Reynoldsburg schools facing cuts should levy fail

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) -- For the first time in 14 years, Reynoldsburg City Schools is asking the community to approve an emergency operating levy. The board of education held a special meeting Wednesday to discuss potential cost reduction strategies if the levy does not pass.  

In fiscal year 2023, the district started deficit spending, meaning it is using more money than it took in. Superintendent Dr. Tracy Reed said the reason is inflation increased operating costs from the price of milk for lunch to the price of bus fuel.

“We are being very responsive and we're trying to be fiscally responsible,” Reed said. “However, there are increases in expenses that we as a district have to address.” 

The emergency levy would cost about $233 for every $100,000 in taxable property value each year. The importance of the emergency operations levy was on full display at the meeting: if it does not pass, the district will be forced to make some deep cuts. 

Watch: Reynoldsburg schools facing cuts should levy fail

“Potentially reduction of staff not being as competitive with salaries and benefits,” Reed said. “We're looking at programs such as athletics and extracurricular activities, so our sports programs, our robotics programs, some of our high school courses.”  

Other cuts may include field trips, social workers, and nurses.  

Board of Education President Angela Abram believes the goal of the meeting was to continue to make the community more aware of the risk not only students will face, but other people employed by the district.   

“We are not threatening anyone with cuts,” Abram said. “This is reality and we just want to make sure that everyone understands this is the impact or the implication of what could possibly happen if the levy doesn't pass.” 

There are more plans for the board to continue discussions on this issue before the November election and ensure the community is involved.