Westerville City Schools outlines $20 million in potential cuts if November levy fails

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) - Westerville City Schools needs more money to balance the budget. They made millions in cuts after last year's property tax levy failed in the November election. They are now proposing another levy, this time an Earned Income levy that would only tax earned income.

"They've heard the conversation that's going on at the statehouse and the state as a whole said, 'hey, property taxes aren't where we need to be.' The earned income levy really provides an alternative that meets the needs of this community much better. This is a different kind of levy. This is the Board of Education listening to the community. The community says no more property taxes, so this isn't a property tax. This is an earned income levy. It's only a tax on earned income," explained Kevin Hoffman, co-chair of 'Yes For Westerville Schools,' a group campaigning to pass the levy.

There is still plenty of opposition to the levy. Doug Krinsky spoke out against the measure last year and is doing so again. 

"There's more people in the community they should be talking to like us. They're going to make cuts, ask us about where we think the cuts need to be made. So, we're still against it," he explained. Krinsky is the Founder of 'Concerned Citizens of Westerville, a group that has campaigned against raising the burden for tax payers.

The plan presented to Westerville residents and families tonight at Westerville North's auditorium outlined where the $20 million pitfall could potentially be made up. 

The school board alongside administrators went through the plan in front of a packed auditorium. The district is home to about 14,600 students in three high schools, five middle schools, fifteen elementary schools, and early learning preschool, and Academic Enrichment Center for making up credits and adult learning. The district employs around 2000 people.

The school district's operating budget is $229 million. The levy, if passed, would generate about $23.3 million annually.

If it does not pass, the district would need to cut or generate $20 million. The recommendations were met with an audible groan from the audience.

Pay for play would be increased at the middle school and high school levels. Middle school students would have to pay $350 per sport, with no family cap. High school students would pay $500 per sport, with no family cap. Clubs and activities would accrue fees also. Middle schoolers would pay $25 and high schoolers $50. This would generate an anticipated $1.3 million in revenue.

The district next looked at transportation costs and proposed cutting 14 bus routes, increasing the distance between bus stops, expanding the non-transport zone, and making bus routes longer. The district estimates this would cut about $1 million.

Staffing was the largest area of cuts for the district's recommendations, saving $12.3 million. Those positions were broken down by ten administrative jobs, up to forty-four elementary jobs, up to thirty-one middle school positions, and up to nineteen high school positions.

Those positions included art, music, physical education and library in elementary schools. Math, reading, science and social studies were areas to be cut in middle schools. Math, social studies, science, English and library positions would see cuts in high schools. There would also be an elimination of the International Baccalaureate program, reduction in electives, larger class sizes, and reduction in AP course offerings.

Another $5.4 million would come from eliminating summer school, field trips, all-day kindergarten, reduced overtime, increased student fees, increased facility rental fees, and some contracted services.

Krinsky pointed to administration as an area he would like to see cut.

"They're proposing cuts in administration, which is good. I think they've overburdened that area with people. [..] Share administrative responsibilities with other districts that are out there, whether it's Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Olentangy, whoever it is. Everybody has to abide by these same mandates. You're probably duplicating all that work so why not share that burden," Krinsky explained.

Krinsky also suggested the district dip into cash reserves, and agreed with the added pay-for-play sports model.

"They also have cash reserves they can tap into. I understand you want a balanced budget, but you're also sitting on $100 million worth of cash reserves. It's a trade off of income tax hike or pay to play. So where do you want to pay? You're going to pay it somewhere. So for me, the people that take advantage of those things should be paying for it, not everybody," he said.

Hoffman will continue to advocate for passing the levy in November.

"I understand that that's the reality of what would happen if we don't pass the levy. But I'm all about being out there in the community, making sure the community understands how important it is and driving towards passing the levy so that we don't have to deal with that. At the end of the day, this is all about doing what's right to keep this community strong, protecting the community, protecting the kids in our community, making this the place that people want to live. Passing this levy does that," Hoffman explained.