Kings Levy Impacts
The Kings Board of Education met on Monday, October 10, 2022, to discuss information about the upcoming Operating Levy that is on the November 8 ballot. An Operating Levy will fund the day-to-day operations of the District, which includes personnel costs and services for our students. The levy is not for buildings and facilities.
The District is projecting a budgeted shortfall of $7 million due to increased expenses and the lack of increased funding from the state of Ohio. Currently, the District has a declining cash balance and is projected to be in a deficit in 2024. We are under fiscal oversight by the Ohio Department of Education due to our declining fund balance; therefore, the need to place the levy on the ballot.
Without new revenue, $7 million in cost and program reductions for the 2023-2024 school year are needed to balance the budget. Mr. Sears explained that we have two options; pass an operating levy in November 2022 or make significant reductions in personnel, student programs, and services. Many of these reductions will impact the student experience at Kings.
If the levy doesn’t pass, the items below are the recommended cost savings measures that will need to take place:
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State minimum transportation which eliminates busing for grades 9-12 and private high schools. Additionally, busing will not be available for K-8 students within a 2-mile walk zone from the school buildings. (Generates $1.65 million)
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Pay to participate. KHS and KJH athletes will pay up to $600 per sport, as well as implementing participation fees for academic and musical/artistic extracurriculars. This will also impact the number of teams, clubs, and activities that can be offered.(Generates $800,000)
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Reduce staffing in cafeteria/recess aides, instructional coaches, technology, and administration. (Generates $800,000)
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Discontinue full-day kindergarten and go to a half-day kindergarten model. (Generates $600,000)
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Increase in class sizes to 28/class in grades 1-6 and 30 in grades 7-12. (Generates $750,000)
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Increased caseloads for intervention specialists. (Generates $300,000)
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Reduction of frequency and offerings of elementary Specials/Enrichment Classes, including Art, PE, Music, Stem, Media Center, gifted, and Reading/ESL tutors. (Generates $700,000)
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Eliminate academic teaming at KJH, as well as reduction of elective options. (Generates $450,000)
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Reduce the graduation credit requirement of 23 down to the state minimum graduation credits of 20 at KHS. There will also be a reduction in 30 electives, including 7 Advanced Placement courses. Currently, KHS requires 23 credits. (Generates $800,000)
If the Kings Operating Levy passes on November 8, the District will continue to maintain the high-quality academic and extracurricular programs that make Kings a desirable place to live, work, learn, and grow. Those are:
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Competitive first-class academic offerings.
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Renowned Music, Art, and Theatre programs.
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Academic supports for student learning.
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Personalized learning instructional strategies.
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Maintain current staffing levels.
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Increase our safety and mental wellness personnel.
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Grow our gifted education program.
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Prepare our students for careers and college.
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Attract and retain world-class instructional talent.
If you have additional questions regarding the levy, please visit the 2022 Operating Levy Page on the Kings website, where you will find information and FAQ’s or contact Superintendent Greg Sears at gsears@kingslocal.net or Treasurer Mike Morrow at mmorrow@kingslocal.net.
Click here to watch the meeting and view the slide presentation.
