Financial Annual Report
Letter from the Treasurer In the six years I have been the treasurer/CFO for Mariemont City Schools, I am continually reminded of the excellent value our schools provide to the community. Our students’ score at or near the top of state and national assessments, and flagship programs such as Warriors Beyond and Sources of Strength serve the wellbeing of our students outside of the traditional classroom setting. Quite simply, the Mariemont Experience is giving the students of our district every opportunity to grow academically, socially and physically. I also know how far we go to protect every precious resource that we have and prioritize our spending to focus on what the students need. At Mariemont City Schools we do not want to ask residents for any more funding than is necessary. However, because of the many years of cuts in state aid and the way Ohio funds schools like ours, we must unfortunately rely upon our community more than we should. While we continue to be grateful for the support of the community, we also do not take that support for granted. This is why we have created an ongoing community finance committee to help ensure your tax dollars are being spent wisely. These residents will be with us throughout the construction process and reviewing our ongoing operational finances to make sure we are taking advantage of every possibility to stretch our dollars as far as possible. These residents have expertise in matters of finance and construction and are already serving our community well. This financial report provides a look at some of the top financial issues we are facing at this time. Our hope is to continue to build our relationship with residents so that you understand exactly how your investment is being used. Should you have questions about any of this information, please feel free to reach out. We are here to help! Sincerely,
Tom Golinar Mariemont City Schools Treasurer/CFO
Accountability
Advocating
TO THE TAXPAYERS
FOR THE TAXPAYERS
In an effort to remain accountable and transparent with school district finances, Mariemont City Schools has created a Community Finance Committee. This group, which is made up of community finance experts, will meet quarterly to discuss the district revenue stream, expenditures and financial forecasting. The committee will develop an understanding of school funding in the state of Ohio and make recommendations to assist the school district in its long-term financial planning.
The committee also will be well-versed in the Mariemont High School facility project to make sure the district is completing the project in a cost-efficient and responsible manner.
MARIEMONT CLOSELY EYEING
State Budget Process Every two years the governor of Ohio is required to put forth an initial budget plan which will be vetted among state committees and finalized by the end of June. With new state officials taking office this year, Mariemont City Schools is closely monitoring the proposed budgets for any changes that may be implemented. As always, protecting the tax dollars of the community is a priority of the district. $6,020
$1,890
from the State 31%
The purpose of the Community Finance Committee is two-fold: to get recommendations from field experts and to ensure accountability to the taxpayers. The group will provide regular updates to the Board of Education on its status and progress.
PER PUPIL FUNDING
State Per Pupil Amount When Funded at 100%
State Per Pupil Amount given to Mariemont City Schools
The district receives only 31% of the full state Per Pupil amount because of state reductions based on property values and income levels of the district residents.
STATE FUNDING HISTORY FOR
Mariemont City Schools 6,000,000
$5,215,044 $4,921,248
5,000,000
$4,165,010
4,000,000
$3,420,439
3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 0
FY04
FY09
FY14
FY18
State funding to Mariemont City Schools has decreased by 34% over the past 15 years.
MARIEMONT HIGH SCHOOL
Facility Project:
Keeping Our Promise The Mariemont High School facility project kicked into full gear on November 7, 2018, with the beginning of the initial design phase. This work carried through the winter and early spring with 10 committees meeting regularly to guide the vision and direction of the new Mariemont High School. The district is committed to a building that marries the needs of Mariemont High School with the desires of the people who will use its services. We have listened to the comments and suggestions of the students, staff, administration, families and the community and stand confident that the promises made will be delivered. START
Some of the facility upgrades and features at Mariemont High School will include: • Enhanced safety features that provide a more secure learning and working environment for students and staff; • The addition of more windows in classrooms and common areas to allow for more natural light and a more productive environment; • Updated high school science labs that will allow for advanced coursework to prepare students for college; • Areas for project-based learning and collaboration so students can learn other skills needed for life after high school and the workforce; • Mechanical and structural fixes to maximize the investment in the school and maintain the excellent quality of education that students receive; and, • Updated labs and learning spaces to ensure students can compete with their peers in other top school districts in Ohio and across the nation. There is still time to have your opinion heard regarding the Mariemont High School facility project. For general feedback, email projectfedback@mariemontschools.org. Additionally, there are three opportunities for the community to see the latest design updates beginning with an MHS Project Community Open House on Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. The district will host the official Mariemont High School groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 30, and will finish the open house series on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
UILDING ON
EXCELLENCE MARIEMONT HIGH SCHOOL
PROJECT TIMELINE OVERVIEW
PROJECT COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES (MARIEMONT HIGH SCHOOL)
February 13, 2019 May 8, 2019 Sept. 18, 2019 @ 7:00 p.m.
AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
19 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Arts/athletics wing renovation System replacements
CONSTRUCTION PHASE 1 BEGINS Preliminary site work
20 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
21 CONSTRUCTION PHASE 2B BEGINS
DESIGN PHASE BEGINS
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG
FINISH
Secondary access drive addition Temporary classroom installation
CONSTRUCTION PHASE 2A BEGINS Building demolition New academic wing construction
The Value of the Mariemont Experience The Mariemont City School District provides an excellent value for all residents. Below are a few of the many examples of the positive return on investment the district delivers.
WHAT ARE THE MARIEMONT ELEMENTARY WAS RECOGNIZED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AS A
Spending Priorities? 94
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOLARS
National Blue Ribbon School
DISTRICT ACT SCORES ABOVE
State and National Averages 35 30
26.4
25.5
27.1
25.5
22.0 21.0
22.0 21.0
22.0 20.8
22.0 21.0
25.8
The majority of the spending in Mariemont City Schools goes directly to students and staff through instruction. Because the 2.5-mill operating request was approved by voters in November, the district will be able to maintain its excellence by continuing to allocate the appropriate level of funding into classrooms.
25 20 15
21.8
20.9
Maintenance & Facilities
11%
DISTRICT
10
STATE
5
NATIONAL
0
Administrative & Fiscal Services
Instruction 2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
70%
10% Transportation
4% THE MARIEMONT CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT EARNED A NATIONAL
District of Distinction Honor
THE CLASS OF 2018 EARNED
$7.4 million IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
OVER
300 students TAKING GRADE OR SUBJECT ACCELERATED COURSES
Other
2%
Extracurricular
3%
Mariemont City Schools 2 Warrior Way | Cincinnati, Ohio 45227 513.272.7500 | www.mariemontschools.org
www.mariemontschools.org
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OHIO Permit No. 1082
Mariemont City Schools prides itself on clean and accurate record-keeping and responsible spending practices and is proud to have received the Auditor of the State award from the Ohio Auditor’s Office for 2018. The award is presented to entities who file timely financial reports in accordance with GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles), as well as receive a “clean” audit report. The “clean” audit report means the district’s financial audit did not contain findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, audit findings or any questioned costs. This strong financial management is the result of continued intentional practice and high standards.