By Dr. Michael E. Zalar, Superintendent

Money is tight these days.  I don’t need to remind you of that fact.  Like you, the Oregon City School District is feeling the effects of an economy that appears to be uncertain for the foreseeable future.  When resources are scarce – tough choices have to be made.  Today, by reducing our costs and tightening our belts, we are a leaner more efficient organization.

The district has reduced operating costs to a level significantly below FY2006 expenditures (see chart).  This is never an easy thing to do.  The challenge is to achieve the delicate balance between operational efficiency and high standards for educational programming.  By working together we have done this and are beginning to work towards long term fiscal stability. 

You will note that the chart indicates that our total revenue has remained relatively flat since FY2006.  It is important to understand that several factors have contributed to this including the receipt of one time federal “stimulus” monies and the passage of a 5.9 mill levy in 2008.  Had this additional revenue not been received the district would have fallen into a major deficit.  School funding revenue continues to be unstable due to Ohio’s high unemployment rate which in turn has caused a decrease in income tax collection.  This is the major source of revenue for the state and has prompted major budget reductions in state agencies. 

Governor Strickland has been a strong proponent of public schools and has worked hard to maintain current levels of funding for the time being.  However, if state revenue continues to decline, school funding will likely be the next place to be hit hard by budget cuts.  Another major cause for concern locally is the decline in property valuations. As real estate values decrease, the revenue generated from those properties for the district decrease as well.  Furthermore, due to high unemployment, tax delinquencies are at an all time high in our county and community.  All of this contributes to a further loss of revenue for the district - which we have no control over.

As I travel throughout the community I am often advised from well meaning citizens that the schools have to “live within our means” and “do more with less” just like they do at home.  I hope the chart illustrates that we are doing just that and operating in a fiscally responsible manner.  However there is a real danger in running too lean.  In FY2006 the district employed 523 individuals (some of these part-time).  Today, we are operating with 473 staff members.  This is a significant reduction in staff and has translated into the elimination or reduction of numerous educational opportunities for kids.  Class size in many of our general education classes has swelled to 28-30 students per teacher.  There comes a point of diminishing return where organizations aren’t just lean – they are anorexic.  That is neither healthy nor conducive to quality education.

Like you, I am proud of our school district.  The schools reflect the values of the community in that they provide a high quality education at a good value.  The cost, however, is not free.  But like anything else – you get what you pay for.  We cannot afford to allow our school system to fall into decline and sacrifice what has taken decades for this community to build.  Education is an investment in the future of both the individual and the community.  This investment has paid tremendous dividends in the past and will, with your continued support, continue to do so in the future.

Dr. Michael E. Zalar, Superintendent of Schools, can be reached by calling (419) 693-0661 or emailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it