Bellefontaine City Schools Treasurer Josh Wasson presented a detailed look the district’s five-year forecast during the Monday evening board of education meeting.
Wasson reported the district is currently in deficit spending, a trend is projected to continue through fiscal year 2027. The treasurer gave a similar outlook when the five-year forecast was detailed at the May board meeting.
In the 2023 fiscal year, deficit spending is expected to tally $891,528.
However, BCS is expected to maintain a positive cash balance through fiscal year 2026.
Wasson said that salaries and benefits remain the biggest expenditures for the district, accounting for 82 percent of expenses.
Finally, the treasurer is optimistic the board can limit healthcare cost increases to around 5 percent per year.
Members also heard two brief presentations, with the first from Mental Health Therapist Beth Ramsey, who provided an overview of student wellness and health services provided at BCS. She said there have been 81 student referrals this school year.
Bellefontaine Middle School teacher Jordan Reser presented details on the annual Washington, D.C., trip.
Reser, who’s the trip coordinator, said that more than 70 eighth-graders have already signed up to visit our nation’s capital May 22-25, 2023. Students will visit The White House, nearby monuments, and Gettysburg, Pa.
Reser said the trip provides students with lifelong memories. The cost is $749 per student (if registered by the end of November), and a spring fundraiser is planned to help offset the cost.
The board will vote on the trip approval at the next meeting — 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at the Bellefontaine High School Distance Learning Center.
In personnel, the board accepted the retirements of longtime teachers Linda McQuinley, Title I, effective May 29; and Rob Rogan, business, effective Dec. 2.
In other action, the board:
• accepted the resignation of Susan German, food service worker, effective Oct 21;
• approved the following service and support personnel hires: Svetlana Clark, food service; Joyce Fogan, bus driver; Ashley McBeth, custodian; Jodi England, Destiny Henry, Zachary Johnson, Rhonda Judd, educational aides;
• approved Katie Cornell as a secretary at Bellefontaine Elementary School; previously, she served as a custodian;
• approved Kylie Croston, home instruction/tutor, for the 2022-23;
• extended a supplemental contract to Chelsea Johnson, assistant swim;
• approved the indoor track program;
• approved stipends for Jeanie Tipple and Rick Reed for extra teaching assignments;
• reappointed Anne Reames to continue serving as Bellefontaine City Schools’ representative on the Ohio Hi-Point Board of Education; and
• recognized November Seniors of the Month Olivia Ullom and Sullivan Ashcraft.