Lexington school board members hear positive financial forecast
LEXINGTON — Lexington Local Schools will have two renewal levies in the coming years in hopes of keeping the district in solid shape financially.
School board members approved the district's five-year financial forecast at Wednesday's monthly meeting.
Lexington is projected to have cash balances of $9.5 million, $9.1 million and $7.3 million dollars in the next three fiscal years, but that number dips to $3.9 million in the fourth year. A deficit is predicted in the last year of the forecast.
"The five-year forecast represents a great tool for the board and administration when making decisions for the district to ensure financial stability while continuing to provide our students with the best education possible," Treasurer Jason Whitesel said in an email. "Updates to the forecast are important as a variety of factors impact the five-year forecast, including decisions made at the district level, as well as decisions made in Columbus regarding funding for public schools."
The forecast does not include money that would come in with the two renewal levies, scheduled for 2024 and 2026.
"Our renewal levies represent a significant portion of our current operating budget," Superintendent Jeremy Secrist said. "They will allow us to continue to offer the academics, arts and athletics that our students currently benefit from."
Whitesel added, "We will continue to monitor and advocate for our district and will seek out opportunities to ensure we get the most out of our local, state and federal public dollars as we continue to serve our community, families and students. Overall, the five-year forecast continues to show our district on solid financial footing while simultaneously demonstrating the importance of the district’s upcoming renewal levies as we continue to educate and equip our students at the highest level to prepare them for the future."
Meredith Cotterill gets two-year contract to be preschool director
Board members also made a couple of significant hires at Wednesday's meeting. Meredith Cotterill received a two-year contract to be preschool director.
"Ms. Cotterill brings extensive knowledge, experience and understanding of the developmental needs of our youngest learners, with more than 25 years invested in preschool-age children," Secrist said. "Our district will continue to benefit on many levels with her expertise and passion for school-age children, her commitment to creating strong family relationships and her dedication in building a strong preschool team."
The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center will house the preschool.
"It is a beautiful space designed specifically for a preschool and will be highly conducive to pre-K instruction of our students," Secrist said.
Gabrielle Stover to be new girls basketball coach
The board also hired Gabrielle Stover to be the girls basketball coach. She had been the JV coach.
"We are ecstatic to have Gabby leading our girls basketball program," Athletic Director Jeff Eichorn said. "She's got a ton of passion and energy. Kids are in the gym already."
High School Principal Jamie Masi told the board that other candidates for the job said during their interviews that they would want Stover on their staff.
"We feel like we're extremely lucky to have her," Masi said.
Board members heard a report on Central Elementary, featuring Principal Scott Curtis and students Emily Schonauer and Tyson Edmunds. Tyson sported a bow tie for the occasion.
"I've got to tell you, public speaking is not easy," board member Rob Schuster said. "That is a gift. Grow that gift."
It was also the last meeting for student representative Chloe Dean, who gave board members monthly updates on goings-on at the high school. Board President Bob Whitney called her "one of the best." Jacob Halfhill will be the student representative next school year.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Lexington Local Schools in solid shape in financial forecast
