A MESSAGE FROM YOUR BOARD OF
SUPERINTENDENT EDUCATION
Another school year has passed, and we’re well into a new one. As we take time to reflect, I am proud to showcase the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. While there are always challenges, it is the accomplishments that deserve the greatest recognition. With our many achievements in academics, athletics and the arts, Alliance City Schools is thriving and fulfilling its vision of preparing all Aviators for Life, College and Careers.
In this annual report, you will see all the great things ACS has to offer students and families, the successes we are so proud to highlight. We also are sharing some of the challenges we are working to address in the years ahead. With the support of our families and community, we’ll keep working hard to get better every year.
Rob Gress #ProudSupt
Ms. Beth Canfield-Simbro Board President
Ms. Beth Canfield-Simbro joined the Alliance Board of Education in June of 2022. She is currently serving as the president of the board. Ms. Canfield-Simbro is an associate professor for the education department at the University of Mount Union. She is a strong supporter of Alliance City Schools.
Mr. William Koch Board Vice President
Mr. William Koch has served as a member of the Alliance Board of Education since January of 2014. During his time on the board, he served as president and vice president. Mr. Koch is a life-long resident of Alliance and a proud graduate of Alliance High School. He served as a teacher and coach for many years in a neighboring district before retiring and joining the Alliance Board of Education.
Mrs. Suzie Dennis
Mrs. Suzie Dennis has served as a member of the Alliance Board of Education since April of 2022. She is currently serving as the president of the board and has previously served as vice president. Mrs. Dennis spent much of her career in education as a teacher and guidance counselor at ACS before retiring in 2014.
Ms. Elayne Dunlap
Ms. Elayne Dunlap joined the Alliance Board of Education in January of 2016. During her time on the board, she has served as vice president and president. Ms. Dunlap spent most of her career in education with Alliance City Schools. She was recently awarded the 2023 Lifetime Educator award by the Stark County ESC for her dedication to education in Alliance and Stark County.
Mr. Tyler Kinser
Mr. Tyler Kinser has served as a member of the Alliance Board of Education since January of 2022. During his time on the board he has served as vice president and president. Mr. Kinser shows great dedication to and support of the students and staff and can be seen at many events cheering on the Aviators.
All Aviators will graduate prepared for Life, College, and Careers.
VISION: CORE VALUES:
High Performance Leadership Caring Citizenship
DIRECTORY DEMOGRAPHICS
2,949 STUDENTS
ADMINISTRATION
Rob Gress, Superintendent
Kirk Heath, Treasurer
Shawn Jackson, Assistant Superintendent
Nick Cowles, Director of Operations
Tim Goodman, Athletic Director
Natalie Kern, Director of Curriculum
Janet Mackall, Director of Special Education
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
500 Glamorgan St. 330-821-2100
ALLIANCE HIGH SCHOOL
400 Glamorgan St. 330-829-2245
ALLIANCE MIDDLE SCHOOL
3205 S. Union Ave. 330-829-2254
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
701 N. Johnson Ave. 330-829-2269
Chad Morris, Director of Technology
Kristy Woodford, Director of Student Services
Catherine Brookes, Coordinator of Assessments & Federal Programs
Cheyanne Gonzales, Communications Coordinator
Derrick Showell Jr., Coordinator of Student Services
ALLIANCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2400 S. Rockhill Ave. 330-829-2260
ALLIANCE EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL 285 W. Oxford St. 330-829-2266
ALLIANCE PRESCHOOL 1490 Parkway Blvd. 330-829-2284
THE CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATED ON SUNDAY, MAY 25
NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 206
SUMMA CUM LAUDE: 14
MAGNA CUM LAUDE: 7
CUM LAUDE: 9
HONORS DIPLOMAS: 40
58 STUDENTS
Received nearly $1.9 million in local scholarships
26 CTE STUDENTS
Committed to careers after graduation
SCHOLARSHIPS ACCEPTED
11 INVESTMENT ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIPS ACCEPTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION
1 ALLIANCEWORKS SCHOLARSHIP TO STARK STATE COLLEGE
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
Alliance City Schools is grateful for the generosity and support of local business, organizations and community members. Donations of any kind are greatly appreciated and go towards providing the best possible educational experience for all students attending Alliance City Schools.
