As part of state budget cuts to offset the loss of tax revenue stemming from the coronavirus crisis, Westerville City Schools saw a total reduction of $5.6 million as of July 31 -- with more state budget cuts anticipated for the future.
Treasurer Nicole Marshall outlined the financial impact of COVID-19 on the district’s budget at the Aug. 10 board meeting.
She highlighted one-time state and federal funds the district received to support COVID-related expenses, including:
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$2 million to maintain operations as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Those dollars, which must be used by September 2022, have been earmarked to offset the loss in state funds.
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$786,430 from the state for COVID-related expenses. The district is using that money for the Westerville Virtual Academy (WVA) and personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and students. The district must use the funds by the end of December.
She said the district has $4.8 million in COVID-related costs to support teachers and schools with their remote- and blended-learning plans. Expenses include online curriculum for WVA; PPE; Virtual Student Success Coaches, who will provide support around remote learning; guest teachers, whose responsibilities are much like those of a substitute teacher; recess aides, who will need additional hours to help coordinate during lunch when students return to the buildings; bus drivers, who will need additional hours to allow for cleaning between each route; and all-day kindergarten fees, which will be reduced based on the educational model employed during the school year.
She noted that there are other costs to the district that are still unknown: state funding for the current fiscal year and upcoming two-year budget, property tax collections, future property values, and health insurance costs linked to COVID-19.