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.