Tipp City’s School Board met on March 5, 2009 for a special meeting to discuss the up-coming levy proposals and potential cuts. All board members were present.

President Scott Dixon opened the meeting at 6:00 PM by welcoming all in attendance and commented on the difficult decisions the board was dealing with.

The first piece of business discussed was allowing the school to implement open enrollment. Open enrollment would allow students from neighboring districts to attend Tipp Schools with out paying tuition. The extra monies received from the State because of increased enrollment, based on 25 students entering the system, would be a little over $143,000. By taking that action and assuming 25 students would take advantage of the open enrollment, some of the initially proposed staff reductions would not take place.

Three scenarios were presented to the board that considered the failure of both levies, the passage of the renewal only, and the passage of both levies.

The failure of both levies would have the greatest impact. Items considered for reduction or cuts under that result are reduced transportation of students. The limit proposed is any student living within 1.5 miles of the schools would not be bussed. There may be some areas exempted from that if there is a lack of sidewalks for the students to use. A “Pay to
Participate” would be implemented, charging fees to engage in athletics, band, and high school clubs.

Also proposed is the elimination of one assistant varsity coach from each sport, increase in health co-pays, the elimination of field trips, a wage freeze and the elimination of fifteen staff positions. Revenue will be brought in through the open enrollment, increased parking fees at the high school and charging Community Services for the use of school property.
Estimated savings under this plan are around $1.35 million plus around $162,000 in revenue.
If just the renewal passes, the fifteen staff will stay and participation fees will be slightly lower. Cost cutting measures in energy usage, reduction of some supplies and other steps will, combined with anticipated revenues from the same sources above, will create a savings of near $765,000.

If both levies pass, the wage freeze will stay in effect.
It was asked if an across the board wage reduction had been considered. The administration, and some board members, did not feel it would be an accepted proposal based on conversations with school staff.

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like a more detailed copy of the proposals, feel free to contact the school at 669-6302 or Jim McKee at 669-9098.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is 7:00 PM, Monday, March 23, at the Board office.