| Did you see the District Newsletter this past week on ParentSquare? In case you didn’t: …I want to let you know that Monday night, the Board of Education reviewed the list of cuts that were approved in March of 2023 (if new money is not passed by November of 2023). After much discussion, the Board decided to amend and reduce the list originally approved last March. The reason for this change is because the additional state funding received in the new biennium budget improved the district financial picture enough to keep us out of the red in the five-year forecast. This additional money in state funds was the reason the board was able to approve a lesser request for a levy on this November ballot (the 4-mill property levy that is on the November ballot is lesser in comparison to the 1% earned income tax request in May). While the additional state funding keeps us out of the red in the five-year forecast, the increase is not enough to keep us off the ballot because it doesn’t leave us with Board approved cash balances, which is why we are still on the ballot in November and why additional spending cuts were approved. The original spending cuts approved in March were to be enacted in the 2024-2025 school year if new money is not approved by November of 2023. Those spending cuts totaled about $2.8 million and consisted of: the reconfiguration of Demmitt and Helke Elementary, reducing transportation from the current 1-mile radius to the state minimum 2-mile radius, as well as reductions in elective classes at Morton and Butler, the reduction of specials at the elementary buildings, and counseling services in the district, to name a few. The new cost reduction plan approved Monday evening totals about $1.2 million (reduced from the original $2.8 million), and consists of:Reconfiguration of Demmitt and Helke which would reduce 3 teaching positions.Reducing 1 teaching position at Smith (due to lower projected enrollment next year). Elimination of 1 section per year of textbook adoptions.Elimination of 1 Operations position.Exploration of a Labor Day to Memorial Day school calendar (which we anticipate could save a couple hundred thousand dollars in if we moved to this calendar).Pursuit of other opportunities to capture savings through attrition.These spending cuts would go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year if new money is not approved in November. The Board also discussed that if the levy fails in November, we will pursue a levy request in the May election. State Funding Advocacy Also, on a slightly different topic, in addition to this data that we continue to share, according to data compiled from the Ohio Dept. of Education’s District Profile Report as of FY2022:1. VBCSD ranks 25th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of 25 districts in both Montgomery and Miami Counties.2. VBCSD ranks 68th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of 69 in our entire Miami Valley region.3. VBCSD ranks 36th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of all 613 public school districts in the state. In further investigating our rank as 36th lowest state funded district per pupil out of the 613 districts in the state, we have also discovered that in comparison to this group of 36 lowest funded districts, we have the 5th lowest Ohio Median Income, we have the 3rd lowest Federal Average income, and we are the 5th highest economic disadvantaged district in this group. All this shows – we don’t belong in this group! We are not funded appropriately by the state. We continue to make our case and advocate further with the state and county auditors. We will continue to update you on this topic until we have a resolve or further answers. Mr. Beavers and I have more meetings and follow ups planned and in the works. Paid for by Citizens for Education |
VB Citizens for Education needs your help!
Citizens for Education is working again to inform the residents of the Vandalia-Butler School community about an important issue on the March 17, 2020 election ballot. This emergency levy was successfully supported by the voters the last 5 times it has appeared on the ballot. Passing this levy is essential for the district to avoid […]
What can you do to help?
By contacting and providing us with your email address, you will be included in all of the activities concerning this levy as well as other events supporting our local schools. Watch for more information on our facebook page and website. What can you do to help folks RENEW their support for the V-B schools? Write a […]
Vandalia Butler Citizens for Education
Vandalia Butler Citizens for Education exists as an ongoing community group to provide support to the Vandalia – Butler City Schools. Among its purpose / activities are the following Recruitment of volunteers Fundraising for levy campaigns Provide information for parents of school-age children Raise awareness of pertinent school issues among all residents Solicit resources (in-kind […]
ICYMI: District Newsletter
October 8th, 2023 
vbadmin The Legends: Lonnie and Lenny
October 6th, 2023 vbadmin Did you have either of these two legends at Butler HS? Check out what they have to say about issue 16!
Paid for by Citizens for Education
September Board Meeting
October 6th, 2023 vbadmin Minutes of the September Board of Education Meeting are now available: https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/vbcsd/Board.nsf/files/CW5PL765168A/$file/09.25.2023%20Regular%20Minutes.pdf
Paid for by Citizens for Education
Building Feature: Morton Junior High
October 4th, 2023 vbadmin Morton Middle School (formerly Junior High) was originally located on West National Road where Primed Physicians and other businesses sit today. It opened in 1922 with additions in 1948, 1952, and 1965. The building was originally Butler Township school and hosted all grades. In 2012, students moved into the new Morton building located on Peters Pike at Stonequarry and houses more than 700 students in grades 6-8.
Like both elementary schools and Smith, Morton is a Purple Star designated Military Friendly school, representing schools which show a major commitment to the students and families of our nation’s armed services. Morton has many unique opportunities for students to prepare them for high school and beyond. The current principal is Ms. Shannon White.
What is your favorite memory of Morton – in any of its iterations?
This post paid for by Citizens for Education; historical image courtesy of the VB Historical Society.
Hear why Nancy Bocskor says, “Aviators Continue to Soar!”
October 2nd, 2023 vbadmin Check out this testimonial by Nancy Bocskor!
Paid for by Citizens for Education
Signs Available!
September 29th, 2023 vbadmin ISSUE 16 SIGNS ARE BECOMING AVAILABLE!
You can get a sign from the following locations – note it may take some time to stock each location:
-Keller Williams Realty (300 W. National)
-Christy’s Pizza (503 S. Dixie)
-North Dixie Hardware (9125 N. Dixie)
-Digital Cowboy Computers (318 E. National)
-Message this page
Paid for by Citizens for Education
EVENT REMINDER
September 28th, 2023 vbadmin TWO WEEKS AWAY!
October 11th at 6pm
BHS Performing Arts Center.
Learn about property value increases and hear from district leaders.
Paid for by Citizens for Education
Building Feature: Smith Middle School
September 28th, 2023 vbadmin BUILDING FEATURE – SMITH MIDDLE SCHOOL
Smith opened in 1969 and is in its original design still today. Over time, it housed students in many different grades and today educates Vandalia-Butler students in grades 4 and 5. One of the best features of Smith is the Planetarium (pictured in the post!). Thousands of students, residents, and guests attended programs hosted by Mr. Oldfield over the years.
Like our elementary schools, Smith is a Purple Star designated Military Friendly school, representing schools which show a major commitment to the students and families of our nation’s armed services. In addition, Smith earned FIVE STARS on its 2022-2023 state report card in Gap Closing. The current principal is Mr. Ryan Rogers.
What’s your favorite Smith memory?
This post paid for by Citizens for Education
Paul Wilkey Supports our Schools!
September 28th, 2023 vbadmin Check out this testimonial by Paul Wilkey!
Paid for by Citizens for Education
August District Finances
September 26th, 2023 vbadmin August District Financial Info: https://go.boarddocs.com/…/CVPM285910DA/$file/08.2023.pdf
Paid for by Citizens for Education