Orrville City Schools has released its latest five-year financial forecast, a planning tool that helps school leaders and the Board of Education make wise choices for the future. While the report is filled with numbers, the story it tells is about a district balancing rising costs, steady but uncertain revenues, and a commitment to prioritizing students.
For decades, Orrville has depended on its strong community support. In the past two years, voters have renewed the district’s emergency levies, which provide about half of the district’s funding. But as Treasurer Joseph Shumar explained, there are questions about the future. “Our goal is to be clear and responsible with the community,” Shumar said. “While we are facing rising costs and uncertain state tax changes, we are planning carefully so that students’ education remains our top priority.”
The forecast shows that while revenues are expected to remain mostly flat in the coming years, expenses will continue to rise. Teacher and staff salaries are set to increase in 2026, and healthcare costs also went up this year, though at a slower rate than in the past. Additionally, services such as preschool, technology, and tuition for students attending other schools are becoming increasingly expensive.
This means the district will spend more than it brings in from 2026 through 2030. To cover the gap, Orrville Schools will need to dip into its savings. By 2027, the district’s cash reserves may fall below the 20% level required by Board policy.
One challenge highlighted in the forecast is the food service program. School lunches have been incurring losses, and the district expects to transfer $500,000 from the General Fund to maintain the program's stability. Leaders are working on ways to make the program more efficient moving forward.
Superintendent Dr. David Toth emphasized that honesty and student focus remain central to the district’s approach. “Transparency matters. Our community deserves to understand where every dollar goes,” Toth said. “At the same time, our focus must remain on students—their learning, growth, and opportunities always come first.”
The forecast is reviewed twice a year and updated to reflect changes in state laws, property values, and district spending. By sharing this information openly, Orrville City Schools hopes to keep the community informed and engaged in the decisions that shape the future of its schools.
For the complete financial forecast, visit 👉 Fall 2025 Five-Year Financial Forecast.
Together, we are planning for today and tomorrow—keeping Orrville’s students at the heart of every decision.
