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Whitehall Copley trustees reject reorganization plan to close $6.13 million shortfall after heated public comment
Summary
On May 18 the Whitehall Copley School District board voted 4–4 to reject a proposed reorganization plan that would have used fund balance and proposed staff cuts to close a $6,131,489 budget gap; the meeting featured extended public comment opposing cuts to secretaries, paras and arts programs.
On May 18 the Whitehall Copley School District board voted 4–4 and failed to approve a district reorganization resolution aimed at closing a $6,131,489 shortfall.
The administration’s plan proposed using $2,000,165.02 of the district’s fund balance, cancelling a $1,500,000 bus purchase and pursuing staff reductions — including building substitutes ($726,031), six paraprofessionals, one maintenance position, 12 secretaries (costed at $446,000), and reductions in STEM and special-education positions — to eliminate the deficit. Superintendent Dr. Mays presented the outline and fielded questions from trustees.
The plan drew sustained public opposition during the designated public-comment period. Joni Tedesco, a longtime resident, said seniors “cannot afford this continuous tax increase” and urged cuts to administrative positions rather than school staff. Shirley Chanitz, a building substitute, said she learned her position might be eliminated and disputed the administration’s claim that day-to-day substitutes make building subs unnecessary. Fran Shehab, a 10‑month secretary, detailed daily responsibilities and asked the board to reconsider mass cuts to secretaries.
Board members and administration debated where further reductions could be made. The administration said roughly 91% of the budget is fixed — mainly salaries, benefits, charter costs, bond payments and special education — limiting discretionary spending. Trustee McCool, who filled in as acting treasurer for the meeting, described the budgetary constraints and said the district faces limited options short of a tax increase. Trustee Shields noted staff reductions would have ripple effects and explained that some affected administrators could choose to return to classroom roles rather than be eliminated.
When the resolution came to a vote, trustees recorded their positions as follows: Yes — Fonzone, McCool, Shields, Gogler (4); No — Hartman, Feynill, Kubat, Saloom (4). The motion therefore failed on a tie, and the board will revisit budget options at upcoming committee meetings.
The meeting record shows the district also considered alternate measures and will continue deliberations. The board’s next special meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 4 p.m., followed by a regular meeting on June 22 at 7 p.m.
