Thu Feb 09 2012
In response to last week’s letter regarding alleged uncontrolled spending by the school district, (Aug. 25, “Sees ‘uncontrolled’ school wage hikes,) I’d like to make some comments.
The 2009-10 annual report the writer referred to is an extremely condensed version of the district’s finances.
More in-depth information is available via the state auditor and Ohio Department of Education websites.
As a certified public accountant, I do not believe school district expenses increased 40 percent over the past five years. I understand the nuances of accounting for government entities and that transfers between various school funds may be recorded as both revenue and expense, thus inflating both numbers.
Expenses did increase, as did everybody’s, but figures listed in the annual report show government revenues increased by less than 1 percent per year.
District employees did not average 5 percent wage increases over the past five years. The writer did not take into consideration an increase in staff due to the increase in enrollment and special education requirements over the same period.
Many businesses have seen double digit increases in benefit costs in the recent past. In today’s environment, I believe a 7 percent increase in benefits per year is pretty good.
The teachers’ union and administrators have agreed to a complete wage freeze for the coming year.
I understand our district’s union is one of only two in the state that agreed to a complete wage freeze. The teachers also agreed to increase their portion of health care costs to help offset the increase in benefits costs.
I too believe the levy will be on the ballot until it passes. “Yes” is the only acceptable answer on this matter. Our schools and our community need this levy.
Chad Lahrmer
Sagamore Hills
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