The Hilliard City Schools Board of Education has outlined a contingency plan should Issue 39 not pass in November. While the district remains committed to delivering high-quality education, the plan addresses potential financial shortfalls and directs the Superintendent and Treasurer to make reductions of $7 million – $10 million prior to the 2025-26 school year if Issue 39 is not successful.
The contingency plan, as outlined in the chart below, includes reduction guidelines to maintain cash reserves as mandated in Board policy while continuing to prioritize the safety and educational needs of students. These reductions include staffing cuts, increases in Pay to Participate fees, reductions in programming, and the delay of certain building projects.
“Nothing on the list of reductions is something that I believe is best for our students and their families,” said Superintendent David Stewart. “Our goal remains to provide a safe, enriching learning environment for all students. However, if Issue 39 is not successful, it will mean that difficult decisions will need to be made by the Board of Education. We believe that voters deserve to know what those realities likely will be.”
While the district cannot ask residents to vote a certain way, we remain transparent about the potential effects of a failed levy and the necessary steps we will take to safeguard the district’s financial future. It is important to remember that this contingency plan will be implemented only if Issue 39 is not successful.
