Centerville Schools: Strong Ratings, Smart Planning

First, a big congratulations to Centerville Schools for once again earning a 5-Star rating on the Ohio State Report Card! This recognition reflects the hard work of our teachers, staff, students, and families. It is something we should all be proud of because it speaks to the quality of education happening every day in our classrooms.

The Treasurer’s Report

At the September 15th Board of Education meeting, the Treasurer shared an important update on the district’s finances.

Before diving into the numbers, I want to explain why I am so focused on the district’s finances. Every day, more than 8,000 students walk through the doors of Centerville Schools. The only way we can ensure they continue to have the same opportunities as past students is by keeping our schools financially strong. When fiscal responsibility slips, community trust erodes and one of the key pillars of our community weakens. Strong schools start with strong teachers, but those teachers can only thrive if we sustain the resources to meet the needs of every learner.

Financial Highlights from FY2025

Centerville Schools ended FY2025 with a $7.6 million surplus, driven by three key factors:

• A negotiated 0 percent base salary increase for FY2025 and FY2026.

• The reduction of 48 staff positions at the start of the 2024–25 school year after the failure of two levy attempts in 2023–24.

• The passage of Issue 31, which provided critical funding stability. 

Prior to Issue 31’s passage, steps one and two came at a cost, and they are not the kind of sacrifices we want to repeat. The district continues to take a thoughtful approach, finding savings and creative solutions. That type of financial problem-solving is where my background can add real value.

Cutting to the Chase

While the Treasurer’s report details revenue and expense forecasts based on current assumptions, the net result is clear. The district is stable today, but the numbers remind us that we must plan carefully. Surpluses, meaning more revenue than expense, are expected to continue for the next few years. However, in 2029 the district begins to run a deficit of $4.9 million, and by 2030 the deficit grows to $8.3 million. This phenomenon is the normal levy cycle given the Ohio public school funding model.

In plain terms, today’s kids are secure, but without careful planning, tomorrow’s students could face fewer opportunities. This is even more true in today’s environment, where shifting state and federal funding/legislation creates uncertainty and requires the district to remain agile.

Why This Matters

Right now, Centerville is in a good place. We have reserves, we have stabilized after some tough years of failed levies, and Issue 31 is giving us breathing room. But if we do not keep our eyes on the horizon, we could face the same hard choices again, including cuts that affect classrooms, and the services families rely on.

Fiscal responsibility is not just about spreadsheets. It is about ensuring that when 8,000 students walk into Centerville Schools every morning, they have access to the same, or better, opportunities than those who came before them.

Closing Thought

We should celebrate the 5-Star rating on the state report card and the fact that our schools are delivering for students today. Excellence tomorrow will look different than today - we must stay engaged and be forward thinking. Good stewardship now means stability, opportunity, and excellence for years to come. Together, we can keep Centerville Schools strong, not just for today’s students, but for the generations that follow.

Investing in Our Schools: Why the 3.3% Salary Increase Matters

On August 25th, the Centerville Board of Education approved a resolution providing 3.3% salary increases for teachers in 2026–27, 2027–28, and 2028–29. I believe this step is both necessary and long overdue. I’ve followed our district’s finances and collective bargaining history for years and below I outline my thoughts on the new teacher contract. 

A Look Back at the Numbers

 First, let me set the stage for you. Over the past two decades, salary growth for Centerville teachers has not kept pace with the rising cost of living, from 2005 to 2025, negotiated increases averaged less than 1.9% annually. By contrast, the cost of living rose about 2.5% annually over the same period. Teachers endured five years with 0% base increases-three consecutive years from 2011–2014, and again in 2024–2026, when only one-time stipends were provided instead of permanent raises. The result is clear: teacher salaries today don’t stretch as far as they did twenty years ago. You don’t have to be a “math guy” like me to figure that out. 

The New 3.3% Raises

I believe that the newly approved 3.3% increases for 2026- 2029 are significant for several reasons. Districts across Ohio and the nation are facing teacher shortages. Predictable raises help Centerville stay competitive in attracting the best educators. Stronger mid-career salaries help retain our experienced teachers, reducing turnover and creating stability for students. With these raises, long-term salary growth moves closer to 2.1% annually, which is still shy of national cost-of-living increases, but a meaningful step in the right direction. 

Stewardship and Stability

I feel that district administration has worked diligently to manage resources so that Centerville can remain off the ballot for a new operating levy for at least the next four years. In a state where districts like ours receive very limited state funding, this demonstrates a continued commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. It shows that Centerville can balance competitive compensation with fiscal discipline. This also means that financial decision-making for the next few years is critical in retaining that stability. 

Connecting My Perspective to My Platform

As a candidate for the Centerville School Board, I bring both professional financial expertise and years of community involvement. I know how to analyze budgets, ask the right questions, and ensure decisions are sustainable. Just as the administration has modeled responsible stewardship, I want to make sure that tradition continues, so that Centerville remains a district where teachers are supported, students thrive, and taxpayer dollars are used wisely.

The Bottom Line

Centerville’s excellence is rooted in great people: a great community, great parents, and great students. What allows greatness to grow and expand, resulting in the amazing outcomes our district is able to achieve, year after year? Our teachers and staff. By approving 3.3% increases for the next three years, the Board has taken a proactive step to support educators, improve recruitment and retention, and ensure our schools remain a place where our school community continues to thrive-all while staying fiscally responsible. That’s the kind of balance I believe in, and the perspective I will bring as a member of the Centerville Board of Education.