The Mt. Healthy City School District faces a looming financial crisis following the recent failure of a critical school tax levy. Despite the district’s clear need for additional funds to maintain operations and quality education, the levy did not secure the required votes on Election Day. As reported by
FOX19
, the failed levy would have brought in $1.5 million, which is crucial for covering current operational expenses. The aftershock of voters’ decision could potentially lead to further program cuts, increased class sizes, and reduced services.
In this strained situation, the district is scrambling to avoid sinking further into debt. Superintendent Valerie Hawkins mentioned in a
WLWT
interview that the toll layoffs have occurred in the district, where a prior year’s administrative accounting error contributed significantly to their financial burdens. Hawkins stated, “I don’t anticipate a lot of layoffs because that’s what happened last year.” Yet, parents and small business owners like Alyssia and Collins Hall have expressed concerns, citing a need for more support—a sentiment that has gone unheeded for over two decades.
Responses to the levy’s failure have been mixed,
with some residents expressing skepticism of the district’s fund management. As
FOX19
reports, concerned parent Amanda Stickrod voiced hope that “they come up with a plan that works for everyone, and they can get themselves out of the hole that they dug.”
The levy’s defeat leaves the district with few options but confronting an even steeper uphill climb to financial recovery.
Following the levy’s rejection, district leaders and the Mt. Healthy City School’s Financial Planning and Supervision Commission are diligently working to update their financial forecast, as detailed by
WCPO
. In a statement after the election, Superintendent Hawkins reinforced their commitment to educational quality, saying, “We remain vigilant in our pursuit to find creative solutions that sustain and enhance the quality of education in our schools, even as we navigate the challenges ahead.” Mt. Healthy City Schools also received a draft of its Financial Recovery Plan from the State of Ohio, which will be refined and presented to the Board of Education and then the state for approval.
The district’s treasurer is also working on a revised financial projection, which is expected to be released in December. Superintendent Hawkins told
WCPO
that efforts are being made widely to eliminate any deficit, with necessary reductions being coordinated to keep costs down. The Financial Recovery Plan will be presented later to the Board of Education and, subsequently, to the commission, with the state receiving the final version. These measures reflect a concerted effort to stabilize the financial health of the Mt. Healthy schools despite the blow dealt by the levy’s failure.
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