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SALEM -- The future appears bright for Salem's schools.
"I just want to take a minute publicly to thank the residents of Salem, on behalf of the entire school community. I want to extend our deepest gratitude for their overwhelming support in passing the bond levy for a new Pre-K-8 school building," said Superintendent Sean Kirkland.
In the board of education's first meeting since voters decided to approve the 3.48-mill, 37-year property tax levy to fund the construction of a new Pre-K-8 school building on the 67-acre property that used to be Whinnery farm, Kirkland and the board again expressed their gratitude to voters.
Kirkland made a lengthy statement thanking voters for their faith and support and celebrating their approval as an investment in the future of Salem's students and the community at large.
"Your resounding vote is not just a commitment to education, it's an investment in our children and the entire Salem community. Your belief in the power of education and the importance of providing a quality learning environment speaks volumes about your dedication to the well-being of our youth. This new building will serve not only as a center for learning, but as a hub for fostering growth, creativity and a strong foundation for generations to come," said Kirkland. "Please know your trust and support of this initiative will create an environment where our students can flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Your commitment to education reflects a shared vision of ensuring every child receives the best possible start in their educational journey. We are deeply touched by your generosity and faith in our mission. Your vote is not just a milestone, it's a testament to the unity and strength of this community."
Kirkland also promised that the district would keep the public appraised of the project's progress moving forward.
"As we move forward you can be sure that we will enthusiastically be keeping you informed of the process, and the progress of the build. Thank you again for your support in making this dream a reality," said Kirkland.
Board of Education President Dianna Barley also thanked voters for their support, noting that they had seen fit to bring the much-discussed project to life.
"I want to send my thanks to the community for their vote of support, and bringing this exciting project to life," said Barley.
With the bond issue now officially passed, the meeting also saw the board give formal approval to issue notes and bonds in the amount of $22,500,000, for the construction, furnishing and equipment of the new K-8 building in accordance with the bond issue. Treasurer Mike Douglas reminded residents that this is not a new issue and is simply abiding by the now approved bond issue.
Other financial matters discussed included the presentation of the district's biannual five-year forecast by Douglas.
In the state of Ohio school districts are required to submit a five-year forecast to the state in October and then revise the report in May each year with the intention of helping districts manage their financial resources. The figures are based on the district's current revenue and expenditures and are projected out to five years. While Douglas said that the annual forecast is best described as "a snapshot of now," and that there were a few items of pending legislation that may affect the district's funding moving forward, the current forecast shows a positive trend for the next five years.
The district is projected to see substantial growth to its end of year cash balance in fiscal year 2024, with a projected final balance of $7,216,020, a nearly 35% increase to fiscal year 2023's ending balance of $4,970,020. This growth is expected to continue annually through 2028, with the report's projected end balances at $7,216,020 in 2024; $10,122,498 in 2025; $12,537,684 in 2026; $14,441,684 in 2027; and $15,485,115 in 2028.
Douglas said this growth would be fueled primarily by an increase in funding from the state beginning in fiscal year 2024, with the state expected to begin contributing 52% of the district's funding. Douglas said the largest share of the district's expenditures continues to be in wages and benefits, with purchased services, which also includes tuition and utility costs, as the next largest category of expenditures, and the fastest growing category.
The meeting also saw the approval of several personnel and administrative items.
Administrative items approved included: revisions, additions and deletions of board policies and administrative guidelines and forms; the Community Eligibility Program at Reilly Elementary; the Five-Year Financial Forecast; seeking public bids for a contract to provide copiers for the district; the Educational Service Center Governing Board service agreement between the ESC Governing Board and the Board of Education; the purchase of two new Promaster School Vans from BSI using funds from the Permanent Improvement Fund; a Transportation Contract made by and between Samantha Stewart to Mahoning Valley Community School and the Salem City School District for transportation of a student for educational services; and the first reading of policy and procedures considering post-issuance compliance policy to promote compliance with federal income tax and security laws as well as the requirements set forth in the bond documents for each bond issue.
Personnel items approved included: a non-athletic supplemental for Freshman Class Advisor Suzanne Harding; the resignation of Reilly Elementary school Cafeteria Worker Jill Becker effective Nov. 16; job titles for the 2023-2024 Winter season; certified substitutes for the 2023-2024 school year; athletic supplementals for Eighth Grade Girls Basketball Head Coach Lonnie Stalnaker, Seventh Grade Girls Basketball Head Coach Derek Frederick, Junior High Boys Basketball Coach Bill Cowgill. And Wrestling Coach Austin Noel; the hire of Bus Attendant Duty Aide Mindy Wardell, and Reilly Elementary Cafeteria Workers Jennifer Burbick, and Karleen Gout; FMLA leave for Logan Chestnut; and the list of winter game workers for the 2023-2024 season.
At the meeting's conclusion Barley also expressed her condolences to the Tuscarawas Valley Schools community in the wake of the fatal bus accident last week.
"My heartfelt condolences go to Tusky Valley, for the heartbreaking news of the bus accident. I can't imagine how that community must be feeling right now," said Barley.
The board of education will meet next at 7 p.m. Dec. 11.