Community Bulletin Board Newsletter: October 8

Week of October 8 Welcome to our updated Community Bulletin Board! This ParentSquare group is an opt-in public group for families in the Cuyahoga Falls City School District who would like to receive a weekly newsletter with events, programs, and resources from community organizations. Please note: Distribution with or without District involvement does not mean to imply sponsorship or support for that which the materials endorse. The District takes no responsibility for problems arising between the sponsoring individual or group and the student or staff member who accepts the materials. AL SPITZER FORD’S 3RD ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT FRIDAY OCTOBER 30TH AT 6:30PM FREE EVENT ALL ARE WELCOME FREE FOOD BALLOON TWISTER FACE PAINTING FIRE TRUCK LOTS OF CANDY AND FUN COME JOIN THE FUN 3737 STATE RD CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO 44223 Northwest Ave. Church Trunk or Treat Trunk or Treat October 24th - 6-8pm 737 Northwest Ave., Tallmadge, OH Northwest Ave Church - right past 6 corners Popcorn and Hot Chocolate 30 plus cars passing out candy!

Thursday, Oct 08 2026

Finance Friday: Inflation and House Bill 920

Friday, October 2 2019 Revenue. 2026 Costs. If it feels like everything costs more than it did a few years ago, you're not imagining it. Families are paying more for everyday expenses—and so are schools. We understand why it can be frustrating to hear that the Cuyahoga Falls City School District is seeking new operating revenue at a time when household budgets are already stretched. But there's an important piece of Ohio school funding that can easily get lost in the conversation. Our community last approved a new operating levy in 2019. While the cost of transportation, utilities, insurance, supplies, staffing, and other day-to-day operations has changed since then, revenue from existing voted operating levies does not automatically increase with inflation. That's because of HB 920. As property values increase through reappraisal, Ohio law generally reduces the effective tax rate on existing voted operating levies, preventing the district from receiving the same proportional increase in revenue. In other words: the district is facing 2026 costs with operating revenue that doesn't automatically grow with inflation. Through reductions and disciplined budgeting, CFCSD has stretched the operating levy approved by voters in 2019 for seven years, whereas a typical levy cycle is estimated to last only 2 to 3 years. In the last two years, the district has reduced spending by $6.73 million. While we have reduced our spending, the state continues to reduce our state funding while operating costs increase. We know Issue 6 is a significant decision for our community. That's why we'll continue using Finance Friday to explain where district revenue comes from, where it goes, and how Ohio's school-funding system affects our local schools. Treasurer Kristy Stoicoiu is happy to answer your questions and can be contacted at cf_stoicoiuk@cftigers.org. Finance Friday Topics

Friday, Oct 02 2026

Athletics Weekly Digest: October 5

CFHS Athletic Events Home Games Support Our Black Tiger Athletes! Week of October 5 Please cheer on our high school athletes at our home games this week! Football Friday, October 9 | 7:00 pm vs. Ravenna @Lambert Stadium Girls' Volleyball Tuesday, October 6 | 5:30 pm JV vs. Norton @CFHS Tuesday, September 6 | 6:30 pm Varsity vs. Norton @CFHS Girls' Soccer away this week Boys' Soccer away this week Cross Country Saturdday, October 10 | 9:30 am | Stow Bulldog Invite a@ Silver Springs Park Stow Girls' Tennis Season over Boys' Golf Season over Buy Tickets Online Athletics Website

