Westerville City Schools is reducing their budget following the failure of a $4.9 million levy and a $1.66 million bond issue in the November 2024 election. The proposed levy and bond issue from Westerville City Schools board of education were intended to fund school construction, renovations, and staff compensation. With the levy’s failure, the district now faces an estimated $20.8 million annual shortfall in operating revenue.
Several factors contributed to the levy’s failure including Gov. Mike DeWine proposal to reduce state funding for Ohio school districts, the expiration of federal funds and concerns regarding increased operating and construction costs.
In response to the shortfall in funding, the district has reduced its budget by $4.8 million for the current fiscal year and plans to implement an additional $8 million in cuts in the next school year.
During a meeting at Westerville North with the superintendent’s student advisory committee, Superintendent Angela Hamberg said, “We are deficit spending, a big reason for that is our revenue has been cut by the state. We continue to see property value increases that affect our ability to be funded at the state level.” While district officials initially considered placing another levy on the ballot in May 2025, a letter sent to families confirmed that they would not pursue that option.
The levy and bond issues Westerville City Schools district proposed were designed to maintain current programs and services, enhance security measures, upgrade school facilities, support competitive staff compensation and address specialized student needs. The district emphasizes the importance of community involvement in navigating these financial challenges. Engaging with local stakeholders, including parents, staff and residents is seen as crucial in developing sustainable solutions that align with the community’s priorities and the educational needs of students.As Westerville City Schools moves forward, the administration remains committed to maintaining educational standards while operating within the constraints of the current budget. Ongoing discussions and collaborative efforts aim to identify viable paths to ensure the district’s financial stability and financial position while considering alternative funding strategies.
