Rocket Report
May 20, 2019
Q & A on the B-C-S Emergency Levy on the August 6th Ballot
The Basics:
The issue is a yes or no vote on approving a 3.9 mill property tax to be paid by all property owners for a period of 5 years, and subject to renewal. If passed, the property tax would cost an additional $136 per $100,000 of value for each parcel of property annually. This property tax issue would generate approximately $1.5 Million per year for the district to be used for operating expenses.
These funds are needed because the district is losing $6 Million in revenue out of a current budget of approximately $20 Million. This represents about 30% of the budget being lost. This loss is happening through no fault of the district.
The Why:
There are two reasons for this unprecedented drop in revenue. First, there is the phase out of public utility tangible personal property (PUTPP) reimbursement payments from the state at the rate of approximately $278,000 per year, which began in 2015; and this loss is compounding. This phase out continues each year through 2030, which is a total loss of $4.5 Million when the phase out is complete.
The second reason for the revenue loss stems from the recent de-valuation of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station by its owner, First Energy, through the Ohio Department of Taxation. De-valuation means that the Ohio Department of Taxation reduced the taxable value of the electric generation equipment at the plant. The de-valuation results in an annual loss of $4.6 Million beginning in 2018.
Q: Was anything done to stop this loss from happening?
A: Yes. The district explored the possibility of challenging the de-valuation of Davis-Besse. Unfortunately, due to a change in state law in 1989, neither the school district nor the county auditor can challenge a de-valuation once approved by the Ohio Department of Taxation. The Board has also reached out personally by traveling to First Energy headquarters in Akron to meet with their corporate executives. The Board asked First Energy for funding that would provide a short term "glide path" to adapt to the new financial reality due to the de-valuation and the loss of $4.6 Million overnight. First Energy indicated that it would not provide any kind of financial assistance to the school district. The Board has also lobbied to halt or slow the phase out of the PUTPP payments from the state.
Q: Have any other districts lost this much money?
A: No. At an October 2017 meeting at the Statehouse hosted by Senator Randy Gardner, he asked a room full of experts on school funding if any other district lost the magnitude of money that B-C-S is losing. After reflection, no one could think of another district that lost the proportion of funds we are losing. The loss is simply unprecedented in Ohio.
Q: What about the B-C-S Bridge; doesn’t that help?
A: Yes, but temporarily. "B-C-S Bridge" payment from the state of approximately $1.8 Million per year for 3 years will help in the transition until the new funds from the levy can be collected in full. It is important to remember that these funds from the state are temporary, and will end in 2021.While appreciated, this financial help is short-term, and covers only a small portion of what is being lost by the district.
Q: Why is this called “emergency” levy?
A: This means the levies will bring in a fixed amount of money for the duration of the levy. It is not uncommon for school districts to pass “emergency” levies.
Q: Is the district making up all of its losses through these levies?
A: No. This levy will raise $1.5 Million annually, and the one passed in May 2018 will raise $1.4 Million annually for a total of $2.9 Million. Thus, we are not making up the full loss of $6 Million annually.
Q: Has Benton-Carroll-Salem made any cuts?
A: Yes. Over the past 7 years, the Board has prided itself on being fiscally conservative by looking at every job vacancy, and asking if staffing can be more efficient and effective. This has led to the reduction of several hundred thousand dollars in salary expenses in the areas of administration, teachers, and support staff. The Board's fiscally conservative actions can be seen when looking at payroll expenses (which account for about 70% of the total budget). In Fiscal Year 2012, payroll was $11.5 Million. In that year, the Board made large cuts to staffing levels (40 positions). As a result, in Fiscal Year 2013, payroll was $9.7 Million. Six years later, in Fiscal Year 2018, payroll expenses remain the same at $9.7 Million. This has been done while being innovative, adding services for students, and being one of the top performing school districts academically in the state.
Staffing cuts that have been made include:
-Reorganization of Athletic Director and Maintenance Director responsibilities for a savings of $100,000 in administrative salaries
-Reduction of a Gifted/Talented Teacher, Reading Teacher, French Teacher, and High School English Teacher, Special Education Teacher
-Reduction of one maintenance staff member, one bus mechanic, classroom assistants
These efficiency measures will continue, but the magnitude of the annual revenue losses mean that the school district simply cannot cut its way out of the situation without drastically reducing educational opportunities for students. The school board is always looking for ways to always be fiscally conservative for our voters, and not just when money is needed.
