Canton Schools Unveil Consolidation Plan to Tackle Budget Challenges
Canton City Schools Unveil Plan to Cope with Budget Challenges
Canton City School officials have unveiled a comprehensive plan to address a growing budget deficit. The district estimates a $17 million shortfall by 2028, driven in part by the reduction of state and federal funding. This financial challenge has prompted the district to submit a plan to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, which was initially due last month but received an extension. The revised plan must now be submitted by the end of January.
According to Superintendent Jeff Talbert, the district experienced a $7 million loss in state and federal funding in 2025, with projections showing this figure rising to $17 million by 2028 and $38 million by 2029. These numbers are influenced by the Ohio Legislature’s efforts to reduce property taxes and the U.S. Department of Education’s budget cuts under the Trump administration.
At the board’s first meeting of the year, with two new members, Talbert outlined the plan to address the financial issues while ensuring the district can continue to support students and staff. He emphasized that while the plan is not without challenges, it aims to protect essential services and programs.
Changes Impacting Students and Schools
The plan involves significant changes to school structures and programs. Talbert noted that 84% of the district’s budget is allocated to personnel, meaning any adjustments will directly affect students and staff. One key component of the plan is accelerating building consolidation to reduce operational and transportation costs.
Several schools will undergo restructuring:
- Timken Elementary School will replace Worley Elementary School, located at 316 30th St. NW. It will accommodate 550 students, with students from Worley, Clarendon, Belle Stone, and Gibbs attending the new school starting in the fall.
- Belle Stone will close at the end of the current school year and be sold.
- Youtz Intermediate School will transition into a kindergarten through sixth-grade building, welcoming students from Youtz and Gibbs.
- Gibbs Elementary School will expand to include grades K through sixth, while Patrick will remain a K-6 school with some students moving to other schools to reduce overcrowding.
- Cedar Elementary and McGregor Intermediate School will merge until Lincoln Elementary opens, providing immediate savings.
- Clarendon will house kindergarten students starting in the 2027-28 school year.
- Harter will add fourth graders next year before closing, with its space repurposed in the following year.
Attendance zones have been adjusted, and parents will receive letters detailing their child’s new school for the upcoming academic year.
Consolidation of Programs
Beyond school closures, the district plans to consolidate programs. The AIM Academy at Belden, currently operating on a balanced calendar, will switch to a traditional schedule, allowing more local students to attend the neighborhood school. This change aims to reduce overcrowding at Patrick and offer more options for AIM program students.
The Arts Academy will become a first through sixth-grade school, with grades four to six moving to the lower level of Crenshaw Middle School. This move will provide dedicated space and an auditorium for arts programs. The former Arts Academy building will become Summit School, serving kindergarten through sixth grade.
Other changes include moving the Fairmount Learning Center to Compton Learning Center, with Fairmount put up for sale. These steps aim to reduce maintenance costs and eliminate duplicated services.
Staff Reductions and Financial Outlook
Talbert mentioned that teaching staff will need to be reduced by about 30 people, though he anticipates no layoffs due to attrition. Administrative staff will also see reductions, with five expected to retire. If no additional retirees leave, cuts may be necessary.
Class sizes will increase slightly, with an aide in every kindergarten class. Overall, staffing costs will decrease by $12.45 million, capital outlay by $2.945 million, materials and supplies by $1.022 million, and purchased services by $1.34 million over the next two years.
Despite these measures, the district still faces a $10.5 million shortfall in fiscal year 2029. A potential 7.9-mill operating levy could provide $8.4 million annually if approved by voters in November.
Community Engagement and Next Steps
To address concerns, a series of meetings have been scheduled for parents. The board will meet on January 12 at 6 p.m. to discuss the reduction plan and is expected to finalize it for submission to the state by January 26.
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