Board Update
A recap of the work session held May 5, 2021
Five-Year Forecast
Treasurer Colette Lewis delivered an update on the District’s Five-Year Forecast and the presentation can be seen here. The intent of a Five-Year Forecast is to provide the district’s financial trend over a five-year period and provide a roadmap to help make decisions that are financially sustainable.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had financial impacts on District funding. The State of Ohio made state funding cuts, which a portion was later restored and federal funding has been sent to school districts through Elementary and Secondary Schools Education Relief Funds (ESSER). This funding has been a much-needed resource to offset additional expenses like personnel, personal protective equipment, and cleaning costs caused by the pandemic.
As a result, the district is in an improved financial position, with the expected negative cash balance moved a year later as shown in the image below. By the last year of the forecast, FY 2025, the district is expected to have a revenue shortfall where expenditures are projected to be greater than revenue causing an expected negative cash balance of $3,669,064. The district would need to cut its FY 2025 projected expenses by 16.15% in order to balance its budget without additional revenue.
It is important to point out that the Five-Year Forecast is based on current state funding levels. Lawmakers in Columbus are considering several potential changes to the state funding model that could have an impact on districts across the state.
District Reorganization Plan
Superintendent Jason Enix delivered his report to the board, including updates on the district reorganization plan. You can view the superintendent's report here.
The district has been improving its financial position while also providing more options and services for students. 4.5 full-time positions were left open due to reductions, departures, and other temporary changes. As part of the reorganization plan, the district has moved those positions to the areas of greatest need and opportunity for our students, including Elementary STEM and 7th/8th grade Project Lead the Way courses Design & Modeling/Computer Science and Automation & Robotics offered in collaboration with Great Oaks.
Preparation for 2021-2022 School Year
Work is ongoing to prepare for the 2021-2022 school year, including summer learning programs. Resumes are being reviewed for the District Wellness and Community Outreach Coordinator position, with interviews to begin soon. Dr. Damon Davis has completed grade-level and department meetings across K-12 as he moves into his new role as Director of Curriculum and Communication. Master scheduling, filling staff vacancies, and many other next year tasks are ongoing as we still focus on closing out this school successfully.
Groundbreaking Held for Hilltop Athletic Complex
Community Chats
Superintendent Jason Enix and Treasurer Colette Lewis will continue their series of Community Chats, with your next opportunity to meet up with them next week. They will be at Carnevale Park, Tuesday, May 18, at 7:00 am. They have been working to hold Community Chats at different times of day, to try to accommodate everyone’s schedule. Sign-up here and check out the full schedule of Community Chats.
Virtual Community Forum
Mr. Enix and Mrs. Lewis will also host a Virtual Community Forum on Thursday, May 13 at 5:30. Additional communication will be sent next week on the topics for the evening. This is a great chance to get involved in Reading Schools for parents and community members. Join the Zoom meeting here.
Honors Convocation
Our seniors were recognized during Honors Convocation on Wednesday, May 5. Thank you to everyone who made it a special night for our seniors. Congratulations to Reading High School Class of ‘21 Valedictorian Christopher Creatura, Salutatorian Margaret Grant, and all of the students listed below:
2021 Graduation Is Almost Here
Reminder: Kindergarten Registration
Reminder: Early Dismissal on Last Day
Reading Community City Schools
Email: kblair@readingschools.org
Website: www.readingschools.org
Location: 810 East Columbia Avenue, Reading, OH, USA
Phone: 513-842-5109
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingCommunityCitySchools
Twitter: @ReadingCSD