AKRON, Ohio — The Board of Education for Akron Public Schools unanimously approved the district's five-year forecast and a proposed school levy on Tuesday evening. This is the next step in the district addressing a project multi-million-dollar budget deficit.
So what's next? The board must pass a "resolution of necessity," which will lead to Summit County officials certifying a millage calculation. Then, the board will vote on a final millage to be put on the ballot.
Once those procedures are completed, Akron residents will then vote in November on a levy for the first time in 12 years.
According to APS Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Dr. Stephen Thompson, the financial problems are a result of declining enrollment, the loss of COVID relief funds, and increased staffing, among other issues.
Last week, the Board voted to approve nearly $24 million in budget cuts, which include teacher and staff reductions. That approval paved the way for Tuesday's vote on the updated five-year forecast and a combined levy and bond issue for the November ballot.
"We cut $20 million on the operating side," APS Superintendent Dr. C. Michael Robinson Jr. told 3News after last week's vote. "We really needed to cut far more, because let me tell you, at the end of the five-year forecast, we need a levy, and if we don't get the levy, we're really going to be in trouble."
According to the district's forecast, without a levy, APS will have a $16.5 million spending deficit in 2025 that would then grow each year. By 2028, officials state APS will be nearly $25 million in the hole.
It's a problem Robinson says he inherited from the past administration, but plans to solve.
"[We're] trying to make the necessary adjustments, trying to reorganize, restructure so that we can have a valuable, productive school system and a place where our children can feel good and call home," he added.
Proposed recommendations for the fall combination levy include a 1.3-mill bond issue to build a new North High School along with a 7.6-mill operating levy. If the measure makes it to the November ballot and passes, Thompson says it would generate about $25.7 million annually for district operations and pay for the $85 million bond issuance for the construction of North High.
Per the district, the combined cost to Akron taxpayers would be an extra $311.50 annually for every $100,000 of their property's value.
Previous Reporting:
- Akron Public Schools Transition Report commends district's curriculum, but says administrators need to do better
- 'I am not about trying to dilute the union': Akron schools Superintendent Michael Robinson speaks to 3News
- Akron school board approves $24 million in budget cuts, including elimination of 285 jobs