Lack of funds plagues Trimble schools

Trimble Local School District has been declared in a state of fiscal emergency - and it could be years before it is out of this financial problem, a school official said.

On Jan. 31, state Auditor Jim Petro told the district that it was not adequately funded, District Superintendent William White said. To help solve the problem, Ohio gave Trimble a $940,000 interest-free loan.

A commission will be appointed to recommend ways to gain financial solvency. But district officials expect the goal will not be reached for at least five years, White said.

"I don't know how we'll resolve this," he said. "Eighty-five percent of the budget is based on salaries and benefits."

The district's financial problems stem from a loss of district revenue, including equity funds and income taxes, White said.

The auditor's office recommended the district cut back on transportation, supplies, custodial and professional staff, White said. A final fiscal report will not be available until May.

"We're going to have to live within our means," White said. "I'm optimistic that the General Assembly will give us added funds."

The district currently is being compared to three other districts around the state that are of similar size and funding. These schools have been declared in a fiscal emergency, but Trimble is the poorest, White said.