S Superintendent Reflects on Successes, Looks to Year Four
Superintendent Scot Prebles recently completed his third year leading the Bay Village City School District, a period marked by significant progress in strategic planning, academics and community engagement. As he embarks on his fourth year, he shares his proudest achievements, what he's looking forward to and what's in store for year three of the Strategic Plan.
Q. Bay Village Schools has achieved remarkable success over the past three years, including a new Strategic Plan; overwhelming community support for a Permanent Improvement levy; toptier rankings; and outstanding student achievements in academics, arts, athletics and music. From this impressive record, what accomplishment means the most?
A. Without hesitation, the deep and expansive relationships forged with the community. The active engagement of more than 150 parents, staff and residents in the design and implementation of strategic initiatives has been transformative. This connection to our community underpins all of our successes. This collaborative spirit has led to secure financial stability and essential facility enhancements. I also commend the Board of Education for its dedication to financial leadership and robust academic programming. And without question, I am grateful for the support of our dedicated teachers and staff.
A. That’s an excellent question, and it speaks to the dynamic environment we operate in. Our approach is rooted in a clear vision and a robust Strategic Plan. While legislative shifts require attention, they don't derail our core mission. Proactive communication with the community and consultation with legal experts ensure compliance, while advocating for students and the district's needs. These needs remain at the forefront as we navigate these evolving state-level requirements.
Q. What will year three of the Strategic Plan look like?
A. Year three of the Strategic Plan will continue to prioritize fiscal efficiency and accountability. The recent passage of our permanent improvement levy does not diminish our focus on maximizing every taxpayer dollar. In fact, Treasurer Meghan Rohde recently shared with the Board of Education that the district will spend nearly $1 million less this year than last – this is huge! We are serious about demonstrating respect for our community’s support, and we will continue to meticulously review expenditures and seek innovative operational methods to protect the community’s generous support. A rigorous, data-driven approach will ensure the diverse needs of students are met, preparing them for higher education, vocational training, the military or the workforce. The district is not on autopilot; there is much left to accomplish.
Q. The 2025-26 school year is about to begin...What are you most looking forward to for Bay Village Schools?
A. For the upcoming school year, I am most excited about building momentum needed to implement the Strategic Plan's key priorities:Learning, Culture, Instruction, Accountability and Community. I am excited about working alongside the district’s dedicated staff, whose efforts are reflected in student performance, and I also look forward to continued conversations with the community as the Permanent Improvement levy construction process begins, which is a significant undertaking for future generations.
Q. It seems there is constantly new legislation impacting how Ohio public school districts operate and educate. How do you and your team effectively manage these ongoing changes, while consistently maintaining Bay Village Schools' standing as a top 2% district in the state?
Q. What else would you like the community to know as you begin year four with Bay Village Schools?
A. First, I would like to thank the community for their support. Second, I would like to share gratitude for our Board of Education and the city of Bay Village. I am proud of our student-first Board and the relationship we have with our city leaders. I want the community to be aware of how fortunate we are.
In the short term, my goal is to transform conceptual drawings from the Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan into buildable designs, working to secure architects and engineers. An "Implementation" page will be added to the district website for community updates. For the long term, we will remain committed to continuous improvement efforts that ensure that Bay remains a top-tier district focused on academic excellence for all students, incorporating community voice in our work.
Superintendent Scot Prebles with Class of 2025 graduates
Bay Village City School District is a ‘Best Community for Music Education’
For the 22nd year in a row, Bay Village City School District has been recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as a Best Community for Music Education. Bay Village Schools is among just 935 districts nationwide and 53 Ohio school districts to receive this honor in 2024.
“I applaud the commitment of our music educators, who provide our students with not only a learning opportunity, but also a creative outlet to explore and express their creativity and talent,” said Superintendent Scot Prebles. “I also know that without the support of our families and residents, including the Bay Music Boosters, this award would not be possible.”
