The Garfield Heights City School District held a meeting on April 11, 2025, where Treasurer Philip Ocho addressed key financial issues concerning the district's revenue and enrollment. Ocho emphasized the importance of understanding the district's funding structure, particularly its participation in the Fair School Funding Plan, which ties funding directly to student enrollment numbers.
During his presentation, Ocho clarified recent concerns raised in previous board meetings regarding potential revenue losses. He reassured attendees that, despite a decrease in enrollment—similar to trends observed across Ohio—there would be no requirement for the district to repay any funds to the state. Instead, the district would simply receive reduced funding based on the current enrollment data.
Ocho encouraged open communication, inviting stakeholders to reach out with questions or concerns about the district's financial situation. He reiterated the commitment to transparency in financial matters, aiming to foster a better understanding of the district's fiscal health among the community.
The meeting concluded with Ocho's assurance of ongoing support and clarity regarding the district's financial operations, highlighting the importance of each student in determining funding levels.