There are three purposes or objectives of the five-year forecast:

• To engage the local board of education and the community in long-range planning and discussions of financial issues facing the school district
• To serve as a basis for determining the school district’s ability to sign the certificate required by O.R.C. 5705.412, commonly known as the “412 certificate”
• To provide a method for the Department of Education and Auditor of State to identify school districts with potential financial problems