The Little Miami School District issued this statement regarding the defeat at the polls yesterday of their levy request:
This is a very critical time for Little Miami Schools. State involvement in the district's finances will become reality due to failure of the operating levy. The state has indicated the district will promptly be placed in "fiscal caution." Treasurer Shaun Bevan began these discussions Wednesday morning. While under "fiscal caution," the Ohio Department of Education will begin monitoring reports of the district's finances each month. Without passage of a levy, the district faces "fiscal emergency" as soon as summer 2010. The state, rather than the local district, would be responsible for developing a recovery plan which would include numerous cuts. Under fiscal emergency, the district can make recommendations, but the state will get to decide how to move forward. Although cuts are difficult to make during a school year, Little Miami will close its buildings to community use later this month. Our administrative team and Board of Education will also evaluate any other cost reductions that can be made. No decision has been made at this time to return to the ballot. We believe the outcome of this election emphasizes the need for a school funding reform in the state of Ohio. Districts are forced to continually return to their local communities, asking for support of tax issues. The result is division.
Passage of the operating levy would have provided relief for our students and staff, and there will be many uncertainties as we move forward. However, our staff has the dedication, determination and passion to provide outstanding opportunities for our students in spite of these dire times.
