Mt. Healthy City School District Runs Out Of Money
Ohio’s public school districts are facing a dire financial situation, with one district already out of money and others fearing they’ll soon follow. Specifically, Mt. Healthy City Schools, located just outside Cincinnati, is grappling with a staggering $10.7 million deficit. Consequently, this has thrust the district into a state of fiscal emergency, forcing tough decisions. Meanwhile, school leaders across the state are sounding the alarm, worried their funds could dry up too.
Mt. Healthy’s Financial Collapse
According to State News, the crisis in Mt. Healthy began over a year ago when a new treasurer uncovered accounting errors. Initially, these mistakes suggested deficit spending loomed ahead. However, a deeper state audit revealed the district had already overspent millions on building projects and staff hires money it didn’t have. As a result, the Ohio auditor placed Mt. Healthy under fiscal caution, and now a state-run financial commission controls its budget. Superintendent Valerie Hawkins called the situation “catastrophic,” noting the district’s $45 million budget can’t absorb such a loss.
Ripple Effects Across Ohio
Mt. Healthy’s plight isn’t isolated. For instance, Springfield Local Schools in Akron has lingered under fiscal watch for nearly four years. Similarly, Trimble Local Schools in rural Athens County joined the list in January after overspending. Ohio State Senator Bill Blessing warns this could become a trend. “If this were just Mt. Healthy, that’s one thing,” he said. “But what happens when more districts face this predicament?” Indeed, larger districts like Cincinnati and Cleveland also brace for cuts as Governor Mike DeWine’s proposed budget slashes public school funding by $103.4 million over two years.
What’s Next for Schools?
With federal COVID relief funds drying up, districts are scrambling. Mt. Healthy plans to cut security and eliminate substitutes, yet these measures won’t fully bridge the gap. Meanwhile, a May levy offers hope but not a full fix. As funding shifts toward vouchers and charters, public schools fear a bleak future. Thus, Ohio’s education system stands at a crossroads—will it find a lifeline, or will more districts run dry?
