Franklin school district votes to place 6.3-mill tax levy on May ballot

“We work very hard to be fiscally conservative,” said Superintendent Mike Sander, who added that it has been 11 years since Franklin City Schools last had a new money levy pass, making good on its promise that the 2014 levy would last eight to 10 years.

The budget forecast a negative cash balance in January and February, so the board asked for tax advances and issued debt for short-term cash needs to cover payroll.

The district’s five-year budget forecast shows a carryover balance at less than 10% of a year’s spending, which is the lowest in the region. That forecast projects the district to run out of money in 2028.

“We have a lot of opportunities that we provide and we want to continue to provide those opportunities,” Sander said. “We wouldn’t ask for this if we didn’t need it.

“It is never easy to ask our residents for additional monies, but unfortunately, Ohio’s school funding system relies heavily on local taxpayers,” he said.

The board is still working on determining what cuts would be needed if the levy were not to pass.

Also Monday, the school board accepted the resignation of board member Bob Knipper, effective Feb. 4, due to his changing work schedule and outside activities.

Knipper has served on the board since January 2014 and also has served as a city council member.

“He was an outstanding board member and public servant,” Sander said. “He’s been serving the Franklin community for years.”

As a board member, Sander said Knipper’s decisions were always based on what was best for the students.

“He was very much an advocate for the children,” he said. “He wanted the best opportunities possible for the kids.”

District residents interested in serving out the rest of the term ending Dec. 31 can submit a cover letter and resume by 3 p.m. Feb 3 to Superintendent Mike Sander.

The letter and resume can be submitted by:

Anyone with questions can call the superintendent’s office at 937-746-1699.