Take-Back Nets More Than 150 Pounds of Drugs
More than 150 pounds of unwanted and unused drugs were collected by law enforcement personnel at the Monclova, Springfield, Waterville and Whitehouse fire departments during the October 29 Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Accepting medications in Monclova were (from left) Mark Fesh of the Metroparks of the Toledo Area, volunteer Kyle Sarahman, Awake Community Coalition youth coordinator Kristen Irvin and Lucas County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ted Frederick. MIRROR PHOTO BY KAREN BERGER

Springfield Local Schools Project Budget Shortfall By 2013
BY KRISTEN FRITZ — MIRROR REPORTER
Springfield Local Schools treasurer Ryan Lockwood presented the district’s five-year budget forecast at the October 26 board of education meeting.
The report shows the district with a balance of $2.2 million at the end of the current fiscal year, but a shortfall of $673,887 at the end of fiscal year 2013. The forecast shows the deficit growing to $4.09 million in 2014, $8.74 million in 2015 and $14.01 million in 2016.
Lockwood listed several areas of concern, including reappraisals of property in Lucas County scheduled in 2012, which would affect taxes collected beginning in 2013.
During the last reappraisal, values in the school district were lowered by an average of 13 percent, he said, resulting in less tax revenue for the schools.
“Due to the continued devaluation of property in the district, it is assumed that the reappraisal will not see any increase in revenue,” he said.
Although the state has approved a budget for fiscal years 2012 and 2013, changes to the state’s school funding formula are expected in 2013.
“It is well-known that the governor plans to change the 2013 school funding formula. No one knows what it will entail,” he said.
Without concrete details, the district must make funding estimates based on historical data and a proposal from the Ohio Department of Education, he said.
The district is also losing $900,000 in State Fiscal Stabilization Funds, and decreases in property tax reimbursements from the state will be accelerated in the next two years under current legislation.
In addition, the district will no longer receive funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which was one-time federal stimulus money the district received in 2010 and 2011.
Springfield schools also lose income as more students qualify for free and reduced-price lunches, as those students are also exempted from paying school fees. Forty-two percent of students now qualify for free and reduced-price lunches.
Health care costs are another area of concern, Lockwood said. The district saw an increase of about $360,000 for the current fiscal year. All salary and benefit assumptions are in limbo, he said, because the district is currently in negotiations with its employees.
Also at the meeting, the board members:
• Accepted a banner honoring Springfield’s rating of excellent from the state of Ohio.
• Agreed to renew membership in the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments for $395.
• Approved the superintendent’s staff recommendations.
• Commended Sue Runkle of Inside Angles for continued support, including donations of framing for the Ohio “excellent” banners.
• Commended the Springfield Local Schools transportation department for raising more than $2,500 for the Northwest Ohio Komen Race for the Cure. The donation qualified the department to be listed as a bronze-level sponsor for the event.
• Approved payment in lieu of transportation for students attending schools outside of the district.
• Approved attendance at an autism conference in Columbus on November 15-18 for Michelle Wernert.
• Approved updating a policy related to inventory.
• Entered into executive session to discuss negotiations.

The next Springfield board of education meeting will be on Wednesday, November 16 at 5:30 p.m.