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Issue 10 Factsheet

Westerville Schools Quality and Value The Westerville School District currently delivers a high quality educational experience at a fantastic value: Westerville earned Excellent with Distinction the highest state rating for the past 2 years, with cost per pupil ranking 7th lowest out of 8 such districts in Franklin County All three Westerville high schools were selected by US News and World Reports as among the top 6% of all high schools in the country Westerville schools cost per pupil is among the LOWEST in Franklin County ranking 11th out of 16 for districts Westerville schools are lean, operating with fewer administrators per pupil ranked 578th lowest out of 609 Ohio districts Westerville teachers pay ranks 11th lowest out of 16 Franklin County school districts Implemented Cost Savings Efforts To begin the budget-balancing process, the WCSD has already implemented many cost-saving measures: Changed the compensation plan for administrators and non-union staff so that the majority (those on the family plan) pay 20% of their health care costsan effective pay cut of over $3500 Froze salaries for non-union district staff and administrators Negotiated much lower health insurance rates than had been forecasted Adjusted hiring practices to reevaluate the need as positions come open and fill only those positions that are absolutely required with lower cost resources Developed Request for Proposals for a number of operational services to determine whether outsourcing could drive down cost Reopened contracts with all employee unions to seek wage and benefit concessions

To preserve our excellent schools. To preserve our property values. To preserve our pride in Westerville.

Vote YES March 6, 2012

www.OurCommunityOurSchools.org

Anticipated Future Reductions As a result of losses in state and local funding, coupled with the loss of the November levy, the school district has made $23 million in cost reductions that take our programming to state minimum levels. The reductions include: Reduction to five classes at the high school and elimination of many electives Reduction to four classes at the middle school and the elimination of most electives Close Longfellow and Central College Schools and eliminate the current Magnet Program Major reductions in related arts classes (art, music, physical education, technology and health) at all levels Eliminate High School Bussing and reduction to 2 mile non-transport boundaries for elementary students Eliminate funding for sports and all other extra-curricular activities Eliminate funding for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Eliminate 8.56 administrative FTEs (full-time equivalent) Eliminate 100 teaching FTEs The full list can be found at http://www.westerville.k12.oh.us/content_page2.aspx?cid=1056 Levy Request for March 6, 2012 To offset losses in state and local funding, the Board has placed a levy on the March Ballot. The details are as follows: The issue is a five-year, 6.9 mill emergency operating levy It will generate $16.5 million annually 25% smaller than the Nov. 2011 levy request The issue is for property tax only - no income tax component Passage of the issue will balance the budget through June 2015 Levy collection begins in 2013 and expires at the end of the 2017 calendar year The levy will cost $211 per year per $100,000 of home value

www.OurCommunityOurSchools.org

Issue 10 Rebuttal Points


Cost Savings Implemented Efforts Since November To begin the budget-balancing process, the WCSD has already implemented many cost-saving measures: Administrators and non-union staff are increasing health care contributions - over $3500 for the family plan, equals a 10% cut in salary for an employee making $35,000, 5% cut if making $75,000. This change will save the district over $300,000 annually. Froze salaries for non-union district staff and administrators Reduced administration headcount by 3 of 8.5 FTE in planned reductions through attrition Support staff returned $25,000 in one-time payments Reopened contracts with all employee unions to seek wage and benefit concessions Other Austerity Measures Taken in 2011-12 Earlier in 2011, the district identified or negotiated significant savings: $1.4 million in teacher salary concessions for FY2012 Froze administrator and approved salaries and declined to fill two planned positions saving over $450,000 Cost-Effective Education Westerville delivers a high quality education at bargain basement prices: Cost per pupil ranking 7th lowest out of 8 Excellent with Distinction districts in Franklin County Westerville schools cost per pupil is among the LOWEST in Franklin County ranking 11th out of 16 for districts Westerville has fewer administrators per pupil ranked 578th lowest out of 609 Ohio districts. Westervilles average administrative salary ranks 13th out of 16 districts in Franklin County and is $7,166 less than the county average.
WCSDs average administrative salary ranks fifth out of the five districts in Franklin County with an enrollment of more than 10,000 students. Westervilles average administrative salary ranks 13 out of 21 similar districts as determined by ODE and is $2,797 less than the average for this group. Westervilles average administrative salary is $1,704 less than the average of similar districts with an enrollment of more than 10,000 students. Westerville teachers pay ranks 11th lowest out of 16 Franklin County school districts and has only increased by 9% over the last 10 years.

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