Q: What if the levy fails?
A: The District would be forced to make reductions effective with the start of the 2019—20 school year. A list of these reductions will be published on or before June 1.
Q: Would HB 6 or similar legislation being proposed have helped the B-C-S revenue issue?
A: Proposed HB 6 legislation (the Ohio Clean Air Bill) would have no impact on B-C-S revenue losses due to devaluation of Davis- Besse. In other words, passage of HB 6 would provide no new funds that B-C-S lost due to First Energy's decision to seek devaluation. This legislation was targeted to help First Energy remain competitive in the energy market. The school district has testified in support of HB 6 legislation to help keep Davis-Besse in operation.
Q: What is the fiscal impact of allowing the Open Enrollment of students from other districts?
A: Open enrollment is a revenue generator for B-C-S. We lose $504,000 to other districts, but gain $805,000 with the students we accept for open enrollment. Open enrollment allows us to maximize the efficiency of our current teachers. We do not hire new teachers to deal with open enrolled students.
Q: What facts can you give about the farm land purchased by the district in 2015?
A: -It was purchased upon the recommendation of the Facilities Planning Committee.
-It was 13 acres purchased at the cost of $130,000.
-The district collects an annual rent from the land in the amount of $1,430.
Q: Does the district pay anything to those who have retired from the district?
A: No. The district makes contributions to the retirement plans of each employee as required by state law and contract agreements while they are active employees. Once they are retired the district has zero liability for the employee’s retirement.
Q: When and how do I vote?
A: Voting is Tuesday, August 6, 2019. Voter registration ends July 8, 2019.
Absentee Voting (Early Voting) begins on July 9, 2019 at the Ottawa County Board of Elections office located at 8444 West SR 163 in Oak Harbor (just west of the Ottawa County Fairground). Voters can show up in person at their office at the following times:
Monday through Friday from July 9 through July 26 from 8--5. From Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2 the Board of Elections is open from 8--7 for early voting. On Saturday, August 3 they are open from 8--4; on Sunday, August 4 they are open from 1--5; and on Monday, August 5 they are open from 8--2.
Q: Where can I get more information; how will the district communicate?
A: *We have dedicated a page on our website to information about this issue:
http://www.bcssd.com/ballot-issues
*We will be hosting 3 Facebook Live sessions to provide information and answer
questions on: 6/5/19 at 12 Noon, 6/28/19 at 10 AM, and 7/25/19 at 5:30 PM—all on
the district Facebook page
*We will be hosting 2 Face-to-Face meetings to provide information and answer
questions on: 6/5/19 at 6 PM, and 7/25/19 at 6:15 PM. Both will be held in The Hub
at Oak Harbor High School.
*We will be holding 3 Coffee Connections with the Superintendent and
Treasurer for citizens to ask questions and provide feedback:
6/5/19 at 2 PM at Hartford House
6/11/19 at 8:30 AM at Evolve Café
7/25/19 at 10 AM at Blackberry Corners
*Citizens are also encouraged to call the Board Office at (419) 898-6210; or email
Superintendent Guy Parmigian at gparmigian@bcssd.com , or Treasurer Cajon
Keeton at ckeeton@bcssd.com .
Best of luck Class of 2019!
The Launch Pad officially sent off another group of Rockets on Sunday!
Oak Harbor Memorial Day Events
The Oak Harbor HS Marching Band is honored to be performing this upcoming Memorial Day. Below is a schedule of events:
9:00am - Limestone Cemetery
9:30am - Elliston Cemetery
11:00am - Oak Harbor Memorial Day Parade
11:30am (approx.) - Union Cemetery
In addition, we have a few trumpet players who will be performing taps at a number of other area cemeteries.
Please consider joining us for one or more of these events.
Summer Lunch Club Returns!
Important Dates for the Opening of the 2019-2020 School Year
Mark your calendars...
