Tiffin school board discusses levies

TIFFI The Tiffin City Schools Board of Education discussed the need for a new levy at its regular meeting Monday. Superintendent Jerry Nadeau reported that it was the intent of the school district to put a .75% income tax on the ballot in November, with no new taxes incurred since 2013. District Treasurer, Anne Spence reported that as of the end of 2024, TCS had 162 days of operating, meaning that if all income was cut off, the district could operate for 162 days before running out of money. While she also advised this meant the district was not out of money because the district is receiving an income, TCS has been operating on a deficit for a while now. "We've been deficit spending for a couple years now, with less in new revenue that we continue to balance and spend," Spence said. "We are lucky we have a large cash reserve so we are not out of money… But we're taking in less than we're spending." Spence later reported that interest income was down in the last year by about $100,000, but expenditures had also recently been down. She also asked the board to consider moving district accounts to a new bank to limit banking fees. The board agreed to consider a related resolution during the February board meeting. In future conversations, Spence said she could come up with ways to help make income money go further with investments and high interest rates on district savings accounts. With recent concerns about cuts to funding from the state being made, Nadeau said moving forward, it would be up to the district to come up with money to operate. The board agreed to vote on the need for a levy later this year. In other news, the board discussed the need for a new heating system after a boiler malfunction at Lincoln Preschool and a cost analysis of purchasing a new HVAC system or simply maintaining the old one. The board also heard from Laura Bryant, director of Primary Education, about updates to the curriculum and a reading improvement plan that was necessary after 80% of the third grade did not meet state standards. Michelle Tuite, District engagement officer, told the board about Title 1, which regulates federal funds given to schools to help students from low-income families improve academic achievement. Tuite reported the school had received $500,000 in Title 1 funds, with the majority being spent on salaries and benefits for teachers and staff. The board later approved the following action items: A 2025-2026 Tiffin Columbian course selection guide. A 2025-2026 Tiffin Middle School Course selection guide. A board member handbook. A service agreement with Specialized Education of Ohio. A 2024-2025 reading improvement plan. Amergis Service Agreement. The board then went into executive session to discuss employment and to prepare for bargaining with public employees. No action was taken. The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Tiffin Middle School Cafetorium.