Bexley schools have not escaped the effects of the economy’s downward spiral.
When the board met on Oct. 28 to review the five-year financial plan, Treasurer Chris Essman said he expects revenue to be lower than projected over the next several years.
Some of the revenue sources affected by the economy include property taxes, income taxes and state funding, he said, all of which he expects to contribute less than expected.
Essman said that based on the revenue the district already has received since the last levy, and the way the district has kept expenses under control, the district should be in good shape for the next couple of years.
"We have time to think," Superintendent Michael Johnson said. "But we do really need to look at how efficiently we’re running the school district. … There are a number of areas that we can look at thoughtfully, without taking out programs or anything rash.
"Long-term we have to manage our money and be careful and probably make adjustments, but we aren’t going to wholesale cut the budget," Johnson said.
"You’re going to see other school districts cut their budgets right down to the bone, and along with it programs. You’re not going to see that in Bexley."
The next levy would be up for a vote in 2010 or 2011, Johnson said.
As has been done in the past, a community task force probably will be formed as the time for the levy gets closer to look at the issues and make recommendations, Essman said.
