EAST LIVERPOOL — East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education voted all-in-favor to approve the district’s five-year forecast during a special board meeting called just for that purpose Monday.

There was no discussion during the board meeting, only the vote.

A media release regarding the five-year forecast was issued by the district.

According to the media release, the five-year forecast released by the district treasurer Anson Wiegand outlines the “current fiscal conditions, upcoming changes in funding and the district’s ongoing commitment to strong financial stewardship.”

In the release it was stated that 79.17% of the district’s funding total funding is from state dollars which is said to be “a structure that remains highly beneficial to both district operations and the quality of education provided to students.”

House Bill 96 (HB96), which was recently enacted, governs state funding for the next two fiscal years (FY26 and FY27), which according to the district is providing continued stability for Ohio’s school districts. But the bill has several large items vetoed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, which the state legislature retains the ability to overturn through Dec. 31, 2026.

The release noted that two of the most significant items pending are the limitations on carryover balances exceeding 40% of the annual expenditures and changes to the 20-mill floor, which according to the district could have long-term implications for school finances planning statewide.

“The district continues to closely monitor those developments to ensure that we remain proactive and prepared for any fiscal changes,” Wiegand said.

The district is anticipating an estimated annual revenue reduction of $558,000 under HB96, which they consider a notable adjustment. The district remains financially strong and well positioned to responsibly manage the impact, according to the release.

“Our leadership team is taking a strategic and disciplined approach to spending,” Wiegand said. “Every dollar is being evaluated to ensure it continues to directly support our students and classroom learning.”

The district also said in the release that there are several other state budget bills pending which could have an impact on local real estate tax revenue which would directly affect district budgets across the state, and the district will continue to monitor these bills as they progress.

The release also noted that rising healthcare costs is a significant factor in the district’s expenditures and that they are exploring solutions to contain the expenses while still maintaining quality coverage for the staff.

According to the release, sufficient cash balances and solid capital expense plan to maintain operational and long-term facility needs.

“Overall, the district remains fiscally stable and forward-focused,” Wiegand said. “We are committed to responsible stewardship of public funds and to ensuring that East Liverpool City Schools continues to provide the best educational opportunities possible for all students.”

The district through the release noted that the five-year forecast reflects the best information available at the time it was prepared and will be updated when new financial and/or legislative developments occur.

The East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 23.