SALINEVILLE — The Southern Local Board of Education has approved its five-year financial forecast and Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations, setting a positive outlook for the district’s financial future.

District Treasurer Greg Sabbato presented a detailed 20-page fiscal report outlining Southern Local’s current and projected financial position. According to the forecast, the district is expected to remain in the black for the foreseeable future, reflecting stable management and consistent funding. Sabbato explained that for Fiscal Year 2026, approximately 62 percent of the district’s general fund operating revenue will come from state funding, 14 percent from real estate taxes, and 10 percent from public utility property (PUPP) taxes, with the balance generated through other local taxes and state reimbursements.

“We’re on track for the next two years,” Sabbato said. “However, we continue to face uncertainty with each biennial state budget. Additionally, there’s a real estate tax referendum under discussion, and if those taxes are repealed, it would dramatically impact our operational revenue. There’s movement at multiple levels to modify how those taxes are assessed.”

Sabbato noted that several state legislative proposals could change how schools are funded–particularly regarding inside millage and other funding metrics–and assured the board that he will closely monitor any developments and provide timely updates.

“We’re a little concerned about how these changes might affect our future, but we’ll continue to plan responsibly,” he added.

In his report, Sabbato emphasized that a financial forecast represents a “snapshot in time,” built on current data, historical trends, and reasonable assumptions. The document’s purpose, he said, is to engage the board and community in long-term financial planning; verify the district’s ability to sign the state-required 412 certificate; and provide the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Auditor of State with early insight into districts that could face future financial challenges.

Sabbato also reported on progress with the district’s stadium loan with Consumers Bank, noting that Southern Local has now made its fifth payment on the $553,000 loan and reduced the remaining balance to $326,000.

“We’re maintaining a strong financial position while meeting our commitments and planning for the future,” he said.

Among other matters, the board:

— Heard updates from district staff and administrators on happenings throughout the buildings. Among them were reports on new phone systems, sports events, technology, maintenance, and principals performing OTES observations of faculty, professional development plans and attendance;

— Lauded athletic director Bob Shansky on his 700th career win as a volleyball coach;

— Approved a list of substitute employees for the 2025-2026 school year, including teachers Eric Chronister, Nigel Spann and Aleah Bach; teacher, paraprofessional, and secretary Abby Peterson; teachers and paraprofessionals Toby Warner and Breanna Shasteen; paraprofessional Jamie Clemens; and paraprofessional, secretary, and cafeteria worker Pam Weekley. Leaders also approved a one-year limited contract for Mike Jarvis as high school afternoon custodian, Judy Murphy as an afternoon custodian, and Chelsey White as a cafeteria worker. In other personnel matters, officials approved the resignation of cafeteria worker Mary Craig; approved Jim Dickson as the junior high football coach and Jimmy Malone and Fernando DeChellis as bowling coaches for the 2025-2026 school year; and approved Utica Shale Academy certified health workers Jocelyn Reed, Skyler Lasure, China Willis, Kayla Terdina, Logan Krulik and Michelle Hart;

— Approved field trips for the FFA to Indianapolis on Oct. 29-Nov. 1 and the sixth-grade science class to Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh on Dec. 11;

— Approved a memorandum of understanding with the Columbiana County Mental Health Clinic (dba The Counseling Center);

— Set the next regular meeting for Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. tentatively in the Southern Local High School Media Center.