Some Ohio schools battling financial crises

MONROE, Ohio (AP) - A fast-growing southwest Ohio community along Interstate 75 has become the latest to see its school district plunge into a financial crisis.

Monroe Local Schools was declared by the state auditor in May to be in fiscal emergency. It's not a good place to be. The status means oversight by a special committee, and usually results in job cuts, reduced classes, activities and services for students, and higher fees and taxes for parents.

Many Ohio schools are struggling with their budgets after a rough economy sapped property tax revenues, the state cut funding, and levies became more difficult to pass amid economic uncertainty.

Some schools just can't make it. Right now, there are six districts in emergency status, which lets them borrow from a state fund while yielding financial control.