Finances

Sycamore Community Schools’ award-winning treasurer’s department works hard to support continued academic excellence while meeting the district priority to responsibly manage the resources provided by the community.

The Board of Education and administration are committed to responding to Ohio’s budget issues with involvement in the legislative process in Columbus and with budget controls at home.

The Sycamore community provides outstanding support of its schools.  Sycamore's residents approved a 6.5 mill operating levy in November, 2016.  The Board of Education promised that it will not return to the community for additional operating funds for at least five years.  The Board of Education also made the following commitments:

• Continue the utilization of financial parameters
• Continue its commitment to academic excellence
• Evaluate  the condition of its facilities to maintain the community’s investment in them, as well as, the need for technology infrastructure and equipment to provide tools to teach 21^st century skills to Sycamore’s students, utilizing cash reserve as prudent to meet identified needs in these areas

Since 2005, the Board of Education has used financial parameters to monitor and contain expenditure growth. Originally enacted in 2005 and then extended through 2021, these parameters provide a mandate to the administration to:

• Limit growth in the General Operating Fund budget to no more than an average of 2.5% for fiscal years 2017-21
• Cap the General Operating Fund budget at $82 million for fiscal year 2021
• End fiscal year 2021 with a General Fund cash balance with not less than 25% of the general fund operating budget.

To meet the expectations of the community, the district will continue to control costs while preserving an outstanding school system. The Board and administration will continue to provide schools that add value to the community. 

Click here for the Sycamore Board of Education Financial Parameters Resolution.