Public education finance is a fascinating field that can also be frustrating. For most Ohio school districts, state funding is too static to meet rising costs while maintaining a consistent, acceptable burden on local taxpayers. Districts must constantly seek new efficiencies and economies that stretch resources. The challenge is compounded by ever-increasing mandates requiring new costs, but providing no more funding. Maintaining programs and services becomes a balancing act for administrators and the Board, and that makes good financial information a very valuable commodity.

Information allows for the proactive management that will keep the district out of financial crisis during these times of inadequate state funding. The state Supreme Court has held that school funding in Ohio is unconstitutional, overly dependent on local taxation. Despite this condition, State Foundation funding remains very static from year to year. As costs grow, school districts must cut programs and/or look for additional dollars from local taxpayers. At Madison Schools, the board of education and administration are committed to minimizing the burden on local taxpayers through efficient, effective programs, producing graduates that are well prepared for college, trade school, and participation in an ever-changing job market. Unless the state funding issue can be resolved, this will be a more and more difficult task as the costs for educational services keep going up every year. In our district, the state share of our general fund revenue pie is about 55%. Without growth in such an important source of operating revenue, you can see why balancing the budget becomes an increasingly challenging endeavor.

Madison Township is a wonderful place to live and work – a place where residents value education and take pride in their schools. This is a place of tradition, where excellence is expected and supported, where accountability is promoted and valued. Madison’s beautiful neighborhoods produce wonderful hard-working, enthusiastic children who reflect their parents’ community pride. I am proud to have the opportunity to help produce the best educational outcome possible for each Madison child.

I invite the public to call me with questions about district financial matters. I also invite you to attend meetings of the Board of Education, at which monthly financial information is presented and discussed. Minutes of past meetings are available on this website. If you have need of additional information not provided here, please don’t hesitate to call me at 513-420-4756. Thank you for your continued support of responsible, value-driven education at Madison Schools.

Regards,

Mark A. Zimov
Treasurer/CFO
Madison Local Schools