Oregon City School District News
March 17, 2026
Good morning!
I want to share a summary of the presentation delivered by our treasurer, Tracy Boyes, and I to the Board of Education at the March 2026 meeting. The focus of the presentation was our district’s financial outlook and the steps we must take to maintain stability in the coming years.
The presentation began with a review of the General Revenue Fund Cash Balance Board policy. The goal for the District is to maintain a minimum of 60 days of cash balance. There was a discussion about the current financial picture of the District over the next couple of fiscal years. This financial forecast highlighted the need for significant expenditure reductions beginning in the 2026–27 school year and the need for additional revenue for the District. For example, the District is currently expected to spend $55 million and receive $52 in revenue in this fiscal year.
We shared with the Board that we expect to reduce expenditures in the next fiscal year (the 2026-27 school year) by $1.5-$2 million. This financial reduction will be completed by:
● the use of attrition (not filling open positions based on enrollment),
● the hiring of new staff versus retiring/resigning staff that have higher salary/hourly wages,
● the reduction in student mental health services from a third party provider paid for by the District,
● the elimination of summer school other than for credit recovery at the high school,
● the small reduction in supply accounts,
● the reduction of paid summer positions for operations, and
● other expenditures that may be reduced through continued efficiency studies in the District.
We discuss the limited ways to increase revenue for the school district. We shared with the Board the recent levy history and discussed the types of levies available to the district, including traditional real estate, traditional income tax, and earned income tax options. Updated estimates were provided for potential tax revenue and the equivalent millage for 2026.
The presentation also examined the impact of the above expenditure reductions, transferring $5 million from the 070 account to support operating needs, and the addition of a new operating levy that would need to be approved by the voters. The 070 account was established to help pay expenses related to permanent improvements- building repairs, maintenance items lasting more than five years, etc.
We shared with the Board the election filing dates for 2026 and 2027 for placing a new operating levy on the ballot. This information was shared in case the Board decides to be on the ballot in the next two years. If the Board decides to place a levy on the ballot in the Fall, they can start the process in May.
The presentation concluded with concerns and recommendations, emphasizing the importance of proactive financial planning, timely decision-making, and continued communication with our community. Here are some of the items discussed that may influence the results of a new operating levy in the Fall:
● the potential of a significant financial gain from the proposed Data Center may cause questions for the need of a school levy,
● current perception of real estate taxes,
● the potential of a Fall ballot issue to eliminate real estate taxes in Ohio,
● the current funding levels from the State and Federal sources, and
● the current finances related to the amount of cash days in our fiscal year balance.
We recommended to the Board that they take time to make a decision about the option to place a levy on the ballot in the Fall over the next two months.
We wanted to share this information with you to keep you aware of conversations surrounding the finances of the District. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our students and our district.
Thank you,
Dr. Jim Fritz
Congratulations to State Champion Weisner!
— JimFritzOCS (@JimFritzOCS) Mar 16, 2026
