Upper Arlington's school district is spending more than it takes in, Treasurer/CFO Andrew Geistfeld told the Board of Education on Sept. 8, according to the district's meeting summary.

The August financial forecast shows expenditures beginning to outpace revenue after the district stretched its 2022 operating levy an extra year, Geistfeld said. More than 94% of the district's revenue is fixed under state law, with little room for inflationary growth.

The financial picture lands as voters weigh Issue 7 on the Nov. 3 ballot. The measure combines a 4.9-mill operating levy with a $273.5 million bond issue. If approved, a homeowner with a $500,000 property would pay about $1,250 more per year in property taxes.

The bond would fund Phase Two of the facilities master plan. That includes rebuilding Burbank Early Childhood School with additional classrooms and rebuilding Hastings Middle School on the current athletic field. At Jones Middle School, the original 1923 structure would be retained while the rest is rebuilt around it. Transitional learning space for Jones students during construction and synthetic turf at the Hastings and Jones fields are also included.

Geistfeld also addressed the 2027 property revaluation by the Franklin County Auditor's Office. "Even though property values are increasing on average with this revaluation, that doesn't mean that homeowners will be paying more in property taxes," he said. House Bill 920 reduces the millage collected on voted operating levies as property values rise, keeping district revenue flat.

Staffing and enrollment

Chief Talent Officer Pete Scully reported the district is down 2.70 full-time-equivalent certified positions because of enrollment shifts and changing student needs. The vast majority of new hires filled existing open positions.

Enrollment data presented at the meeting showed larger elementary classes in recent years moving into the secondary level, particularly Upper Arlington High School. The district projects relatively stable enrollment, with growth mainly at the high school level, over the next several years.

Cybersecurity

Chief Technology Officer Michael Voss outlined the district's compliance with House Bill 96, which requires K-12 schools to adopt a cybersecurity program. The district has added two firewalls, implemented Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls, launched phishing simulations and training for staff, and created a "Golden Bear" database synced with human resources to manage staff accounts.

A disaster recovery system is in progress.

Hope Garden dedication

Superintendent Robert Hunt recognized the recent dedication of the Hope Garden at Upper Arlington High School, a memorial honoring Sam Short and other students whose lives were lost too soon. Tori and Mike Short led the effort, with donors contributing through the Upper Arlington Education Foundation.

The board's next work session is Sept. 25 at the Municipal Services Center. Guided building tours of Burbank, Hastings and Jones are scheduled for Sept. 23 and Oct. 8 at 6 and 7 p.m. A Coffee & Conversation session on school funding is set for Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Bob Crane Community Center.