Friday, Oct 02 2026

Finance Friday: September 25

Friday, September 25 Understanding District Administration, Cost Reductions, and Reporting In last week’s Finance Friday update, we outlined the growing number of state and federal mandates placed on public school districts. Today, we want to address a natural follow-up question: How are administrative resources managed at CFCSD? We frequently hear feedback regarding administrative staffing, salary databases found online, and overall leadership overhead. We want to share clear context on how our district manages administrative costs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Proactive Budget Reductions: Operating Lean CFCSD continuously evaluates spending to ensure taxpayer dollars directly support classroom learning. Over the past two years, CFCSD has reduced budget spending by approximately $6.73 million. As part of these cost-saving measures, district leadership restructured operations and eliminated 5 administrative positions: 3 Building Administrators 2 Central Office Directors These reductions were implemented deliberately to streamline leadership while maintaining safety, academic oversight, and operational integrity across our schools. Why Administrative Oversight Is Necessary State and federal laws—ranging from universal literacy screenings and teacher evaluations to student data privacy tracking and safety protocols—are not self-executing. They require continuous coordination, state reporting, and audit compliance. Having dedicated personnel to manage these mandates protects our classroom teachers, allowing them to focus their energy on teaching and mentoring students rather than completing administrative paperwork. The Misconception of Online "Admin" Data & Position Coding When searching online or querying AI tools about district administrative spending, the figures can often be misleading. Here is why: No Connection Between State Coding and Pay: Position coding reported to the State does not dictate compensation. Many staff members coded as "administrators" in state reports do not receive executive-level pay or administrative benefit packages; they are operational support roles necessary for day-to-day compliance. District-to-District Variance: Position coding is not standardized across public school districts. For example, the exact same role (such as an Assistant Treasurer) could be classified as administrative in one district but not in another. Comparing raw online figures across districts compares completely different staffing and pay structures. Our Commitment to Transparency CFCSD remains dedicated to full compliance with state laws while maintaining disciplined, transparent fiscal stewardship. We encourage our community to reach out with questions and seek out the full context behind district financial reports. Treasurer Kristy Stoicoiu is happy to answer your questions about school spending and financing. Please email her at cf_stoicoiuk@cftigers.org. Finance Friday Topics

Friday, Sep 25 2026

Tiger Den Dispatch Newsletter September 23

Greetings Black Tiger Families! Week of Scheduled Fall Lockdown Drills Next week, our schools will participate in our fall lockdown drills. These regularly scheduled drills help staff and students stay familiar with our safety procedures. The drills give staff the chance to practice using our new safety software and equipment while teaching students lockdown procedures in a safe, age-appropriate way. You may notice an increased presence of police officers during this time. These drills will not simulate emergency situations and are designed to be calm and supportive for students while helping us strengthen our safety procedures. We understand that talking about safety can be challenging. This article provides guidance for discussing safety with children, and your school counselor is available if additional support is needed. Please contact your school office with any questions. Drill Schedule: Monday 9/28: DeWitt Tuesday 9/29: Preschool Weds 9/30: Price & Richardson Thurs 10/1: Silver Lake Friday 10/2: Lincoln

Wednesday, Sep 23 2026

Community Bulletin Board September 17

Week of September 17 Welcome to our updated Community Bulletin Board! This ParentSquare group is an opt-in public group for families in the Cuyahoga Falls City School District who would like to receive a weekly newsletter with events, programs, and resources from community organizations. Please note: Distribution with or without District involvement does not mean to imply sponsorship or support for that which the materials endorse. The District takes no responsibility for problems arising between the sponsoring individual or group and the student or staff member who accepts the materials. CUYAHOGA FALLS TIGERS GIRLS YOUTH BASKETBALL KICKOFF DAY Date: Sunday, October 18th 1st – 2nd Grade: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Registration 3rd – 6th Grade: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Registration 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Skill Evaluations (3rd–6th Grade Only) PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BASKETBALL IF ABLE! LEAGUE DETAILS 1st – 2nd Grade League 9-Week Program: Building fundamental skills, teamwork & season tournament! Practices: 1 time per week. In-House Games: Saturdays (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM start times). Gym Location: DeWitt Elementary 3rd – 6th Grade League 9-Week Program: Includes practice, regular season & end-of-season tournament! Practices: 1 time per week. In-House Games: Saturdays (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM start times). Gym Location: Richardson Elementary Competitive Team Option: Plays Sat or Sun (times vary). KEY DATES TO REMEMBER First Practice: Nov 1 (Practices Begin) Game Days (Saturdays): Nov: 14, 21 Dec: 5, 12, 19 Jan: 9, 16, 23, 30 Tournament: Feb 6 (Season Championship! 1st–6th Grade) LEAGUE REGISTRATION FEES In-House League Fee (1st – 6th Grade): $120 Competitive Add-On (3rd – 6th Grade): +$60 *Competitive fee can be paid after teams are established. HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT ME! Emily Morgan: Phone: (330) 926-3808 x505111 Email: cf_morgane@cftigers.org

Thursday, Sep 17 2026

Finance Friday: "Why Can't a School Run Like a Busin...

