Barberton School District Enters Fiscal Watch

Board approves written plan, prepares for state oversight as district faces $11 million budget deficit by 2028

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:22pm

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The Barberton City Schools Board of Education has taken the next required steps in the state fiscal oversight process after projecting an $11 million budget deficit by Fiscal Year 2028. The board approved the district's Fiscal Year 2026-27 Written Plan for Implementation, which advises the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce that the board cannot develop a sufficient written plan to address the projected shortfall, resulting in the district being placed in fiscal watch status.

Why it matters

Barberton City Schools' budget challenges reflect broader financial pressures facing many school districts in Ohio, as they grapple with rising costs, declining enrollment, and the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. The district's move into fiscal watch status will bring increased state oversight and the need to develop a comprehensive recovery plan.

The details

According to interim treasurer Jennifer Sudhoff, the budget miscalculations were not solely due to issues with the district's financial software, but rather a lack of proper oversight and monitoring. The district will now provide monthly financial reports to the board to track progress against the recovery plan. Superintendent Jason Ondrus also noted that the district is making reductions to the budget, including in areas like overtime and summer programs, though he assured that special education services will continue.

  • The Barberton City Schools Board of Education took these steps on March 25, 2026.
  • The board approved the district's Fiscal Year 2026-27 Written Plan for Implementation on March 25, 2026.
  • The board is scheduled to meet again on April 22, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

The players

Barberton City Schools Board of Education

The governing body of the Barberton City School District, responsible for overseeing the district's finances and operations.

Jennifer Sudhoff

The interim treasurer for the Barberton City School District, responsible for providing financial oversight and reporting to the board.

Jason Ondrus

The superintendent of the Barberton City School District, responsible for leading the district's operations and implementing budget reductions.

Pat Boyle

A member of the Barberton City Schools Board of Education, who expressed concerns about the impact of budget cuts on special education services.

Mark Johnson

A Barberton resident and parent who asked the board about how special education services and staffing would be addressed.

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What they’re saying

“It is not the software so much as it is the monitoring. Now we will give you monthly reports based on the plan. Starting next month, we will be tracking how you are trending to the forecast and [if there are] any variances, we will talk about that. We are looking at it month-to-month so we aren't surprised at the end of the year.”

— Jennifer Sudhoff, Interim Treasurer

“Reductions are difficult during a school year, but we are looking at retirements and/or expenses we don't need immediately. Reductions in overtime and summer programs are imminent.”

— Jason Ondrus, Superintendent

“I feel they should be federally funded.”

— Pat Boyle, School Board Member

What’s next

The Barberton City Schools Board of Education will receive monthly financial reports starting in April 2026 to track the district's progress against its recovery plan and address any budget variances. The board is also expected to continue making difficult decisions around budget reductions, including potential staffing changes, in the coming months.

The takeaway

Barberton City Schools' move into fiscal watch status highlights the growing financial challenges facing many school districts in Ohio, as they grapple with rising costs, declining enrollment, and the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. The district's focus on improved financial monitoring and transparency, as well as its commitment to protecting critical services like special education, will be crucial as it works to address its budget shortfall and regain financial stability.