Superintendent William Stauffer said, “I truly believe that by implementing this plan (the recovery plan for school year 2008-09) we are on the road to recovery in this district.” Stauffer presented the recovery plan at the April 22 Springfield Board of Education meeting.

The Board voted in favor of rescinding the pay to participate fee for the 2008-09 school year. “We thought it would be successful but it has not. What has happened is rather than paying the fee the students have gone to other schools. We have way too many kids leaving,” said Stauffer. 

Every time a student leaves the district about $5,500 goes with them. “I think it also led to a negative perception of this district. We are hoping by eliminating the pay to play, increasing the busing, increasing the opportunities at Springfield we hope to keep our great kids here in the district. We have lost a lot of top-notch students,” he added. The plan also included adding 200 high school students to the busing routes.

The auditors report from last fall not only showed that the district would be facing a deficit of about 1.4 million dollars next year but it also stated that the schools were over staffed by 22 teachers. Approximately 370 students have left this year for other districts. “Right now if the auditor came back I think he would say we are overstaffed by more than that,” Stauffer said.

He also said that it was decided not to cut programs but make the classes a little larger. “Not only did we not cut any programs but we actually added a couple. We think by making these changes we can operate in the black. I do not think that we will have a huge carry over but I think we are going to be okay for a couple of years,” said Stauffer.

He continued to say that they have eliminated the over staffing that people were concerned about and that contributed to the financial hardship they faced. Also, that they have listened to what the state auditor and the communities have told them and have taken steps to correct those problems. “In the future any levy we would have on the ballot would be much smaller than the one we tried to pass. What I would like to emphasize to the parents and the community is that even though there is a reduction in teachers we are not reducing programming for next year. As you walk through these buildings these kids get a top-notch education. We have tremendous teachers in this district. They are very, very dedicated and we are really, really lucky to have the people we have. Unfortunately, people hear a lot about the sad things and there are truly a lot of good things going on here.” stated Stauffer.

The district has been in conversations with the Summit County Educational Service Center. They are looking at moving a couple of preschool classes into the Boyer building. These will be classes available to anyone in Summit County for a tuition fee. Also, Stauffer and Treasurer, Don Gambal met with the Summit County Health District. They are also interested in renting space in the building for a WICK clinic and have some other ideas for space in that building.

Kevin Vaughn was hired as the new varsity football coach and half time athletic director.

Laura Brown from the State Auditors Office made a financial presentation. She will also present the information at the upcoming Financial Commission meeting.

Resignations were accepted by the Board from Karen Skipper, Cynthia Misanko, Nancy Morrison, Sharon Reynolds, Laura King and Stephanie Ryman. Jennifer Ganzer was reassigned as Principal for Spring Hill Junior High.

Released from employment due to reduction in force were 19 other teachers.

There was approval for two overnight-extended trips including the trip to Camp Y-Noah for sixth graders and also a trip to Virginia for the Springfield High School Rocket Team to participate in the TARC National Rocket Competition.