Sue Kiesewetter reports:
Over the next several months, administrators in the Mason Schools will unveil a series of reductions to cut spending by another $6 million over the next two school years.
With that in mind, the school board announced Tuesday night it will not put a money issue on the May ballot.
“We appreciate (superintendent Gail) Kist-Kline’s thoughtful recommendation that takes into account our district’s current financial position, the continued efforts of our staff and administration to reduce costs, and community feedback,’’ said Kevin Wise, board president.
Over the last two years the district has reduced spending by more than $6 million, including the elimination of 130 positions and the closing of Mason Heights Elementary School.
Those came following the 2010 defeat of an operating levy – the first rejection since 1970. Voters last approved new dollars nearly eight years ago.
Other ideas to reduce spending include changing the middle school schedule, additional staffing reductions and moving from a trimester to semester schedule at the high school, said Tracey Carson, district spokeswoman.
Additional dollars are needed, in part, due to reduced funding from the state. In 2007, the district received $14 million in business inventory taxes. This year that figure will be $7 million.
The scheduling changes are under consideration for the 2014-15 school year. Other reductions will be determined once the district has a better idea of monies it will receive from the state. Carson said Gov. John Kasich is expected to release his two-year state budget on Feb. 4.
“Our goal has been to try to keep staff reductions as far away from the classroom as possible, though class sizes have increased,’’ Kist-Kline said.
With the planned $6 million in reductions, projections show the district will be in the black through June 2014 with a $24 million ending balance, Carson said. That balance is only enough to keep the district in the black for 2 1/2 months, she said.
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