Financial crisis continues in Xenia schools

XENIA, Ohio (WDTN) - A financial crisis continues to loom over Xenia city schools.

2 News brought you the first part of this story Tuesday night after the 1.5 earned income tax replacement levy was decidedly voted down.

Xenia school board officials immediately implemented its Tier 2 cuts which were established in April.

This round of cuts will effect Xenia's five elementary schools.  Teacher positions and subsequently programs are being removed from these schools.  This includes nine elementary teacher positions including three physical education teacher positions, three music teacher positions and two counselor.  This will leave only one counselor to cover all five elementary schools.

Schools officials said students will still be taught physical education and music, but by their primary teacher and the curriculum won't be as in-depth.

"These cuts will save the district more than $552,000," said Spokesman Mark Manley with the Xenia city school board.  "Xenia city schools is facing a $3.5 million reduction in state and local funding for the 2012 - 2013 school year; therefore, the district is operating in a $44.5 million budget."

The board plans to put a 5-year, 6.7 mil emergency property tax levy on the November ballot.

Officials said if passed it will help stabilize the district, restore programs that were cut, and help staff the five new schools replacing the five old ones this coming January.