By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
The Canal Winchester school district increased its administrative staff by one following the addition of an assistant treasurer position during the Oct. 20 school board meeting.
The salary range for the position, according to the district’s 2014-15 schedule, is $63,317 with one year’s experience to $77,563 with 10 years’ experience. The finance department currently includes Treasurer Joyce Boyer, a payroll clerk, accounts payable clerk and accounts receivable clerk.
“As the district continues to grow, the duties and requirements for the treasurer’s office continue to increase. The time has finally come when one person (the treasurer) cannot complete all of the required duties within a reasonable work time frame,” said Boyer. “This has been discussed with the board over several years during the treasurer’s evaluation time frame, and was finally determined around July of this year that it needed to happen.”
Boyer said she hopes to have the new position filled no later than Jan. 1, 2015.
Potential candidates must hold an accounting degree and possess a valid Ohio School Treasurer’s license or qualified to obtain the license. Duties include administering grant fiscal responsibilities, help prepare the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report, oversee the fixed asset system and conduct spot checks to ensure accuracy.
Neighboring school districts, such as Groveport Madison, employ a treasurer, payroll clerk and accounts payable/receivable clerk. Hamilton Township’s finance department includes the same positions as Canal Winchester. Bloom-Carroll Schools employ a treasurer, payroll assistant treasurer, EMIS assistant treasurer and an accounts payable receivable clerk.
District financial forecast
Local tax revenue continues to provide more than half of Canal Winchester’s operating funds and property values are expected to remain stable with no substantial increases or decreases, according to the district’s five year financial forecast.
“Income tax growth has been strong over the last four-year period and is exceeding state and national economic trends,” said Boyer.
Approximately 75 percent of district spending is dedicated to salaries and fringe benefits with another 17 percent related to purchase services. While the district reduced staffing levels in 2009-14 despite enrollment growth, in fiscal year 2016-19, additional staffing will be needed consistent with increases in student numbers.
Purchase services increased nearly $200,000 in fiscal year 2014 because of transfers to community schools and other external schools. In fiscal year 2015, it is expected to jump another $300,000 due to increases in educational service center costs.
Total revenue and other financing sources for fiscal year 2014 were more than $38.2 million with expenditures at more than $34.5 million. In fiscal year 2018, the district is projected to operate at a negative balance of $875,306 and more than double the amount the following year.
“It indicates we have time to make expenditure adjustments,” stated Boyer.
