In Upper Arlington Schools, we are committed to preparing the young people of Upper Arlington for success, both while they’re here and in their next steps in life. That is the focus for everything we do in our district — from our academic program to operations and finances.
Through thoughtful planning and sound fiscal management, we have been able to build on our exceptional academic program by implementing an all-day kindergarten program this fall. The Board of Education has been committed to and planning for this for some time, and we are excited about the opportunities it will provide our younger learners to lay an even stronger foundation in literacy and math for their academic journey in our schools.
When we think about tightening our belts and seeking out cost savings, our focus, first and foremost, is doing that in a way that does not have an impact on the student experience. Since the summer of 2020, we’ve done just that by creatively seeking out approximately $4.6 million in cost efficiencies without impacting the student experience.
As we look to the future and continue to build on the tradition of excellence in our schools, our five-year financial forecast will be an important guide for us. At the November Board of Education meeting, I will present a new five-year forecast for the district. This is a legally required document that covers three years of actual data and five years of anticipated revenues. It is presented to the board for approval and then filed with the state of Ohio.
Over the past few years, the biggest impacts we’ve seen on our five-year forecast have been enrollment growth, fluctuations in revenue sources such as state funding and the decision to delay an operating levy in the summer of 2020.
Our new five-year forecast will serve as a financial check-in point for us as a district and help us keep a clear view on what our future impacts and needs will be. This is an important part of our commitment to our community to use our money wisely - and to our students and their families to provide the highest quality of education possible in our schools.
Please check our website later in November for the new five year forecast, which will be available at www.uaschools.org/treasurer.aspx.
Andrew Geistfeld is the treasurer / chief financial officer for Upper Arlington Schools.