Treasurer Frazier told the school board the February forecast projects about $117.5 million in general‑fund revenue against $122.5 million in expenditures — a roughly $4.8 million shortfall driven largely by recent property‑tax legislation and lower enrollment — and warned of negative cash balances in later years without corrective measures.
District officials introduced Tango, a newly certified therapy dog, described research linking therapy animals to lowered anxiety and said community donations have funded the program so no district dollars are being used; administrators want to onboard 4–5 dogs a year toward a dog per building.
The board approved a Butler County Educational Service Center contract to operate Fairwood Elementary preschool beginning August and accepted HR items tied to a reduction‑in‑force list; the superintendent said outsourcing the preschool will save about $1.3 million.
Bricker & Graydon attorney Dave Lampi told the board its three core duties are hiring leadership, fiscal oversight and policy adoption; he warned against day-to-day involvement, described open-meeting risks including serial communications and executive-session limits, and recommended social-media disclaimers.
The board recognized senior Jude Yorty for leadership and service and presented OSBA 2025 media honor roll certificates to five local journalists for fair reporting about schools.
The board discussed forming a smaller representative committee to evaluate nominations and set policies for dedicating district facilities and buildings, aiming to return rules in spring and accept nominations for 2026–27.
Director Mike Wright presented proposed policy language saying district support organizations and the district should not facilitate NIL deals for student-athletes, leaving NIL matters between students, families and the OHSAA; board members raised questions about paid coaches and pending state legislation.
The board moved and seconded a motion to enter executive session to consider the appointment of a public employee and confidential economic-development application information; roll-call votes were recorded as four yes votes and one absence.
Hamilton City Schools received a $6,500 grant from the New York Life Foundation to support Companions on a Journey and expand the district’s grief-sensitive schools initiative, funding staff training and community supports across K–12.
Superintendent Andrea Blevins presented a $9.6 million spending-reduction plan to close Fairwood Elementary, consolidate the freshman campus into Hamilton High, outsource preschool to Butler County ESC and shift nursing to an LPN model, aiming to avert a projected $10.12 million 2026–27 deficit driven by state funding and property-tax changes.
