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The Trimble school district expects the state to declare a fiscal emergency after it turns to outside help amid its budget crisis

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GLOUSTER, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — The Trimble school district is working with a northeast Ohio group to rectify its ongoing budget crisis.

The sign outside of Trimble Local High School. A large bell sits next to it.
[Theo Peck-Suzuki | WOUB Public Media/Report for America]
The board certified the $25,000 contract with Shared Services Alliance at its board meeting Thursday evening. The group includes experienced treasurers and helps districts navigate financial challenges. It will advise Trimble on its $1.6 million budget deficit, which first came to light last month.

In December, the board asked the Ohio Department of Education and Auditor of State to place the district in fiscal emergency. The district is now in fiscal watch, the first level of oversight. Trimble Treasurer Ashley Miller said she expects the district to advance to emergency status soon.

In an email obtained by the Athens Independent, Miller wrote that the deficit stems from grants being overcharged during her predecessor’s term.

The deficit has already forced the district to terminate five non-union contracts. Superintendent John Hurd said that should save about $250,000 through the rest of the school year.