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OCOS NEWS

POINTS TO PONDER
The state is reducing Westerville City Schools' funding for WCSD by over $4 million, so additional operating dollars are needed just to maintain current instructional programming and services. Instructional spaces in the four schools that will receive the greatest amount of work aren't conducive to how children are taught today and will be brought up to standards for a 21st century education.


TOP QUOTES
“How kids were taught back in the 1960s isn't the same as how kids are taught today. Education just looks different overall.”

Treasurer/CFO Nicole Marshall

“The state view us as being wealthier, our local community...they push more of that burden down to the local community, so that's what we're dealing with now.” - Treasurer/CFO Nicole Marshall
POINTS TO PONDER
The district must request additional funding from the community due to inflationary cost increases; to meet increasing specialized service needs for students, such as providing support staff for English learners and a growing special education population; and to remain competitive with other area school systems as the district works to recruit and retain high quality staff.

If approved, the 1.66 mill bond portion of the levy will be structured so it does not increase property tax millage. This no-new-millage issue is possible due to current district bond millage that will soon expire and the use of resources advanced into a Capital Projects Fund upon voter approval of the ballot measure.


TOP QUOTES
“When our last ballot measure was approved in 2019, we anticipated being back on the ballot again in 2023. Fortunately, we have been able to push the need out another year, but we are now in a typical levy cycle that most central Ohio school districts experience given the way Ohio funds its public schools.” - Treasurer/CFO Nicole Marshall


“Given that HB920 limits growth on voted levies due to reduction factors, and the state funds schools based on the local community's ability to pay property taxes, districts such as ours unfortunately must return to the ballot every few years in order to continue current service levels to our school community. We’re required by state law to maintain a balanced budget and this levy will help us do that by generating approximately $20.8 million in annual operating revenue to continue current service levels and programs for our students.”
Treasurer/CFO Nicole Marshall
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