MILFORD, Ohio — The Milford Board of Education closed the books on fiscal year 2026 with revenues outpacing expenditures by about $2.3 million, a sharp turnaround from a previously projected $1.9 million deficit, Treasurer Doug Ackermann told the board at its Aug. 20 meeting.
Ackermann attributed the improved bottom line in part to $3.1 million in investment earnings and lower spending on purchased services. Administrative expenditures made up 6.89% of total spending, he said. District leaders credited transportation efficiencies and staffing alignments for helping strengthen the district’s finances.
Despite the gains, the board’s updated financial forecast, which it approved at the meeting, still shows expenditures outpacing revenue over the coming years. Cash reserves are projected to fall below the district’s 90-day target by the end of fiscal year 2029. Ackermann said the district would revisit the forecast in February as more financial information becomes available.
Enrollment
Superintendent Bobbie Fiori reported enrollment of 5,698 students as of Aug. 20, about 100 fewer than at the same point last year. Fiori said smaller incoming kindergarten classes, compared with larger graduating classes, are driving much of the decline, though a comparison of continuing student groups advancing from one grade to the next showed a combined increase of 57 students. The district’s online program has grown to about 26 students, she said.
Staffing changes tied to performance audit
TJ Glassmeyer updated the board on the district’s response to staffing recommendations from its state performance audit. Through retirements and resignations, the district identified five teaching positions and 1.5 secretarial positions that didn’t need to be refilled based on enrollment and building needs, and pursued strategic hiring for other vacancies, according to the district.
The district did add a kindergarten teacher at Boyd Elementary to support full-day kindergarten and an assistant athletic director as part of a restructuring of the athletics department. Combined, the staffing changes saved the district nearly $1 million heading into the school year, the district said. Officials said future staffing decisions will continue to track enrollment and building needs.
2027-28 calendar approved
The board approved the district’s calendar for the 2027-28 school year. It keeps the staggered start currently in use and adds two student instructional days. Fall and winter breaks will remain similar to this year, and students will attend school on the day of the May election, according to the district.
Career pathways, transportation
Board members also discussed the district’s partnership with Great Oaks Career Campuses, including efforts to introduce students to career exploration earlier and to develop additional pathways within Milford that complement existing Great Oaks programs.
District leaders reported on bus routing and traffic flow during the first week of school, saying conditions had improved compared with the start of the previous school year. The district said it is working with Clermont County and the Ohio Department of Transportation to evaluate traffic signal timing near campus and is adjusting how buses use campus exits.
The board also approved routine financial items, contracts, personnel items and donations, including a $4,500 donation to help cover student lunch balances. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Milford Exempted Village School District.