Local school officials trying to keep communities informed about changes at state level
DOVER – As local school officials navigate through uncertainty in state funding and policies, they hope to answer some of the community’s questions.
Dover Superintendent Karie McCrate says she plans to mail every district resident a packet explaining recent financial decisions.
“We’re planning before Thanksgiving to put … an eight to 10 page, detailed financial prospectus – What is inside millage? Why did you move it? Why are you buying property? What does your financial forecast look like? – that really answers all these questions,” she said. “In that, too, it will talk about property taxes… We are in a place of property tax saturation and fatigue, and we acknowledge that and want to be part of the solution but we have to look at the whole problem and the shift that is placing the burden disproportionately on property owners and not other entities that have had property taxes reduced.”
Meanwhile, district treasurer Kathryn Brugger on Monday outlined a four-year forecast that suggests the need for discussions on “right-sizing, revenue-expenditures or new operating money by 2029.”
She says the state budget and property tax legislation will impact Dover’s budget. However, she described the situation at the state level as “legislative uncertainty” and “a mess.”
The Dover school board recently shifted some of the district’s property tax revenue from operations to permanent improvements as the district plans to update its facilities. That will result in a property tax increase. The Board has also purchased properties around Dover Middle School with an eye on expansion there. The district’s community advisory team will meet Tuesday from 6 to 8 to talk about options for facility upgrades.
NEW PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL OFFICIALS DISCUSS FUTURE OF RENEWAL LEVIES
Meanwhile, New Philadelphia treasurer Julie Erwin also outlined her district’s financial forecast Monday.
She says new legislation prohibits districts from seeking renewal levies. They will have to present it as a request for new money.
Erwin says the district must make sure residents understand that when New Philadelphia’s renewal levies expire.
“We’re going to have to do some communicating with the public to let them know that’s dollars that they are already spending,” she said.
New Philadelphia school officials are busy sharing information on the school bond issue and levy on the November ballot that would fund two new school buildings to replace the old ones.