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District financial forecast warns of shortfall; board considers 5.9‑mill levy in spring 2027
Summary
Treasurer Craig presented a multi‑scenario forecast showing the district would face deficit spending by 2030 without new revenue; staff recommended planning for a 5.9‑mill operating levy in spring 2027 and preparing outreach materials and resolutions this fall and winter.
The Brecksville‑Broadview Heights City Board of Education reviewed a financial forecast that projects the district would begin deficit spending by about 2030 if no new revenue is approved.
Craig, the district financial presenter, told the board that under a "do nothing" scenario "by 2030, we would be completely underwater in the hole with no cash balance." He outlined three modeled options: no new levy, a 5.9‑mill levy placed in spring 2027, or waiting until 2028 — with spring 2027 emerging as the preferred timing to maximize years of support while keeping the levy size lower.
The presentation estimated that a full 5.9‑mill levy would generate roughly $9,500,000 per year at full collection and that a $6,000,000 one‑time transfer planned for 2028 affects cash balances in the models. Craig said the 5.9‑mill scenario would keep the district above its policy threshold for days‑cash through the near term but that spending pressures mean the district could resume deficit spending again by the early 2030s without additional action.
Board members and staff flagged the principal cost drivers: health‑benefit inflation, step increases and purchase‑service costs. Craig noted recent benefit‑cost increases and said health care is the "biggest growing line item" in the forecast. The board discussed enrollment behavior and staffing trends that affect payroll and concluded the district must begin structured community education now.
Next steps include drafting concise FAQ slides that compare revenues, expenditures and days‑cash under the modeled scenarios; recruiting a levy chair and campaign leadership; and preparing the formal resolutions needed for a spring 2027 ballot authorization, with key motions expected in late fall or early winter.