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
$District Wide Fee Collection at OHHS from 9 AM until 8 PM
4th Grade Open House at OHMS from 4:30--6 PM
Thursday, August 15, 2019
$District Wide Fee Collection at OHHS from 9 AM until 8 PM
Kindergarten Open House at R.C. Waters from 4:30--6 PM
High School Open House from 6--7:30 PM
8th Grade Orientation at OHHS Auditorium at 6 PM
Monday, August 19, 2019
Teacher Work Day
R.C. Waters Elementary Open House 4:30--6 PM
Oak Harbor Middle School Open House 5--6:30 PM
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Opening Day: ALL B-C-S Staff Report to OHHS Auditorium at 8 AM
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
1st Day of School For Students
What's Going On At RC Waters Elementary?
Follow RC Waters Elementary on Twitter to keep up with what's going on!
RC Waters Elementary Kindergarten Registration and Screening
RC Waters had a successful Kindergarten Screening week! We registered and screened 92 future rockets for the class of 2032! If your child needs to register for kindergarten but did not attend kindergarten screening, please call the office at 419-898-6219.
This week at RC Waters
Students and staff at RCW wished the graduating seniors congratulations and good luck as they walked the halls in their caps and gowns.
Kindergarten students enjoyed a day at Veterans park this week.
Mrs. Mussell’s First-grade class wrote, illustrated, and published a book called Pranks at the Beach. The students read the book aloud to their families at their Learn With Me day this week.
Third-grade students took a walking field trip to the log cabin and the history room in the Oak Harbor library. Students learned about local history, saw the inside of the cabin, learned about pumping water and washing clothes, made their own butter, and received a bagged snack.
Second graders took a field trip to a Mud Hens game. They had perfect weather. Several students were lucky enough to catch a souvenir ball!
First-grade students walked to the Oak Harbor public library this week. They learned about the many things the library has to offer. They could also sign up for their very own library card!
WHATS FOR BREAKFAST & LUNCH AT RC WATERS?
MAY BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU!
What's Going On At Oak Harbor Middle School?
Follow Oak Harbor Middle School on Twitter to keep up with what's going on!
Thank you Oak Harbor Tree Commission!
The Oak Harbor Tree Commission donates a tree in honor of all retired BCS Teachers! Acting Mayor Macko also makes an Arbor Day Proclamation
This week at OHMS!
Fourth-grade students walked to RCW to work with our Second-grade students. The Fourth graders shared their books, The Math Curse, then they played math games together.
May is a VERY Busy Month at OHMS!
May is a very busy month….Here is what is on the calendar so far….(in addition to state testing dates and Camp Michindoh)
1st - 6th grade instrument fitting from 5-8 pm
(this is for next year’s 6th grade students who signed up for band)
2nd - SBC Prelims at Port Clinton beginning at 4 pm
4th - SBC at Port Clinton- Time to be announced
6th – Ottawa County Track Meet at Danbury beginning at 4 pm
7th- Tree Planting Ceremony with the Oak Harbor Tree Commision at 1 p.m.
9th- 4th grade field trip to Hayes Memorial in Fremont
10th- 4th grade Ag Day (at the high school)
14th- 6/7 Art Club Field Trip to the Art Museum and 5th grade REACH Field Trip
19th- High School Graduation at 2 pm
20th- 7th grade move-up day to the high school from 12:30-2 p.m.
21st- 4th grade ECON Fair and 3rd grade move-up day to the middle school
23rd- Middle School Field Day and Teacher Dunk Tank
24th – Rain Date for Field Day
27th- NO SCHOOL-Memorial Day
28th – 7th Grade Renaissance Fair
29th – Honor’s Breakfast (6th and 7th grade qualifying students)
29th – Cedar Point Trip for 7th Grade
30th – Talent Show
31st- Awards Day: 4th and 5th grade in the morning and 6th and 7th grade in the afternoon
31st – 5th grade goes to pool in the afternoon
31st – Last Day of School
ATTN: MILITARY FAMILIES
OHIO NATIONAL GUARD FAMILY READINESS AND WARRIOR SUPPORT PRESENTS: YOUTH PROGRAM EDUCATION OUTREACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFICE AT 419-898-6217.
