Bowling Green, Ohio, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The Bowling Green City Schools Board of Education has opted to maintain a five-year financial forecast, despite state legislation reducing the requirement to three years. This decision underscores the board’s commitment to long-term financial planning during a time of changing budgetary requirements. Treasurer Matt Feasel emphasized the importance of a longer projection period for sound financial health and decision-making, as the state mandates new deadlines under the updated guidelines.
Bowling Green, Ohio – Financial Forecasts to Continue for School Board
The Bowling Green City Schools Board of Education has decided to maintain a five-year financial forecast despite the recent changes in Ohio state budget legislation that now requires a shorter three-year projection. This resolution was passed during an August 14 meeting, reflecting the board’s commitment to long-term planning and fiscal responsibility.
In late June, the Ohio budget bill, also known as House Bill 96, altered the requirement for school districts, shortening previously mandated five-year financial forecasts to just three years. According to the legislation, each school district is obligated to submit budget appropriations, revenue estimates, fund balance assumptions, and projections of operational revenues and expenditures for three years. The deadlines for these submissions are set for August 31 of each fiscal year, with updates required by the end of February. For the upcoming FY 2026, the initial submission date is scheduled for October 15.
In response to the state’s changes, Bowling Green’s Treasurer Matt Feasel explained that he was directed by the board to continue preparing the five-year forecasts. The timeline for the financial documents has been adjusted, shifting the November and May financial forecasts to October and February respectively, with future plans to move the October forecast to August.
Feasel has indicated that the motivation behind the legislative change is largely political and believes that a five-year forecast is vital for the board’s financial health and for making well-informed decisions. He asserts that adequately managing resources and planning for the future requires a longer vision than what the new state requirements offer.
While the board will ensure compliance with the new three-year forecasting requirement, the decision to continue producing a five-year version underscores a commitment to proactive fiscal management. This approach empowers the board to strategically navigate the financial landscape and make necessary adjustments based on anticipated revenue and expenditure trends.
Implications of the Change
The shift from five-year to three-year forecasts raises questions about the ability of school districts to effectively plan for long-term needs and challenges. Board members have expressed concerns that a shorter projection period could lead to less informed decision-making, affecting everything from staffing to resource allocation.
Furthermore, the updated schedule for financial forecasts may impact how school districts prepare for budgetary uncertainties and respond to fluctuating funding sources. As local educational needs continue to evolve, districts like Bowling Green are positioning themselves to maintain oversight and ensure comprehensive financial planning.
Background on House Bill 96
The passage of House Bill 96 reflects ongoing shifts in state education funding dynamics. The change to a three-year projection format marks an alteration in how school districts report their financial statuses and plan their budgets, intending to streamline the budgeting process. Nevertheless, many education leaders advocate for maintaining longer-term forecasts to sustain fiscal health and stability.
Conclusion
As Bowling Green City Schools navigates this shift in financial forecasting requirements, the decision to uphold a five-year forecast illustrates a commitment to informed governance and long-term financial health. This approach may serve as a model for other districts facing similar legislative changes.
FAQs
What is the new financial forecasting requirement for Ohio school districts?
The new requirement mandates that school districts provide a three-year financial projection instead of the previous five-year forecast.
When must school districts submit their budget information under the new rules?
School districts must submit their budget appropriations and three-year projections by August 31 of each fiscal year, with updates due by the end of February.
What has Bowling Green City Schools decided regarding financial forecasting?
The Bowling Green City Schools Board of Education has decided to continue preparing a five-year financial forecast for better long-term planning, despite the state’s three-year requirement.
What are the deadlines for Bowling Green’s financial document submissions?
For the upcoming FY 2026, the initial submission date for budget information and three-year projections is October 15.
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Additional Resources
- Sentinel-Tribune: Bowling Green BOE to Continue Five-Year Budget Forecast
- BG Daily News: Sports
- WBKO: Bowling Green City Commissioners Discuss Proposed 2025 Tax Rate
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- Toledo Blade: School Levies Pass
- Wikipedia: Bowling Green, Ohio
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- Google News: Bowling Green Ohio
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
