Ridgemont Schools officials reported at the board of education’s November meeting that the district’s annual Senior Citizen Christmas Luncheon is planned for noon Thursday, Dec. 8, in the Mt. Victory commons.
To make reservations for the luncheon, call Administrative Assistant Sandy Overly by Wednesday, Nov. 30, at (937) 354-2441.
Also during the meeting, Ridgemont Interim Superintendent Chris Pfister extended congratulations to the Ridgemont FFA Chapter for being named the number one Chapter in Model of Innovation in Strengthening Agriculture at the National FFA Convention.
The chapter will be recognized at the next board meeting — 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, in the math room.
Pfister also related that the district has wrapped up its first grading period and conducted parent/teacher conferences.
“Never hesitate to contact a teacher or a staff member if you have any concerns about your child’s education,” he said.
In financial matters, the board approved the five-year financial forecast, as presented by Treasurer Melissa Pollom, showing all five years with ending balances in the black. Fiscal year 2023 predicts an ending cash balance June 30 of $8,237,016, and in fiscal year 2024, $8,766,675.
Pollum stated if key factors remain the same, the district will continue in a solid financial position in fiscal years 2023 through 2025.
However, the treasurer cautioned there are many factors that cannot be known, with both state and local funding; such as:
• At what level of state foundation funding will be in place in the new biennial budget that begins July 1, 2023, and runs through June 30, 2025? In the current biennium, the new funding formula was funded at 16 percent in fiscal year 2022 and 33 percent in fiscal year 2023.
• Will the economy hold up over the next few years, improve or decline? That will determine levels of real property tax collections and income tax collections.
Pollom reported that two out years, 2026 and 2027 are “much more difficult to know.”
“Fiscal year 2026 shows a slight deficit and fiscal year 2027 shows a large deficit, only because the 0.75 percent of the 1.75 percent income tax is up for renewal and an assumption of passage cannot be used, per forecast rules,” she said.
In other action, the board:
• approved the Agreement with Midwest Regional Educational Service Center for the 2022-23 school year for educational assistants Shannon McKinley and Tiffany Shepherd;
• appointed Paige Wallace to the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Board of Education for a three-year term of office, commencing Jan. 1;
• approved a motion create the National Youth Leadership Council Grant fund and appropriated $1,000 to the fund;
• approved the payment of the Then and Now Transaction exceeding $3,000 to the Western Ohio Computer Organization in the amount of $10,336.83 for fiscal year 2023 second quarter invoicing; and
• expressed appreciation for the following donations: Trish Lones for volunteering to work with second-graders and for the donation of treats; Bob and Joan White for the donations to Secret Santa; donations to the musical fundraiser, Trivia Night from Diamond M Vet Clinic, Hooty and Peaches, Van Buskirk photography, Mary Kay (Lucretia Fenwick), Ann McElfresh, Oz and Ends (Theresa Krock), Tiffany Snow, Christy Newland, Get Spiced, Dancing Duck Creations, Little C Boutique, Yvon Halloway, Lydia Houser, Robert White and Ridgemont FFA for the ornaments.
The Records Retention Committee will meet immediately following the regular board meeting Dec. 15.