Cabinet presentation on the levy March 2009

1. Bedford City Schools
Facts about the
4.9-mill Operating Levy
On the May 5, 2009 ballot

2. District Overview
 Bedford Schools have been rated Effective by the
Ohio Department of Education.
 Two schools – Central Primary and Carylwood
Intermediate – have been rated Excellent.
 Students in grades four through eight exceeded
state expectations in math and reading.
 The Class of 2008 exceeded the state standard for
Graduation Rate: 91.9%.
 85% of our graduates go on to higher education.
 We implemented a strict dress code.
 We spend taxpayer dollars wisely.
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 2

3. Initial Budget Cuts and
Cost-saving Measures
In order to reduce spending, we cut $6 million in
the past three years (prior to placing the
operating levy on the November 2008 ballot).
 Closed Aurora School
 Reduced department budgets
 Eliminated four administrative positions, plus an
administrative intern
 Cut labor costs (excluding teachers)
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 3

4. Levy Failure Aftermath
 Failure of the November 2008 levy left us
unable to collect $4.3 million in 2009 and
beyond. Further cuts were made:
 Did not replace employees who retired or resigned
where possible
 Reduced overtime
 Eliminated class fieldtrips and student activity buses
 Postponed purchase of new textbooks
 Postponed purchase of new school buses
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 4

5. Next Steps
 The Board of Education has placed an
operating levy on the May 5, 2009 ballot.
 We’ve listened to voters . . .
 We tightened our belts even more.
 We lowered the millage to 4.9 mills.
 To further reduce spending, we will now:
 Eliminate 26 non-teaching positions
 Eliminate 28-30 teaching positions
 Eliminate busing for high school students.
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 5

6. Proposed 2009-2010
Non-teaching Reductions
 6 custodians
 4 elementary librarians
 12 paraprofessionals
 3 secretaries
 1 computer technician
___________________________________
26 positions
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 6

7. Proposed 2009-2010
Teaching Reductions
Elementary
 6-8 Elementary Teachers
 Student activity advisors
 Intramurals
 Other activities
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 7

8. Proposed 2009-2010
Teaching Reductions
 Heskett Middle School
 7 Teachers
 English
 Math
 Foreign Language
 Family/Consumer Science (2)
 Industrial Technology
 Librarian/Media Specialist
 All athletics and extra-curricular activities
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 8

9. Proposed 2009-2010
Teaching Reductions
 Bedford High School ___________________________
 Diversified Coop. Training
14.5 Teachers
 Cooperative Business Education
 English
 Vocational Special Education
 Math
Coordinator (½)
 Science
 Cosmetology (½)
 Social Studies
 Career/Technical Education (2)
 Foreign Language
 Combine OWE/OWA
 Physical Education
 Reduce coaching/club advisors
 Family/Consumer
Science (2½)
Building Tomorrow Together 9

10. Additional Reductions
 Administrative Support
 District Coordinators
 Music
 Art
 Library/Media Centers
Faculty Liaisons – Grades 7-12

Science Coordinators – Elementary

Content Advocates – Elementary

Faculty Managers – Grades 7-12

 Extended contract days
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 10

11. If The Levy Passes . . .
 We will reinstate:
 Some non-teaching
positions, plus some teaching
positions to reduce class size
 Class fieldtrips
 Middle School athletics and
extra-curricular activities
 Textbook purchases
 Bus purchases
 We will restore other areas not yet determined.
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 11

12. If The Levy Fails . . .
 All proposed cuts will go into effect August 2009.
Building Tomorrow Together . . .
12

13. We’ve Made
Excellent Progress
 That progress is now in jeopardy.
 It is critical for our communities that our
schools remain strong.
 We cannot do that without additional
funding.
 Quality schools mean quality
communities.
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 13

14. We Need To Hear From You
Questions?
Call the Levy Hotline:
440-786-3300
Building Tomorrow Together . . . 14