By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
For the first time in a long time, the financial future of Galion City Schools appears to be improving. In giving her year-end report, and revision of the five-year forecast, Treasurer Terri Day was able to paint a rosier picture.
When Day gave the preliminary five-year forecast in October of 2013 she predicted a deficit of $143,931. In giving the updated forecast here in May of 2014, that number has turned into a $178,664 surplus.
When asked what could account for such a large swing, Day cited a couple of things.
The severe cuts the district had to make two years ago are starting to show their worth. The state has also reconfigured some of its rules for funding.
The formula grant that determines how much a district earns has a cap to it. Galion currently accrues more money than it is allowed to receive. Funds in excess of that cap go into a reserve. The powers that be in Columbus are beginning to dole out some of that reserve money. Next year Galion will receive 7 percent of the money it generates in excess of its cap; the year after that number will be 10 percent.
Although five-year forecasts are notoriously fickle, as it stands the district should be in the black for at least the next four years.
The board made another move in the direction of fiscal responsibility: abolishing through attrition the position of transportation secretary.
The holder of this post is retiring at year’s end, and the board is redrafting the description of transportation supervisor to do his or her own secretarial duties.
Another personnel move will see Dr. Sandy Powell become a Galion City Schools employee again for the final year of her career. Powell, who in the words of Superintendent Mark Stefanik, has been a “long-time dedicated employee of this district,” has actually been on a contract basis through an educational service corporation for the last few years. She will officially be an employee of the district next school year, and at a cost savings to the school.
At the start of the meeting, several recognitions were made. The 2014 Governor’s Art Exhibition Winners received certificates of achievement: Conner Campbell, Kirsten Ensman, Caleb Haley, Searah Melvin, Natasha Najera, Molly Powell, Adam Rinehart, Chelsea Shifley, Seth VanDine, and Sheridan Webb.
Day and her department were also recognized by the state for being awarded the State Auditor’s award again this year. This award goes to districts that have exemplary bookkeeping with as low an error count as possible. Jacki Corona and the food service department also were recognized by the state for their work.