• Extrudix Alumni
• Karen Harris
• Chet’s Ice
• Sara Brown
• Mike & Libby Patterson
• Philip Dudek
• Burden Electric Co.
• Paulus Orthodontics
• White Physical Therapy
• Alliance Lions Club
• Quota Club of Alliance
• Kiwanis Club of Alliance
• Christine Marschinke
• Gretchen Epp
• J&R Surplus & Supply Co. Inc.
• The Estate of Ellwood Filmer
• Jane Filmer
• Kenneth & Barbara Gaughman
• Staples
• Raising Cane’s
• Benevolent Protective Order, Cantell Elks 1417
• Stout Family Foundation
• SES, LLC
• Kirby Elke
• Rotary Club of Alliance
• GPD Foundation courtesy of Fred Trautman
• Greater Alliance Foundation
• Broadway Iron & Metal
• Alliance Ventures, Inc.
• William Koch
• The Order of the Eastern Star #83
• Elks Ladies Auxiliary BPOE 467
• American Legion Post 166 Charities
• Jeff Walker Catering
• Morgan Engineering
• Internal Medicine Physicians
• Dale Brown
• Kelci Yeager
• The Heslop Family
• ACS Tech Department
• Horning Family
• Austin Family
• #SHINE
• Root Family
• Lesli Waller
• Jon & Jayme Smith
• Alliance Animal Hospital
• Copeland Oaks
• Gioninos Pizzeria
• Grove Appliance
• Rob Gress
• Jetsetter Alumni
• Brian & Joan Skidmore
• Dubaj Family
• Jan Horning
• Paul Trief
• Alliance Elks BPO 467
• Heather Prince Realty
• Brad & Sue Gorris
• Traps
• Complete Massage Therapy
• Lohnes Dental
• Alliance Salvation Army
• Jacob Shar
• Sare Plastics
• Alliance Coins & Jewelry
• Stark County Sheriff’s Office
• Dr. David & Michelle Mungo
• Safari Partners
• Hatherill Insurance Agency
• Paula Andreani
• Alliance City Schools Elementary PTO
• Tyler & Jenni Jo Kinser
• First Christian Church
• The Nest
• Heggy’s
• Hot Pots
• Mt. Union Nutrition
• Revival Cloth & Co.
• Union House
• Tabitha Jennings
• Tom Rickel
• The John & Roene Klusch Foundation
• Stark County Agricultural Society
• AJ Remodeling & Restoration
• Greater Alliance Foundation: Grove Charitable Fund
• Walmart
• The Timken Company Charitable & Education Fund
• Alliance Catholic Community courtesy of Joseph Catholic Church
• Steve & Kathy Kramer
• Mark Cade, Signature Salon
REPORT CARD
3 STARS - MEETING STATE STANDARDS
24-25 STATE REPORT CARD HIGHLIGHTS
ACHIEVEMENT
• ACS received the highest points in Achievement than it has in the last 4 years
EARLY LITERACY
• ACS has the highest rate of improvement in the last 4 years for 3rd graders who moved from not meeting expectations in the fall to meeting expectations in the spring
• The number of kindergarteners who are not on track is the lowest it’s been in 4 years
COLLEGE, CAREER, MILITARY AND WORKFORCE READINESS
• ACS scored 3 stars in the new category, meaning the District is meeting the State expectations GRADUATION
• Nearly half of seniors graduated with college credit, and readiness climbed above 70%.
ACADEMICS
AIS RECOGNIZED BY U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT
Alliance Intermediate School was ranked one of the top Elementary Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings included more than 79,000 public elementary and middle schools across the country.
The methodology focuses on state assessments of students who were proficient or above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts while accounting for student backgrounds, achievement in core subjects, and how well schools are educating their students. Student-teacher ratios are applied to break ties in the overall score.
The 2025 Best Elementary and Best Middle Schools rankings are based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education. For district-level rankings, at least two of the top performing schools must rank in the top 75% of the overall elementary or middle school rankings to qualify for district-level recognition.
AIS houses all 4th and 5th grade students attending Alliance City Schools.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
• Number of students with special needs: 585 or 20%
• Graduation Rate: 82.1% for students with disabilities, which exceeds the 78.74% target
Alliance City Schools offers a continuum of services for students with special needs. The offerings range from self-contained classrooms to co-taught classrooms, differentiation on academic instruction, and related services when needed. The high graduation rate indicates the district's dedication to ensuring all Aviators are prepared for life after high school.