Friday, September 11 Understanding the Difference Between Public School Governance and Business Operations Efficiency vs. The Public Mission A question often asked of school boards and treasurers is why public districts cannot simply "run like a business." While Cuyahoga Falls City School District utilizes modern management tools, such as Zero-Based Budgeting, to maximize efficiency, public school districts operate under statutory obligations that differ significantly from the private sector. Universal Access: Private businesses choose their target markets and customer segments. Ohio public schools must admit and educate every entitled resident student under state law, regardless of the cost associated with their academic or physical needs. Legally Required Services: Private companies can discontinue unprofitable service lines. Public districts must deliver federally and state-mandated services, including Special Education (FAPE/IEP compliance), specialized transportation, and English learner support. These mandates are often unfunded or significantly underfunded. Publicly Capped Revenue: Businesses adjust pricing structures or expand markets to increase revenue. School districts operate on fixed revenue streams determined by state legislative formulas, tax laws, and local voter-approved levies. Complete Transparency: While private corporate strategies are kept internal, school districts operate entirely in the public eye through board meetings, public record laws, state report cards, and financial audits. Understanding these structural differences helps explain why financial management in public education is centered on fulfilling a civic commitment to every child while responsibly stewarding local tax dollars. For more information, please visit the Finance Friday page on our district website. Finance Friday Page

Friday, Sep 11 2026

Tiger Den Dispatch: September 9

Greetings Black Tiger Families! September 9, 2026 CFCSD Levy Facts: Issue 6 We are sharing the following information to help families understand Issue 6, the district's proposed operating levy. Levy Facts Ballot Issue: 5.5-mill operating levy Duration: 5 years Yearly Cost: $193 per $100,000 of property valuation Estimated Revenue: $6.1 million per year The levy would represent approximately 9.9% of the district's annual operating budget. State foundation funding currently provides 26.5% of the district's budget. Stretching Your Dollars Further The district's last operating levy was passed seven years ago, in 2019, and was projected to last only three years. Through disciplined budgeting, district leadership stretched those dollars for seven years. Over the past two years, the district has reduced budget spending by approximately $6.73 million. Proactive Cost Cutting: FY25 and FY26 Reductions The district has eliminated or reduced more than 60 positions and implemented operational restructuring. Reductions include: 39 teachers 1 media specialist 1 counselor 3 building administrators 2 Central Office directors 1 Career Tech Special Education Coordinator 3 administrative assistants/secretary positions 4 attendants/paraprofessionals 2 literacy positions: Literacy Coach and Literacy Specialist 2 custodians Additional cost-saving measures include: Reduced administrative budgets by 10% Delayed curriculum purchases Closed Preston Elementary School Sale of Schnee Learning Center Ended Open Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions Why does the district need more money? State funding does not keep pace with real inflation for utilities, diesel fuel, special education services, and health insurance. Under Ohio's HB 920 law, school tax rates automatically decrease when home values rise. The district receives a fixed dollar amount and does not receive additional funding when home appraisals increase. What will this levy provide? The levy will help: Maintain manageable class sizes by preventing teacher layoffs and keeping student-to-teacher ratios low Preserve AP courses, career-tech pathways, and essential electives Maintain school security personnel Ensure daily bus routes continue, including high school transportation Provide financial stability for district operations through the next five years What happens if this levy doesn't pass? Further operational cuts would include: Eliminating up to 50 instructional, administrative, and support staff positions Reducing transportation services to Ohio's minimum requirements, including a reduction in high school busing Increasing student fees across academic programs, courses, athletics, and extracurricular activities Reducing athletic and extracurricular opportunities Reducing high school elective offerings Eliminating middle school teaming opportunities Closing an additional elementary school Moving fifth grade to the 6–12 Campus Redistricting elementary schools Print-friendly flyer Business Alliance Council The Cuyahoga Falls City School District is seeking local businesses and organizations interested in partnering with our schools to help create meaningful opportunities for students that extend beyond the walls of the classroom. Through the district’s Business Alliance Council, community partners meet with district leaders to share their expertise, provide valuable feedback, and help shape programs that connect student learning with future careers and our greater community. In recent years, the Business Alliance Council has played an important role in developing the Portrait of a Black Tiger, providing feedback on the district’s career-focused strategic plan, and, most recently, helping expand career education opportunities into our elementary schools. The Business Alliance Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month during the school year from 9:00–10:00 a.m. If you, your business or organization, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a community partner and helping us prepare the next generation of Black Tigers for their futures, we would love to have you join us! For more information, contact Chris Jones at cf_jonesc@cftigers.org or 330-926-3800, ext. 502010.

