The Kenston Board of Education approved the five-year forecast for the general fund, which gives a long-term view of the district’s finances at the May meeting...
BOE Approves Financial Forecast
The Kenston Board of Education approved the five-year forecast for the general fund, which gives a long-term view of the district’s finances at the May meeting. Treasurer Paul J. Pestello annually submits the forecast to the Ohio Department of Education in October and May and makes updates during the year as information changes. The five-year forecast reflects conservative projections based on historical trends and assumptions for the future known at a specific point in time.
The primary purpose of the forecast:
- A planning tool for the district’s board of education and administration to use to identify and to prepare for future funding issues of the district in support of its mission and vision.
- A key tool in meeting the district’s priority to respect the investment of taxpayers by providing responsible management of resources as we continue our commitment to student success.
- To serve as a basis for determining the treasurer’s ability to certify that funds are available when entering into contracts.
- To provide a method for the Ohio Department of Education and the Auditor of State to identify districts headed toward financial difficulties.
- To identify future years’ deficits to allow districts to engage in planning for those conditions prior to their arrival and eliminating a projected deficit.
Highlights of the May 2021 financial forecast include: Real estate tax collections not affected by the pandemic as expected, reinstatement of State Foundation revenue by the governor to pre-pandemic levels and an unexpected and significant rebate and dividend payment was received from the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation.
The current five-year forecast projects a deficit at the end of June 30, 2024 (fiscal year 2024).
Contact Paul J. Pestello, treasurer, with any questions. The forecast and assumptions are posted on the district’s finance page at kenstonlocal.org.
Sen. Cirino Visits Kenston
Kenston Schools were honored to have state Sen. Jerry C. Cirino visit with the administrative team and attend the May 10 Kenston Board of Education meeting. Cirino met with administrators and board members to get to know the district and discuss how Kenston navigated the pandemic and the challenges the district faces.
Cirino discussed his upcoming initiatives and that his primary focus as a new senator is education. The board of education and administrators look forward to continued discussions with the senator as the issue of school funding reform in Ohio begins to take shape through several pieces of current legislation.
Nancy Santilli, superintendent, expressed, “I am grateful to Sen. Cirino for taking the time to meet with us and begin discussions to understand our district and our constituents better. We appreciate his focus on education and his involvement in this process.”
Cirino is currently serving his first term in the Ohio Senate, representing the 18th District that includes citizens of the Kenston School District and people of Portage County and portions of Lake and Geauga counties.
True Blue Award
During the Senior Academic and Athletic Awards, Superintendent Nancy Santilli presented Phillip Witmer-Rich with the third annual Superintendent True Blue Award. Phillip received this recognition for his invaluable contributions to Kenston.
Phillip is no stranger to this stage. While at Kenston, he found a passion for performing and has spent countless hours entertaining his community and classmates participating in every Kenston Center Stage production.
The True Blue Award for his performances at athletic and school events as “Billy the Bomber.” Phillip created a larger than life persona for Billy that made him a fan favorite for Bomber fans young and old. With his enthusiasm, he could bring the crowd to their feet. Without saying a word, his charm and charisma could captivate a toddler and make a lifelong friend.
Phillip will not be typecast in life, as he takes his talents to Goshen College to study English and music.
Batting Cage Dedication
The DeBonis and Varney families generously donated funds for a new softball batting cage in loving memory of coach Jeff DeBonis. Coach DeBonis was a beloved softball coach of the girl’s Bomber softball team from 2010 to 2015. Kenston Bomber softball players will benefit for years to come from the donation, and DeBonis’s memory and his passion for softball will remain forever on the fields of the Kenston campus.
Timmons Lunch Bunch
Congratulations to Timmons Elementary School Students of the Month, who were recognized for their good judgment. Kindergartners honored were Alexander Spann, Allyson Abraham, Archer Love, Casen Malloy, James Siegler, Josephine Hughes, Lucy Vander Wyst, Luke Peterson and Mahek Khan. First-graders were Gianna Albino, Lily Craig, Sophia Facaros, Dylan Hoch, Mackenzie Kosiorek, Owen Lukas, Brynn McBride and Martin Steimle.
Second-graders were Emma Butler, Amelia Caruso, Calista Chiles, Maisie McCabe, Gabriella Moyer, Colton Risker and Coraline Waldinger. Third-graders were Alina Arnaut, Marilyn Dobrowski, Angel Guzman, Pyper John, Luke Rice, Elizabeth Roche, Violet Schultz, Laila Stanley and Landon Thompson.