INVESTMENT ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIP
Alliance High School had a record number of students accept the 2025 Investment Alliance Scholarship with 11 of the 15 students graduating with the plan to attend the University of Mount Union to further their education. The program offers the top 15 students in each graduating class a four-year, full-tuition scholarship following graduation from AHS. The goal is to keep some of the best and brightest students in the Alliance Community following high school.
Since its inception in 2014, Mount Union has awarded 195 students in 13 classes with the scholarship, and to date, 108 have taken advantage of the program.
Alliance City Schools is grateful for this unique partnership with Mount Union that offers students a toptier undergraduate education.
ACADEMICS CONT.
GIFTED
Alliance examines and processes the results of the required whole grade screening for reading, math, superior cognitive ability and creative thinking to identify students as gifted and talented. ACS teachers are given professional development when they have a gifted student in their class so they can appropriately differentiate the instruction to keep the student growing, engaged and learning. 283 students, or approximately 10% of the district, was identified as gifted in at least one area during the 2024-25 school year.
• 27 new identifications were made in the 24-25 school year
Full points for gifted student progress on state report card reflects enrichment and acceleration supports are helping students to succeed
ENGLISH LEARNERS
Visual & Performing Arts
Creative Thinking
Social Studies
Science Math Superior Cognitive Reading/Writing
Alliance City Schools had 12 English Learners (EL) in the district who spoke either Spanish, Mandarin, Russian or Tagalog as their primary language. EL students are offered additional support by the district to ensure they are able to effectively participate in school instructional programs. The support can include translating devices, co-teaching and collaboration, translation and interpretation services, progress monitoring and assessments using the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment. Parents and families are encouraged to be involved in their child’s educational progress and additional support can be offered to them as needed.
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS
Alliance High School offers a number of college level courses for the students to take through Ohio’s College Credit Plus Program. While still in high school, students have the ability to earn college credit from local colleges and universities. The program promotes rigorous academic pursuits and is free to all students who participate in the program.
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS BY THE NUMBERS
123 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN CCP
1,022 COLLEGE CREDITS WERE EARNED FROM THE SUMMER OF 2024 TO THE SPRING OF 2025
31 COURSES WERE OFFERED
ACADEMICS
CONT.
CAREER TECH EDUCATION
The Alliance Career Tech Planning District received the highest rating possible with five stars being awarded on the annual CTPD report card released by the State of Ohio.
Alliance High School is a member of the career tech planning district (CTPD) allowing students to take part in CTE programs offered at Alliance, Marlington and Salem. Between the three schools, 15 programs are offered to students to take during their junior and senior years of high school. Students can elect to take part in one of these programs their last two-years of school to gain hands-on, work-based learning experiences and have the opportunity to earn industry recognized credentials and college credit when applicable.
• 199 AHS students took part in CTE programs
• 97.7% of the Class of 2025 CTE Seniors in AHS programs received an industry recognized credential
• 100% of the Class of 2025 CTE
• 97.7% of the CTE students in AHS programs from the Classes of 2025 & 2026
CTE 5 STARS
For the third consecutive year, the Alliance Career Tech Planning District has received the highest possible rating of 5 stars on the state report card. The CTPD is graded based on the following criteria: Achievement, Graduation Rate, Career & Post-Secondary Readiness and Post Program Outcomes. The Alliance CTPD met all necessary indicators to achieve the 5-star rating.
With another high rating secured, the Alliance Career Tech Planning District continues to set the standard for career tech education. By providing students with realworld experiences, industry certifications, and handson training, the programs ensure that graduates are prepared for success in college, careers, and beyond.