Wednesday, Sep 09 2026

Athletics Weekly Digest: September 7

CFHS Athletic Events Home Games Support Our Black Tiger Athletes! Week of September 7 Please cheer on our high school athletes at our home games this week! Football Away this week Girls' Volleyball Wednesday, September 9 | 5:30 pm JV vs. Ravenna @CFHS Wednesday, September 9 | 6:30 pm Varsity vs. Ravenna @CFHS Girls' Soccer Tuesday, September 8 | 7 pm vs. Tallmadge @Lambert Stadium Saturday, September 12 | 1 pm vs. Barberton @Lambert Stadium Boys' Soccer Away this week Cross Country Saturday, September 12 | 5 pm Stars, Stripes & Lights Invitational @Seneca HS Girls' Tennis Thursday, September 10 | 4:30 pm vs. Tallmadge @CFHS Tennis Courts (Thomas Court) Saturday, September 12 | 8:30 am JV Tiger Doubles @CFHS Tennis Courts (Thomas Court) Boys' Golf Tuesday, September 8 | 3 pm vs. Ravenna @Brookledge Golf Club Thursday, September 10 | 3 pm vs. Woodridge @Brookledge Golf Club Friday, September 11 | 3 pm vs. Springlfield @Brookledge Golf Club Buy Tickets Online Athletics Website

Friday, Sep 04 2026

Finance Friday: Zero-Based Budgeting

Friday, September 4 How Zero-Based Budgeting Ensures Fiscal Responsibility at CFCSD Greetings Black Tiger Families, Welcome back to our Finance Friday series! Since March (with a few weeks off in August), we have been sharing weekly updates to give our community a clear, transparent look at how public school funding works in Ohio and how local tax dollars are managed in Cuyahoga Falls. Whether you are new to the district this school year or simply catching up, this series breaks down complex financial topics—from state funding formulas and property tax laws to our daily operational practices—so every family has the facts. Today we want to focus on our internal budgeting philosophy and how our district maintains strict fiscal accountability. The Standard Approach vs. The CFCSD Approach In traditional public sector budgeting, organizations often practice "rollover budgeting". This process simply takes the prior year’s actual expenditures and adds a percentage to account for inflation or wage increases, rolling old spending patterns forward without evaluating whether they remain necessary. At CFCSD, our Treasurer's Office utilizes Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB). Key Benefits of Zero-Based Budgeting Rather than assuming last year's allocations are automatically approved, ZBB requires administrators to start at a zero base each cycle. Building-Level Accountability: Principals and supervisors directly manage, evaluate, and justify their individual building and department requests. Needs vs. Wants Analysis: Decision teams evaluate expenditures against essential classroom standards before allocating funds for expanded programs. Goal-Driven Spending: Every expenditure must directly align with the district’s Strategic Plan and goals. Continuous Evaluation: Old programs and operational costs are regularly re-evaluated to ensure they continue to serve our students efficiently. By building our operating budget from the ground up every single year, CFCSD ensures that local tax dollars are continuously directed toward current classroom priorities and student success. For a deeper dive into our budget dimensions and administrative process, please visit our Finance Friday page on our district website. Finance Friday Page

Friday, Sep 04 2026