As the school year comes to a close, Triad Local Schools are preparing for end-of-the-year events and looking to next year.
During a recent Board of Education meeting, which was held virtually, District Treasurer Connie Cohn shared how the district is adjusting to financial cuts due to orders from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
Triad’s state funding will be reduced by $170,448, or $193 per pupil. The reduction equates to 1.75% of the district’s operating expenditures.
“It’s a lot of money, but I’m still feeling grateful that’s all we had to deal with,” Cohn said.
Superintendent Vickie Hoffman has previously said the district is not replacing a recently retired teacher and is considering how to fill four other openings, in light of the budget reductions.
Cohn said Triad knows where the district is looking to cut back this year, but is unsure of how it will be affected next school year.
For that reason, she said the Five Year Forecast is likely more fluid than it’s ever been. Cohn reminded board members that it is a “working document” and said it will continue to be updated as districts receive more information from the state level.
Board members also asked Cohn whether she foresees changes to tax collection impacting school funding.
She said staff did not change property valuations in the Five Year Forecast, but understands that tax collections could potentially be lower than usual.
Income tax collection is “the biggest risk right now,” she said, but the district will need to investigate further how various industries are affected before there is a clearer understanding of the effect on schools.
Cohn said the district is also preparing to apply for funding through the CARES Act, which set aside $13.2 million in federal funding to assist K-12 schools as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
She said nearly $121,000 will be available to Triad.
Funding provided through the CARES Act has less stringent guidelines than typical federal dollars, Cohn said. Usually funding is seen as a “supplement not supplant,” but she said CARES Act funding can be used to offset costs that are already in place, such as purchasing Chromebooks.
The district has until 2022 to apply, Cohn said, but added she plans on applying in the near future and receiving funding early next year.
Hoffman shared how the district is wrapping up an unusual year.
She said the last day of school for seniors was Thursday and all other students will end classes Wednesday, May 27.
Hoffman said the district is preparing for an in-person, outdoor graduation ceremony that will be held at 2 p.m. May 31.
Final plans have been approved by the Champaign County Health Commissioner, she added.
A large stage will be built in the center of the high school’s student parking lots. Each senior will be allowed to bring two cars with them. The student will bring a chair and sit outside, in front of the vehicles during the ceremony.
Hoffman said she has received multiple questions regarding how many people are allowed in each car. She said there is no limit.
However, she said several people have asked if they can fill the bed of a pickup truck with guests. While it is permissible, she said they must meet in the middle or elementary school parking lots, then get into the back of the truck and slowly drive to the high school.
“I don’t want anyone getting arrested on the way to graduation,” she said with a laugh.
In other business:
– The board accepted bid proposals for Phase III of the athletic complex building project.
Scoreboard and video board equipment will be provided by Nevco for $160,833.05; scoreboard and video board installation by Ocu LED for $48,500; Gym TVs and brackets will be purchased through Amazon for $14,199.80; IT cameras, cable and TVs from Mobile Tek for $29,249; IT fiber and installation will also be completed by Mobile Tek for $7,601; locker equipment and installation from Pivotal Health Solutions for $41,255; and door control and locks, including installation, from Perry Pro Tech for $24,634.84.
Hoffman said the project is ahead of schedule for every portion of the project, except seeding grass.
The original plan was to plant during the first two weeks of June, she said, but contractors are a couple weeks behind due to the recent rain.
However, she said the field is equipped with irrigation so if it is planted later than expected, they can water more frequently throughout the summer.
“I don’t feel any more stress (about the grass) than I always have,” Hoffman said.