Canfield superintendent eyes cost cutting after levy failure
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CANFIELD – The Canfield Board of Education will be taking a hard look at the recent levy numbers while discussing a path forward at a meeting Nov. 11.
"As a board, we will start to have discussions around next steps and financial options at our meeting Wednesday," said Board President Steve DeMaiolo.
He didn't have a lot to say about the vote, which came down to a difference of 675 votes. Canfield Superintendent Joe Knoll said it wasn't a huge number.
"My first thought was disappointment, but I was encouraged at the number who supported us," Knoll said. "At the next board meeting, we will have the opportunity for public comment and open dialogue."
He said the effects of the recent vote will not heavily play a role in the 2026-27 school year.
"It should continue as is for now," Knoll said. "The 2027-28 school year is the one that will look a whole lot different. If we pass a levy next May or November, we won't see the funds until February of 2028."
Knoll's main mission right now is to gather levy data to present to the board next week. He is also looking at areas where cuts could be made now.
"We will consider cost cutting measures," he said, "but we will try not to affect people or programming. We want to continue to keep Canfield in what makes it great."
He did say any retirements or personnel resigning may provide an opportunity to see some savings.
As for facilities, Knoll said he would "keep paying the bills and surviving." He said new facilities are not even on the drawing board at the present time as the district needs to settle the operational situation. Knoll added the students are the ones he cares most about and he wants to einsure they have a good education and opportunities.
"I am the voice for 2,400 students in this district and that is a heavy burden," he said. "Still it keeps me coming back every day.”
He said it is disappointing to think about what students will lose if the budget has to be cut.
"If new money doesn't come, the cuts will be deep," he said.