PROGRAMS OFFERED AT AHS
• AUTO TECH
• CONSTRUCTION TRADES
• COSMETOLOGY
• DIGITAL ART & DESIGN
• PREMEDICAL PROFESSIONS
• SPORTS MEDICINE
• VIDEO PRODUCTIONS
• WELDING
HIGHLIGHTS
• EBC Championships - AHS Boys Soccer, AHS Girls Wrestling, AHS Boys Basketball, AMS Boys Track
• EBC Player of the Year - Girls Soccer: Mady Lake, Boys Basketball: JR Jackson, Girls Wrestling: Abigail Mozden
• EBC Coach of the Year - Boys Basketball: Chet Harper, Girls Wrestling: Dane Johnson
• Ben Craig was named the Stark County Swimmer of the Year
• Abigail Mozden won the Girls State Wrestling Championship and Adilyn Mozden placed 5th
• The Girls Wrestling Team won the Girls Top Gun Wrestling Tournament for the 2nd year in a row
Middle School Boys Club Soccer
Middle School Football
High School Football
High School Boys Golf
High School Boys Soccer
Middle School Coed Cheer
High School Coed Cheer
Middle School Coed Cross Country
High School Coed Cross Country
Middle School Coed Golf
Middle School Girls Club Soccer
High School Girls Golf
High School Girls Soccer
High School Girls Tennis
Middle School Girls Volleyball
High School Girls Volleyball
Middle School Boys Basketball
High School Boys Basketball
High School Coed Bowling
Middle School Coed Cheer
High School Coed Cheer
High School Coed Cheer Competition
High School Coed Swimming
Middle School Girls Wrestling
High School Girls Wrestling
Middle School Boys Wrestling
High School Boys Wrestling
Middle School Girls Basketball
High School Girls Basketball
High School Boys Baseball
High School Boys Tennis
Middle School Boys Track
High School Boys Track
High School Girls Softball
Middle School Girls Track
High School Girls Track
ARTS
ALLIANCE
HIGH SCHOOL
CONCERT BAND
MARCHING BAND
PEP BAND
JAZZ ORCHESTRA
CHORALAIRES
CONCERT CHOIR
JETSETTERS
DRAMA CLASS
PHOTOGRAPHY
DRAWING
SCULPTING
MEDIA ARTS
DIGITAL
PRODUCTIONS
ALLIANCE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
BAND
JAZZ BAND
CHOIR
SHOW CHOIR
VISUAL
ARTS
KINDERGARTEN-5TH GRADE
VISUAL ART
MUSIC
BEST COMMUNITY FOR MUSIC EDUCATION
For the 5th year, Alliance City Schools was selected as a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. This achievement highlights the dedication of the district and music department to providing all students at ACS with a high-quality music education. The district received this prestigious musical distinction in 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
FINE ARTS SHOWCASE
Students in kindergarten through high school participated in the 3rd annual fine arts showcase in the spring. For over a week, students of all ages participated in a number of concerts and had their artwork displayed in a district-wide gallery housed in the gym at Alliance High School. The art show featured nearly a thousand pieces of student work, ranging from crafts to drawings to sculptures. Alliance City Schools is proud to offer students the chance to showcase their excellent work, whether it’s musical talents or visual artistic talents, in a week-long celebration of the arts.
ARTFUL LIVING AT ALLIANCE PRESCHOOL
Although the students at Alliance Preschool don’t have formal specials like art and music, the students still receive lessons in each through classroom lessons and lessons provided by Artful Living. This program brings an instructor into the classrooms where they teach the students about instruments, sing songs and let them experience what it’s like to play music. The students have so much fun singing, dancing and learning all about music.
STAFF RECOGNITION
Bailey Balderson Rookie of the Year
Bailey Balderson was selected as the Alliance City Schools Rookie Teacher of the Year. Bailey has been an energetic and positive addition to the kindergarten team at Alliance Early Learning School. She strives to build positive relationships with her students, families and colleagues in order to make the best possible educational experience for her kindergartners.
Susan Bailey
Classified Staff Member of the Year
Alliance City Schools started a new tradition of recognizing a Classified Staff Member of the Year! The very first recipient of this recognition was Susan Bailey. A dedicated staff member of 25 years, Susan Bailey takes pride in serving the Alliance community as a bus driver. She enjoys starting every day off with a smile and wave so the students feel welcome and cared for. Susan is loved by the families she works with and the staff at the Bus Garage who have nothing but positive stories to share about her.
CHALLENGES
REDUCTION IN STATE & FEDERAL FUNDING
With new legislation being proposed at both the State and Federal levels, the District is preparing for a reduction in funding that will have a negative impact on the schools. The proposed budget cuts present significant challenges for public education, and Alliance City Schools is not immune to their impact. Reductions in funding directly affect the District’s ability to sustain programs, maintain class sizes, and provide the resources our students need and deserve. While we remain committed to preparing all students for Life, College, and Careers, these cuts create financial strain that could limit opportunities for our students and staff. Continued support from our community will be more important than ever as we navigate these challenges together.
