A recovery plan was publicly introduced and approved Wednesday by the state-appointed Financial Planning and Supervision Commission for Monroe Schools.

The Monroe school district has been in a state of fiscal emergency since May 10, with an operating budget deficit of $2.2 million and a bond retirement debt of $3.1 million. The commission was required to have a recovery plan in place by Sept. 27.

The commission discussed further possible cuts, including eliminating sports, extracurricular activities and the gifted program, cutting at least two more staff members, and reducing bus routes.

“As far as I’m concerned, busing is not going to be on the table. I’m not willing to discuss that at all,” said commission chairman Mike Watson. “I’m not going to sit here and put any kid in jeopardy. I can’t do that.”

The commission concluded no potential cuts could fully aleviate the current fiscal emergency.

A 5-year, 7.05-mill emergency operating levy that would generate $2.5 million per year was narrowly defeated in August. The same levy is on the November ballot.

Commission member Jim Barnes asked how the district’s revenue would hold up this fiscal year if there were no debt to deal with and all the possible cuts had been made.

“We’d still be spending $2 million more than we’d be taking in,” treasurer Holly Cahall said.

In other business, the commission approved recent personnel changes, purchase orders and vending contracts.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Watson announced his retirement. Roger Hardin of the Ohio Department of Education will take over as commission chairman at the next meeting Oct. 10.

Commission member Don Pelfrey was not in attendance due to illness.