COLUMBUS, Ohio — The next few years could be tight for Columbus City Schools according to the five-year forecast being presented at Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting.
The forecast is a prediction of what revenues and expenses will be for the district through fiscal year 2028. The numbers are based on current trends and projections and will be amended through the years to reflect changes in tax dollars, student body size and state funding.
The five-year forecast is 50 pages long and goes into great detail about expected changes in funding sources.
Beginning in FY 2025, the district is expected to spend more than it takes in by $8.1 million. That spending gap will grow to a predicted $117.1 million by FY 2028.
With spending outpacing income, the district’s cash balance takes a hit.
The district finishing FY 2024 predicts it will have $352.9 million on hand. That equates to 147 days of cash on hand. The projections for this by FY 2028 are that the district will finish with just $36.7 million on hand — or enough for 13 days. The district aims to have at least 60 days of cash on hand.
Jacqueline Bryant, interim executive director of Communications for Columbus City Schools, said the district is not in a deficit and has a positive cash balance.
Nana Watson, president of the Columbus Branch NAACP, has been outspoken against the district’s spending. She and the local NAACP were firmly opposed to the November levy.
“This is yet one example of why they're not good stewards of tax dollars,” said Watson. “The board is confusing the community and I believe they haven't been intentional nor strategic in communicating with this community what goal they are trying to meet.”
Izette Thomas, of the Columbus Education Justice Coalition, said it’s time to get the community involved in how to make the district operate in the interest of students, parents and educators.
“All of us want what is best for our schools and our community,” Thomas said. “Our city is growing. It is growing exponentially. To see our schools and our school board managing a decline just does not make sense to us as a growing city.”
No one was available from Columbus City Schools to provide an in-depth explanation of the five-year plan before the Tuesday evening board meeting. The district’s interim treasurer/CFO will present the plan to the board and provide insight into the predictions.