MARIEMONT CITY SCHOOLS: BOARD APPROVES PROPOSED CUTS IF LEVY DOES
NOT PASS

(Mariemont, Ohio) – Stating that they are hoping for the best on Election Day but that they must prepare for the worst-case scenario, the Mariemont Board of Education approved a list of $1.9  million in cuts that will be phased in if the November 4 levy does not pass.

“None of us wants to implement what appears on this list and it is not what we hope for our future and what earned us the #1 rating in the entire area from Cincy Magazine, stated Ken White, board president. “Regardless, we believe in open and honest communication with our public about what is at stake and that’s what this is about.”

Dee Walter, board vice president agreed. “Since the last levy our schools have seen significant losses in funding from the state and have enacted reductions to offset those losses. In fact, we did all that while stretching the last levy to last one year beyond what we promised voters. Now, this levy represents the lowest millage rate that will protect what we have.”

During the evening’s presentation, Tom Golinar, district treasurer, along with Superintendent Steven Estepp noted that the $1.9 million in cuts is based upon what the district knows today regarding funding. In other words, that cut amount could increase if the state of Ohio enacts further, unforeseen cuts to Mariemont City Schools, or if they implement any unfunded mandates over the next several years.

In arriving at the list, Superintendent Estepp also noted that while efforts were made to protect students and programs, the reality is that district’s budget is largely earmarked to the classroom already so that it is not possible to spare what happens in the schools each day.

“The fact is that cuts hurt our schools and without a doubt our schools would look very different if we had to implement these cuts,” stated Steven Estepp, superintendent. “It is clear that much is at stake for the schools that we care about and this helps inform residents before they vote in the November election.”

Listed below are the board-approved $1.9 million in cuts that will occur over the next two years if the Tuesday, November 4 issue does not pass.

Phase 1 (Implemented during the 2015/16 school year – $900,000 cut)

• Eliminate classroom instructional aides in elementary classrooms
• Reduce elementary art, general music and PE and implement the PE waiver for Mariemont High School students
• Eliminate the district College & Career Planning Center counseling position• Reduce media center hours in all schools
• Eliminate one administrative position
• No base pay increases for district staff
• Reduce transportation to state minimum
• Increase pay-to-play fees & caps

Phase 2 (Implemented during the 2016/17 school year – $1 million cut)

• Eliminate six teaching positions across all grade levels
• Eliminate three support positions
• Eliminate one administrative position
• Eliminate all field trips (including Camp Kern)
• Reduce technology integration specialists
• No base pay increases for district staff