While the economy continues to force many Tri-State governments and public agencies to continue cutting back, one system is raising its budget this year.
A property tax increase approved by voters last year is helping Cincinnati Public Schools increase its operating budget by over six percent. But, despite the increased budget, CPS officials say they are still feeling the effects of the money crunch.
CPS will face sharply increased costs this year, as Cincinnati, Hamilton County and the state cut back on funding and services for schools.
The school board is working on a plan to handle these cutbacks, and the challenges they present, as they vote on a new budget Monday night.
One of those challenges will be how to get students to school this year. CPS has already decided to go with just one school bus company, First Student, to handle all its yellow school bus operations for the new year.
But Metro, which transports most CPS high school students, is facing a multi-million dollar budget gap this year and next, and may have to cut back many of the routes on which high school students depend.
In addition, schools could see Cincinnati and Hamilton County cut back on school nurses, police officers and crossing guards, along with social services for students.
The board will vote to approve a proposed $467 million budget Monday night.
We'll have the vote covered for you here at wcpo.com and on 9News.
