October 30, 2007 - Volume 16, No. 44

a Winkler Company publication

Also featuring photos from our monthly supplement...

Long Romspert Homestead a unique time capsule

Senior Sendoff

Photo by Leon Chuck

The Oakwood Jacks soundly defeated Franklin 31-7. Before the game, the seniors, accompanied with their parents, were honored during the last home game.

Q & A’s concerning the school levy

By Dr. Mary Jo Scalzo
Superintendent
Oakwood City Schools

During the past weeks, our Board members, Treasurer, Citizens Levy Advisory Committee members, and I have been meeting with groups of Oakwood residents to discuss the 6.5 mill operating levy on the ballot this Nov. 6. Among the most frequently asked questions we’ve received are, “ What are you doing to save money?” and “What will happen if this levy fails?” This article will address both questions.

As many voters are aware, operating funds are used to pay the day-by-day operating costs of running the district: salaries, insurance, and retirement as required by state law; instructional materials; utilities and other purchased services. Because school districts, by law, cannot receive more dollars than voters approve, the dollars generated by tax levies approved in past years do not grow with inflation. As expenses increase and revenue remains flat, school districts must return to the voters for additional funds.

Our Business Advisory and Board of Education members review district finances on a monthly basis and regularly ask the question, “ What are you doing to save money?” Some highlights include:

Since 1992, Oakwood Schools have been part of the Workers Compensation Group Rating Program with other districts in the state. Because of our low incidence of claims, the District saw a savings of $78,249 in 2006-07.

As a member of a Natural Gas Consortium, from 1998-2006 Oakwood has realized a savings of $94,856.

Because of good claims history, our Property and Fleet Insurance has decreased 20 percent since the 2003-04 school year. ($70,022 in 03-04 to $56,214 in 06-07)
Decision to purchase instead of leasing custodial uniforms has resulted in a $12,000/year savings.

In 2005, changes were made in the health insurance plan which resulted in all employees absorbing additional costs. Increased co-pays for doctor office visits from $15 to $20; Emergency Room visits from $50-$75. Life insurance premiums were also reduced by five percent.

In 2006-07, we established a goal to reduce costs of new personnel. Through attrition and retirements we were able to reduce costs on thirteen positions by 27 percent, which resulted in cost savings of $177,166.

Supplemental positions (coaches, curricular and extracurricular advisors/ committees) are examined yearly with reductions in some areas to offset increases in other areas.

“What will happen if the levy fails?” As we have stated in our meetings with citizens, we have no “doomsday scenario.” Eighty-three percent of our budget funds personnel costs for the District’s 236 employees. If the levy fails, we anticipate that personnel will be reduced which will affect class size and program offerings. We would need to come back to the voters in the spring with another levy request.

Each and every day our faculty and staff strive to add value to the Oakwood community by serving the educational needs of our students. We understand the community’s expectation for our accountability and we appreciate the support we have received. If we can answer additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via phone 297-5332 or email philo.kevin@oakwood.k12.oh.us or scalzo.maryjo@oakwood.k12.oh.us.

Scarecrow Row People’s Choice Awards announced

Thanks to all who voted in the 1st People’s Choice Award for Scarecrow Row in Oakwood. And the winner is:

“Homebody” located at site #1 at Greenmount and Shafor Boulevards. The creation was constructed by Real Living Realty.

Second place goes to: “The Caped Crow-Sader” located at site #14 on the south side of Hadley Ave. This scarecrow was created by “The Corona Neighborhood Watch” headed by Cheryl Mahoney.

Third place goes to: “ScareWars” located at site #2 at Lonsdale and Shafor, created by the Auditore and Dock families.

Congratulations to all the winners. Make sure you take time to go out and view all the great scarecrows. They will remain up through Sunday, Nov. 4.

See the photo gallery for some photos along Scarecrow Row!

OHS Band fruit sale slated Nov. 3

The Oakwood High School and Junior High School bands are selling fruit and cheesecakes. This is their annual fund-raising activity. The funds will support the high school band trip to Canada this coming June and the yearly competition trip to Kings Island for the junior high band.

Coming this Saturday, Nov. 3, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., all of the high school band members will be going door to door throughout Oakwood selling fruit and/or asking for your donation in support of all their activities. Please be ready to greet them and give the band your welcome support. If you do not see any band members that day and want to buy fruit or donate, you can call 395-0051 and your request will be passed on to the band members.

This sale continues through Nov. 11. The delivery of the fruit will be on Saturday, Dec. 8. Thanks for all your support.

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