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PAGE 2 - EASTSIDE MESSENGER - <strong>June</strong> 28, <strong>2020</strong><br />
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State guidance needed on schools<br />
By Linda Dillman<br />
Staff Writer<br />
With two months to go before the start of the <strong>2020</strong>-<br />
21 school year, Canal Winchester Schools<br />
Superintendent James Sotlar does not know what education<br />
will look like at the end of August.<br />
“We’re exploring all kinds of options,” Sotlar said,<br />
“but we’re awaiting guidance from the governor on<br />
what we plan on doing next year. Hopefully, my goal is<br />
that we come back under a very traditional type setting.<br />
I can’t tell you more than that right now because<br />
we’re waiting on guidance.”<br />
Just how long it takes for state guidance to filter<br />
down to the local level is unknown, so the district is<br />
preparing as best it can for a variety of options, including<br />
a duel online/in-class option.<br />
“We’re working on alternate plans along the lines of<br />
possibly a hybrid system,” said Sotlar. “We’ve got three<br />
to four different things we’re working on. We’re just<br />
waiting to hear from the governor and the state for<br />
guidelines, whether they’re recommendations or<br />
requirements.”<br />
Sotlar said a consideration to include in the mix is<br />
busing–seating distancing and route changes if bus<br />
capacity is cut and schools operate on a schedule<br />
unlike the past.<br />
“There are still a lot of unknowns out there,” Sotlar<br />
said, before asking for patience from families and the<br />
community. “As soon as we get guidance from the<br />
state, we’ll get something out there to everyone within<br />
a short period of time. I do know Aug. 31 will be our<br />
start date for kids unless something comes out and<br />
we’re told otherwise. My personal opinion is our kids<br />
need to be in school, but we have to deal with COVID<br />
and it’s not going away.”<br />
He said there is also a financial aspect, in addition<br />
to the academic side of education, to consider in the<br />
time of a pandemic.<br />
With a hybrid system of education, buses would<br />
bring children to school at different times, which could<br />
increase the number of bus trips.<br />
“There are a lot of factors that will go into the decision,”<br />
said Sotlar. “Fortunately for us, we don’t start<br />
until Aug. 31, so we have a little more time to work on<br />
a plan.”<br />
While the district awaits direction from the state,<br />
the pandemic is having an unanticipated impact on<br />
school finances in cuts in state revenue, but also lower<br />
fuel and insurance costs.<br />
Treasurer Nick Roberts reported May was the first<br />
month the district lost half its state foundation revenue.<br />
“They cut one of two foundation payments, so we<br />
lost a couple hundred thousand,” said Roberts.<br />
Overall, revenue for the period was up, albeit<br />
around one percent. Supply and material costs were<br />
down–mainly due to the decrease in fuel use and supply<br />
purchases.<br />
“We spend about $35,000 a month in bus fuel, so<br />
we’ve saved most of that,” said Roberts.<br />
In looking at health insurance, Roberts said that<br />
three months ago he was looking at a negative cash<br />
balance in the fund, but as of <strong>June</strong> 15, there was<br />
$265,000 to the good.<br />
“Which is amazing,” said Roberts. “There’s been a<br />
drastic decline in claims, but they’re still up year-overyear.<br />
As far as the impact COVID-19 response has on tax<br />
revenue, Robers said he will have more information<br />
when the first income tax settlement is received.<br />
“The state revenue is not as bad as they anticipated,”<br />
said Roberts. “In my treasurer’s circle, we don’t<br />
expect to be cut by the state any more than earlier this<br />
year. It’s looking more positive.”<br />
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Be a Part of Our<br />
Local Worship Guide<br />
Our upcoming Worship Guide is geared toward<br />
celebrating faith and helping readers connect with<br />
religious resources in our community. Make sure these<br />
readers know how you can help with a presence in this<br />
very special section distributed to more than 18,000<br />
households in the East area.<br />
The cost is $20 per issue. (must run two twice)<br />
Contact us today to secure your spot in Worship Guide.<br />
614.272.5422 • kathy@columbusmessenger.com<br />
A Special Section From<br />
columbus<br />
CW’s Music in the Park<br />
The city of Canal Winchester invites<br />
you to enjoy a free summer concert, Music<br />
in the Park, on July 17 from 6-9 p.m. at<br />
Stradley Park (adjacent to the city’s<br />
municipal building at 36 S. High St.).<br />
The event features classic rock favorites<br />
performed by the Gas Pump Jockeys and a<br />
classic car show sponsored by C-Town<br />
Cruisers. Car show registration is free,<br />
however, space is limited to 50 vehicles<br />
(registration will be open from 5-6 p.m. the<br />
evening of the event). Car Show awards<br />
will include People’s Choice, Mayor’s<br />
Choice, Band’s Choice, and Sponsor’s<br />
Choice.<br />
COVID-19 note: Unlike outdoor concerts<br />
in previous years, concessions and<br />
hands-on children’s activities will not be<br />
offered. Attendees are encouraged to bring<br />
a picnic and a lawn chair and to follow recommended<br />
social distancing protocols to<br />
prevent the spread of COVID-19.<br />
Visit www.canalwinchesterohio.gov or<br />
call 614-834-9915 for information.<br />
Capital Improvement Plan<br />
Copies of the <strong>2020</strong>-24 Lithopolis Village<br />
Capital Improvement Plan are available fo<br />
viewing at the Lithopolis Village Office,<br />
11820 Lithopolis Road, NW, Lithopolis.