Julie Hale Teacher of the Year
Julie Hale was selected as the Alliance City Schools Teacher of the Year. A 31 year veteran teacher, Julie values each and every 3rd grader she teaches as an individual. She learns their interests, strengths and weaknesses in order to build a trusting relationship. Her students feel valued, cared for and loved and know she will always be there to support them whether in school or at sporting events.
Misty Sampson Compass Award
Misty Sampson was recognized with Alliance City Schools’ first-ever Compass Award. The award was created to honor staff members who have excelled in teaching or modeling one or more of the district’s core values. Misty, a dedicated ACS staff member for the past 29 years, has made a tremendous impact on both staff and students as a teacher and now as a member of the district technology team. Her expertise in technology implementation in the classroom has helped to ensure the teachers are prepared and equipped with the best possible tools.
WORKFORCE READINESS
Ensuring all Aviators are prepared for the workforce upon graduation continues to be a top priority for the District. The ever changing landscape of jobs is one that we are working to navigate and are doing so by aligning curriculum and initiatives with the needs of the current employers. Career Tech teachers specifically are revamping their programs to ensure students have the technical and life skills necessary to succeed in their career field of their choice. Setting students up for a successful career and productive life will continue to be an important part of Alliance City Schools.
STEWARDSHIP
Alliance City Schools is committed to being open, honest and transparent with its finances.
Building a culture of trust where all students and employees will thrive and we focus on achieving the results that the Alliance community needs, expects and deserves.
GENERAL FUND ALL FUNDS
General Fund Revenues
$9,648,165
Fund Expenditures
$3,934,554
$54,657,057
LOOKING FORWARD
SINGLE-OCCUPANCY RESTROOMS
The first set of single-occupancy restrooms was completed over the summer. The restrooms are located in the south lobby of Alliance High School and are accessible to all students, staff and visitors. The addition of the singleoccupancy restrooms has been well received by all stakeholders.
The district is looking into the possibility of adding single-occupancy restrooms throughout the district.
CULINARY ARTS
Nearly two years after receiving the multi-million dollar Career Technical Construction grant, the new Culinary Arts program is complete. Located in the former Auto Body space, the new program features a diner, industrial kitchen and food storage. The inaugural year of the program will see 17 students taking part in the program.
The new program will soon open a student-run cafe called “Jetway Cafe” and offer catering services on a limited basis. It’s an exciting opportunity for students at Alliance, Marlington and Salem High School with an interest in a career in the food industry.
INCREASE ENROLLMENT
The growth in preschool and kindergarten enrollment is a great opportunity for Alliance City Schools. Welcoming more of our youngest learners means we can reach students earlier, build strong academic and social foundations, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Encouraging early enrollment and growing our early learning opportunities and initiatives will continue to be a priority for the District for years to come
MAINTAINING BUILDINGS
Many of the buildings and facilities at Alliance City Schools are nearing the 25 year mark. The buildings have been diligently maintained over the years; however, the inevitable wear and tear has occurred and roofs, HVAC systems and parking lots are nearing the end of their expected serviceable years. This means expensive repairs and replacements are inevitable. The district plans to utilize funds from the Permanent Improvement levy the Alliance community generously passed in 2023 to cover the cost of the repairs.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Alliance City Schools is fortunate to have a number of community partners who support the students, staff and families in a variety of ways. From donating food and supplies to funding after school programs to ensuring the safety of all and so much more, the district is grateful to have such dedicated businesses and organizations to call community partners.
• UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION
• RODMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
• GREATER ALLIANCE FOUNDATION
• EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ALLIANCE
• THE YMCA
• CITY OF ALLIANCE
• FAMILY EMPOWERMENT MINISTRIES, INC.
• STARK COUNTY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER
• STATE SUPPORT TEAM 9
• CHILD & ADOLESCENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
• ALLIANCE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• ALLIANCE AREA DEVELOPMENT
• MAC TRAILER
• THE YWCA
• ALLIANCE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
• STARK EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
• ALLIANCE POLICE DEPARTMENT
• ALLIANCE FIRE DEPARTMENT
• BEN CURTIS FAMILY FOUNDATION
• STARK COUNTY HUNGER TASK FORCE
• ALLIANCE ROTARY