WHAT'S FOR BREAKFAST & LUNCH AT OHMS?
MAY BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU!
WHATS GOING ON AT OAK HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL?
Follow Oak Harbor High School on Twitter to keep up with what's going on!
Senior Breakfast!
Future Rockets Celebrating the graduating class of 2019!
8th, 9th, and 10th Grade Honor Recipients!
OHHS 8th graders “Real World, Real money” day!
This week at OHHS!
WHAT'S FOR BREAKFAST & LUNCH AT OHHS?
MAY BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU!
WHATS GOING ON AT PENTA?
Follow PENTA on Twitter to keep up with what's going on!
@Callie_Haas
Congratulations!
Congrats to Isaac Bartrom on his completion of the Project SEARCH program at Penta Career Center!
WHATS GOING ON AT OUR PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM AT NORTH POINT ESC?
See what our Preschool Classroom is up to at North Point Educational Service Center located at Graytown!
ROCKET SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS:
- Awesome job Lady Rocket Regional Qualifiers. Peyton Bloomer & Emma Zibbel(HJ) Addi Hasselbach(PV) Emily Wolf(Shot & Disc) Elayna Krupp(100) 4x100(Paige Clune, Sophia Eli, Hannah Schulte, Krupp) 400(Abby Below) Hope Sievert(800) 4x400(Emily Haar, Krupp, Sievert, Below)
- Congratulations to our guys that qualified for Regionals next week! Aiden Barton (100 & 200) Nuck Pfeiffer (400) Brandon Elmes(110 & 300 hurdles) 4x200 Relay(Pfeiffer, AJ Reichman, Tyler May, Barton) 4x100 Relay( Elmes, Riechman, May, Barton) 4x400(Pfeiffer, May, Riechman, Elmes)
- Oak Harbor Baseball 2019 Sectional Champions
- Congratulations to the Varsity Softball team for their 10-3 win over Vermilion. A big Thank you goes out to Danbury Athletic Department for their Hospitality.
- What a great District Track Meet. Rocket Boys 3rd place and Ladies finish Runner- up. Great performances by all. Huge shout out to everyone that helped with the task of running the meet. Couldn’t be done without a great group of people.
- Congratulations to the Varsity Tennis for beating Willard tonight at home by the score of 4-1
Congrats Chloe!
Chloe Duquette signs her Letter of Intent to continue her scholastic and tennis career at Heidelberg. Congratulations Chloe!
BENTON-CARROLL-SALEM LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
WEEKLY SPORTS AND SCHOOL CALENDAR
WEEK OF 05/20/2019
Monday, May 20
7:00 PM HS ~ Music Performance End of Year Concert
Tuesday, May 21
7:00 PM HS ~ Spring Athletic Awards Banquet
B-C-S Alum Highlight Nominations needed!
The Benton-Carroll-Salem School District wishes to highlight the accomplishments of its graduates who reside in our area, the nation, and the world!
The B-C-S Alum Highlight will be featured in the Sampler and in other media throughout our area. We know that Rocket Pride is strong, and so are the accomplishments and contributions of B-C-S alumni.
We look forward to recognizing and honoring the extraordinary individuals who are graduates of Oak Harbor High School.
District Calendar for B-C-S Local School District for the 2019-2020 School Year!
Please note that the last day of school for students in grades K-11
is May 31st for the 2018-19 school year!
Stay Connected W/ B-C-S Schools
App
- Benton Carroll Salem LSD
Website
About Us
The school district was founded on July 1, 1967 due to the consolidation of the Benton Township School District, the Carroll Township School District, and the Salem-Oak Harbor School District.Benton-Carroll-Salem Local School District, home of the Oak Harbor Rockets, serves 1700 students on three campuses: R.C. Waters Elementary School (Grades K--3), Oak Harbor Middle School (Grades 4--7), and Oak Harbor High School (Grades 8--12). The district is committed to serving the needs of all students to prepare them for the challenges of citizenship, the workforce, and life long learning.
CONTACT US
Email: gparmigian@bcssd.com
Website: http://bcssd.com
Location: 11685 W State Rte 163, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449, United States
Phone: 419-898-6210
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCS.Schools/
Twitter: @BCS_SchoolDist