Cloverleaf Schools was released from Fiscal Emergency status by the State of Ohio on Jan. 27, thanks to voter approval of the district’s levy request last May.

“It’s about thank-you’s today,” said Cloverleaf Board of Education President Jason Myers. “Thank you to the taxpayers of our community and thank you to the staff, administration and students for persevering over the past 12 years while maintaining the highest levels of educational excellence.”

The district entered Fiscal Emergency in 2012 and had been under Fiscal Watch since 2004.

Before disbanding, the state Fiscal Oversight Commission that had been monitoring district finances convened for a final time to certify Cloverleaf had met the state auditor’s requirements for release, which include a positive general fund balance in the district’s five-year forecast.

Commission Chairman Paul Marshall praised Cloverleaf as a model for other districts facing difficult fiscal circumstances. After cutting $7 million from its budget, Cloverleaf faced even deeper cuts that would have reduced the district’s level of education to state minimum standards. The community responded by approving the May 2014 levy request.

"I am thrilled for the entire Cloverleaf community that the burden of being under fiscal oversight has been lifted today,” said David Rittgers, who chaired the May levy campaign for the Cloverleaf Pride Committee. “This achievement comes as a result of the diligent and passionate efforts of thousands people who have chosen to invest in the education and future of our children. As a parent of several of those children, I say thank you!"

While it is a proud moment to be released from Fiscal Emergency, Superintendent Daryl Kubilus said the best is yet to come for Cloverleaf Schools.

On Jan. 28, a group comprised of Cloverleaf parents, students, residents, business owners and staff will embark on a strategic planning process to chart the district’s course over the next five years. Key to the brainstorming and goal-setting process will be identifying initiatives that fall within the parameters of Cloverleaf’s budget. Kubilus said the district will adhere to its promise not to return to voters to ask for new funding until at least 2020.

“The strategic planning process is assurance to our community that we take that promise seriously,” Kubilus said.