Strongsville schools project budget deficits

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - Just two weeks before the Strongsville teachers voted to strike, the district's treasurer painted a bleak financial picture for the schools over the next three years.

According to Strongsville Schools Treasurer Deborah Hermann, the Strongsville school district is projecting a $1.1 million budget deficit next year, and $4.6 million deficit by 2016. 

To avoid the crisis, the Strongsville City School District may consider a November levy.

The district released a preliminary five-year forecast on Feb. 11, just 10 days before a no confidence vote by Strongsville teachers was made to the school board. 

Those financial figures, according to Hermann, were requested by the Strongsville Education Association (SEA).

A levy would supply the district with an additional $2.4 million in fiscal year 2014 and $4.9 million for 2015.

But would voters even consider passing a levy in November? They've turned down three of the last four levies.

The district's disagreement is over a proposed contract that would switch retirement contributions to a percent of  base pay, increase the cost of healthcare benefits and conduct layoffs based on performance.

That compares to the previous 2010-2012 contract that included a pay freeze, 10 percent increase in healthcare premiums and reduction of teacher prep periods.

If you would like to take a look at the Strongsville school district's last chance best offer, you can read the 40 page document here: http://5.wews.com/ipj3n

As for the recommended levy, the school district has until Aug. 1 to determine whether or not it will be on the ballot. It's something that is only a recommendation.