BRIGHT FUTURE Treasurer Christopher Lee presented the districts May Revision of the Five year Forecast noting income over expenses for the next two fiscal years
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
On Monday, May 13, the Pettisville Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting with members Pam Skates, Justin Rufenacht, Barry Hoylman, Scott Rupp, and Brent Hoylman in attendance. Administrative team members at the table included Treasurer Chris Lee, Superintendent Josh Clark, and Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel.
As a part of his report, Treasurer Lee presented the May Revision of the Five-year Forecast for 2024-2028 noting “This is a very good year.”
Lee pointed out that due to the recent Fulton County property revaluations, revenue received by the district was “considerably higher than last year.”
On the other hand, revenue from tangible personal property tax continues to drop due to the depreciation of public utilities. An anticipated increase in income tax receipts was also projected.
Referring to Rover Pipeline revenue Lee shared, “I’m not including anything in that line item – assumptions of any kind of pipeline settlement throughout the five years. I don’t like to count money before we actually see it or know what it’s going to be.”
The Rover Pipeline project created controversy as it initially promised substantial tax revenue for schools along its route but later faced delays and legal disputes, leading to uncertainty and potential income shortfalls for some Ohio school districts.
While overall income is expected to increase over the next two years, Lee pointed out that the increased district wealth could lead to a possible decrease in funding at the state level though it is too soon to tell.
Looking at the numbers, the treasurer projects total revenue for the current year at around 7.7 million and 8.1 million in 2025. Moving to expenditures, the district could see 6.8 million in expenses in 2024 and 7.3 million the following year.
Lee summarized his report by noting, “All of this translates to revenues over expenditures this year of $866,562. Next year, you can see it drops just a hair at $824,803.”
“The subsequent years continue to stairstep down a little bit with possible deficit spending in ‘28. But what I want to remind you of is – whenever I do a forecast, I grow decreasingly confident in those last two to three years – especially the last year of the forecast. It’s anybody’s guess what that can be.”
“Overall, the picture that I painted for you here is that we’ve got a good-looking forecast going forward and the general fund currently is operating very strong, and I appreciate that,” Lee concluded.
The board approved the Five-year Forecast as presented by Mr. Lee.
In the Superintendent’s Report, Clark shared that in the future, the elementary school will see a morning preschool class added. Principal Waldvogel and Early Intervention Preschool Teacher Rhonda Wise have been busy sorting out the details for the new addition that “will complement the afternoon” program that is currently in place.
Clark also shared details about the recent Staff Appreciation Week and a professional development opportunity held at Swanton School featuring an expert in the field of grading more effectively and efficiently.
In elementary news, Principal Waldvogel shared the latest on state testing, RTI Progress Monitoring/Growth Measurement, and year-end transition meetings.
Waldvogel also commended the 5th and 6th-grade students and teachers for a terrific performance of Mary Poppins, Jr. Operetta. “It was neat to see. All of those kids were really excited about doing this production,” Waldvogel added.
Wrapping up the school year, on May 13-17 elementary students were treated to a game-themed End of the Year Celebration Week which included traditional field day activities.
Speaking on behalf of Junior High/High School Principal Adam Wagner, who was absent, Superintendent Clark shared that scheduling for next year is nearly complete.
Addressing the consent agenda, the Board approved minutes from the April 2024 meeting, financial reports as presented by the treasurer as well as bills for payment.
In personnel matters, the board gave the green light to bring Jessica Moyer on as a janitor for the 2024-2025 school year with Superintendent Clark adding that Moyer has been serving as a substitute with the district in various capacities and is a good fit for a more permanent role.
After approving the non-renewal of all supplemental contracts for 2024-2025, contracts were then accepted for certified staff members Steve Hastings, Lexie Kelley, Shannon Saffell, AD Mendoza, Sydney Wagenhauser, Abby Pennington, Deedra Darby-Dixon, Matt Meyer, Joe Delphia, Whitney Short, Katie Planson, Megan Drake, Nichole Aeschliman, Sarah Hastings, Kisha Genter, and Amy Murrey.
Support Staff contracts for Jenae Lammers, Rachel Phipps, Christina Reiniche, Elsa Alencastro, Wendee Lovins, Kenzie Stickley, Kristen Weirauch, Sarah Carper, Gabe Jaramillo, Paula King, Deana Beck, and Carla Davis were also granted.
Having met all requirements established by the state, the board approved the graduation of the 2024 Class of Pettisville High School.
The board endorsed several policy updates, with Superintendent Clark highlighting that the alterations primarily involved “wordsmithing,” with minimal changes to the substantive content.
Also accepted by the board that evening was a 3-year agreement with Julian and Grube for cash compilation services at a cost of $2,700 per year and the treasurer and superintendent were given the go-ahead to enter into an annual agreement with The Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for special education services for the 2024-2025 School Year.
The next Pettisville Board of Education meeting will be held on June 10 at 8:00 p.m.
