any hour. He described staff badges with panic buttons that can trigger lockdowns and automatically call 911, vehicle-tracking alerts that feed to the Westlake Police Department, and the district's use of cameras and school resource officers who participate in planning and debriefs.

Dr. Goggins pushed back on repeated community suggestions for metal detectors, saying they are visible but often not among the most effective safety tools and can create anxiety for students. "It kinda gives this false sense that if this is there, this is not happening," he said.

The presentation also covered instructional and program priorities: improving tier-1 instruction, expanding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) at Dover Intermediate and Lee Bernison Middle School (programs he said are so popular the district is sometimes turning students away), growth in internship placements at the high school (from 11 to 17 this year, with 44 signed up for next year), and a move to formalize AI-use policies through a district AI committee.

On staffing, Dr. Goggins said professional-staff retention is very high, while classified positions (for example, paraprofessionals or cafeteria staff) see more turnover; the district is pursuing paraprofessional training partnerships and other supports.

Board procedure: The board approved the evening's agenda and later adjourned after a motion; the transcript records 'motion carries' but does not provide a full named-vote tally for the agenda item. A motion to adjourn was likewise carried at about 7:21 p.m.

The presentation closed with Goggins emphasizing planning and adaptability: "Because we are grounded in our strength and guided by our vision, we've been able to not only survive these uncertain times, but continue to grow as a district."