AMHERST – The Amherst Exempted Village Schools Board of Education used its December board meeting to move forward with placing a five-year 0.75 percent earned school district income tax levy on the May 2026 ballot. The action comes as the district completes a state-required precaution plan outlining millions in reductions needed to eliminate future deficits.
Treasurer Amelia Gioffredo and Superintendent Michael Molnar walked the board through the updated financial outlook, noting that Amherst must submit its full precaution plan and narrative to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce by December 21. The plan, shaped by the district’s fiscal consultant, includes approximately $12.7 million in expenditure reductions over several years.
Gioffredo told the board that the district’s financial position shifted sharply after the Lorain County Commissioners doubled the homestead and owner-occupancy credits this fall, removing more than $840,000 per year from Amherst’s projections. Combined with normal cost growth, the district’s deficit in fiscal year 2028 increased to more than $9 million.
To meet the state’s requirements, the district will reduce 48 positions across classrooms, support services, transportation, custodial roles, secretarial staffing and administrative departments. Molnar emphasized that these are position eliminations, not finalized personnel decisions, because reduction-in-force procedures must still be followed.
Non-personnel reductions include eliminating certain instructional software programs, postponing curriculum adoptions, reducing professional development contracts, removing high school busing next year, adjusting purchase services and trimming building-level budgets.
Even with these reductions, deficit spending will continue unless new revenue is approved. Gioffredo explained that a May levy, if passed, would not begin providing full annual revenue until fiscal year 2029 due to state collection timelines for school district income taxes.
“If a levy does not pass in May, we will be in the same situation next year with another round of deep cuts,” Gioffredo said.
Board members stressed that Amherst has been operating lean for years and that the district’s financial strain stems from the state’s funding model. They urged residents to contact legislators and advocate for stronger public school support.
The vote to proceed with the five-year earned income tax levy passed unanimously.
Routine Business
The board approved routine treasurer, personnel, educational and business recommendations, including several field trips, the creation of a girls flag football club, and the continued use of Cleveland State University for graduation ceremonies.
The board also certified the full precaution plan workbook and narrative for submission to the state.
Recognizing Service
The December meeting also included a farewell to board member Morgan Wachholz, who did not seek re-election. The board presented her with a cake and a gift and thanked her for her years of service.
The meeting adjourned without the need for executive session.
