Perkins Schools released from fiscal caution

PERKINS TWP. — Perkins Schools' financial woes are no more. Last week, the district was officially released from fiscal caution, under which it had been placed for slightly more than a year. In a letter dated July 5 to board president Andrew Carroll, the district received the news from the Ohio Department of Education."On behalf of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, I am pleased to inform you that the Perkins Local School District is released from fiscal caution effective immediately," wrote Brian Jones, executive director of the Office of School Finance. "Responsible management of expenditures relative to revenue has improved the financial condition of the district. This improved financial condition is evident in the district's most recent five-year forecast."During a recent board meeting, treasurer Dan Bowman's forecast predicted a positive balance all five years with help from the district's $1 million reduction plan and recent levy passage. The forecast can be found at the district's Board Docs tab.The letter also says the district will no longer be monitored by the state. In the last year, state officials met with district administrators often to go over ways to improve finances. On June 30, 2016, Perkins Schools was placed in fiscal caution because its projected cash balance for fiscal year 2017 was $218,046 — less than two percent of district's annual budget.After district voters rejected a 7.9-mill operating levy in November, they passed a 6.9-mill operating levy in May that will generate $3.2 million annually to support district employees' salaries as well as benefits, programs and extracurricular activities.The May levy was the district's 12th attempt in 17 years to gain new money.Had the levy failed, the district likely would have headed toward fiscal emergency. But now the new money, through higher property taxes, saves the district from functioning at a "minimal level." In this scenario, the district would have needed to greatly reduce or eliminate many positions and services in all buildings because they're "not required."Also thanks to the levy's passage, pay-to-participate fees were reduced for the first time in several years.The new one-time fees: $150 for high school athletics, $75 for middle school athletics and a $45 academic course fee for all district students. Fees for band, choir and other extracurricular activities saw reductions as well."We're excited because it's been a long time since (healthy finances have) happened," superintendent Jodie Hausmann previously told the Register. "It's still very important that we continue to be fiscally conservative because we are extremely grateful for (community members) believing in us."Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook www.facebook.com/CaitliNearhood