By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As Bowling Green Board of Education makes plans for a new high school, it’s also preparing to ask for new operating money in 2024.
The need for more operating money isn’t a surprise. It has been mentioned during many of the district treasurer’s reports to the board in recent years. And the new levy would have been needed regardless of whether or not the voters had passed the bond issue earlier this month for a new high school, according to BG Superintendent Ted Haselman .
“We were anticipating an operating levy in 2024 no matter the outcome of the bond issue,” Haselman said after the school board meeting on Tuesday evening.
While he is unsure of when a levy will appear on the ballot, Haselman said he is certain of the type of issue he will suggest to the board.
“I will be recommending an income tax,” he said, noting that the decision rests with the board.
School Treasurer Cathy Schuller, on Tuesday, presented the district’s five-year financial forecast to the board. After the meeting, Schuller said it has been more than a decade since the district has asked for more operating money.
“It’s rare to go that long,” she said.
The chances of a levy attempt next year? “It’s looking pretty certain,” Schuller said.
In her forecast, Schuller noted some uncertainties in the budget. First, Rover Pipeline is still fighting the taxes owed to the district. Second, state funding continues to change as the state implements a new funding model. And third, the state legislature is focused on property tax reform in light of assessed values around the state.
What is certain, Schuller said, is that the district’s revenue in 2021-2023 remained pretty flat, growing 0.1%. During the same period, the district’s expenses grew 2.3%.
“Everything has increased post Covid,” she added.
The numbers added together show the district started deficit spending this year, as predicted. The district’s cash reserve policy requiring 105 days of funding on hand, means the district needs to ask for additional revenue in 2024, Schuller said.
The board also discussed the next steps in the building of a new high school, supported by voters earlier this month.
Board President Ryan Myers began by thanking all the local residents who asked questions during the bond issue process, who toured the current high school to educate themselves on the need, and who voted to support the project.
“We can’t begin to tell you how excited we are” for staff, teachers and especially students, Myers said.
“This is an exciting time to be a Bobcat,” he said.
The next step in the building process, taken Tuesday evening by the board, was the issuance of notes in anticipation of issuing bonds not to exceed $72.8 million for the building construction and furnishing.
The board also approved a request for qualifications for design professional services.
After a design firm is selected, the facilities group will begin the “tedious fun” of “getting into the specific details,” Myers said.
During the planning process, the design team will work with school staff to determine the needs, for example, of the music department, Myers said.
“We’re going to do that department by department,” he said.
Myers also said the board will communicate with the community as much as possible during the planning process.
Haselman also thanked the community and vowed to use the bond revenue responsibly.
“I’m ecstatic about the outcome and the community support,” he said. “The work is just beginning. The trust placed in this school system is not taken lightly.”
