Norton City Schools has approved a state-required Fiscal Precaution Plan outlining potential cuts if additional funding does not materialize.

The Ohio Department of Education flagged the district for projected budget deficits beginning in the 2026–27 school year, which legally requires the district to submit a plan showing how it would avoid going into the red. District leaders have emphasized this represents a worst-case scenario — not a final decision — and say they remain hopeful new funding could prevent these changes.

District leaders say the proposal comes after multiple cost-saving measures already put in place. Norton Schools have reduced spending by not filling a vacant maintenance position, eliminating the assistant treasurer role, cutting back on supply purchases, and tightening operational costs. Officials say those steps were taken in an effort to stabilize finances before considering changes that could impact students, staffing, and buildings.

If implemented, the plan would eliminate districtwide open enrollment beginning in the 2026–27 school year, affecting K–8 students who currently attend Norton through open enrollment. It would also include reductions in teaching and support staff, along with changes to how school buildings are used, consolidating grade levels across fewer buildings.

Teachers and staff learned about the proposal over the weekend, and a large crowd filled the board meeting Monday night, with many parents expressing sadness, frustration, and concern. Families told us about the emotional toll on students who could lose close friends, familiar teachers, and the stability of their current school buildings.

Parents also pointed to broader challenges facing public education, including reduced funding at the state and national levels and policies that allow education dollars to follow students, leaving local districts struggling to cover rising costs. Many said the weight of those decisions is now falling on children, educators, and families -— and this is not how public education was intended to function.

District officials say the plan is required by the state and that conversations will continue as leaders work to find alternative solutions that avoid these impacts. Families are being encouraged to stay engaged as the district’s financial situation continues to develop.