Music instructors at the Bay Village City School District are: Darren Allen (Bay Middle School and Bay High School instrumental music); Mark Awad (Bay Middle School instrumental music); Dr. E. James Kotora, Jr. (Normandy Elementary School music); Allison Turnbull (Westerly Elementary School music); Dr. Devon Gess (Bay High School vocal music); Dr. Ann Gilbert (Bay Middle School instrumental music); Andrew Novak (Bay Middle School vocal music); and Carrie Singler (Bay Middle School and Bay High School instrumental music).
The NAMM Foundation recognizes the outstanding efforts put forth by the district’s teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders to ensure music is part of a well-rounded education for every child in Bay Village Schools. The district is proud to have earned this award annually since 2003.
BMS Power of the Pen Team: Writers
Impress at States
Five Bay Middle School writers traveled to Ashland University to compete at the prestigious Power of the Pen State Tournament. Students included eighthgraders Oona Louis, Penny Herman, Sam Vardon (pictured) and Lily Young, and seventh-grader Charlotte Colman. Oona and Lily were recognized with Platinum Pen Awards and will have their pieces published in the 2025 Book of Winners. Sam and Charlotte made it to the top 52 competition and wrote in the Power Round. There were more than 500 writers from 176 schools in attendance.
Bay High Student Wins Dazzle Award
In May, Bay High School rising Senior Logan Cerrito was named Best Supporting Actor for The Music Man at the 2025 Dazzle Awards at Playhouse Square. The spring musical was up for seven Dazzle Awards, had sold-out performances and involved more than 115 students.
Summer Programming
Did you know that more than 1,000 Bay Village students – from summer enrichment and STEM Camp to Mini Cheer and Basketball Camp – participated in academic and athletic programming this summer? Thank you to our educators and coaches for sharing your knowledge and time with our students over summer break.
You’re Invited: Coffee Chats for the 2025-26 School Year
Community Coffee Chats have been a great way for parents and residents to meet Superintendent Scot Prebles and Treasurer Meghan Rohde. These casual, yet informative events continue for the 2025-26 school year. Mark your calendars, and plan to attend at least one this school year to meet the Central Office Team and ask questions about the district.
• Wednesday, October 1 • 7:30-8:30 a.m. • Mojo’s, 600 Dover Center Rd.
• Thursday, November 6 • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Cuyahoga County Public Library-Bay Village Branch, 27400 Wolf Rd.
• Thursday, January 15 • 7:30-8:30 a.m. • Trust Coffee, 27225 Wolf Rd.
• Tuesday, March 25 • 6-7 p.m. • Board of Education/KT Allen Building, 377 Dover Center Rd.
• Friday, May 1 • 10-11 a.m. • Trust Coffee, 27225 Wolf Rd.
Bay Village is Top 10 City, School District
Cleveland Magazine rates Northeast Ohio’s 77 suburbs as part of its annual Best Places to Live issue. The city of Bay Village ranked No. 3 this year, and Bay Village Schools again made the top 10 list, ranked No. 6 in the magazine’s 2025 annual top education ranking.
Prioritizing Attendance
Improving student attendance is a priority the district will continue to focus on for the 2025-26 school year. Bay Village Schools has partnered with the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, whose mission is to prioritize attendance by connecting districts to resources aimed at tackling chronic absenteeism. Some of these resources include working with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the Cleveland Browns Foundation and Proving Ground to continue promoting good attendance.
School attendance is fundamental to a student’s success–academically, socially and emotionally. By working together, we can ensure that Bay students are consistently engaged in high-quality educational experiences with teachers and peers.
BHS Key Club Recognized
Fourteen Bay High Key Club members attended the 2025 Ohio District Leadership Conference in Columbus where they participated in service projects, attended workshops, elected new officers and heard Keynote speakers. Bay High Key Club was also recognized for a variety of honors for its service projects and leadership roles from this past school year, receiving four first-place awards, one second-place award and one third-place award.
Boys Track & Field, Girls Lacrosse Compete at State
Bay High School: Two Bay High School students competed at the 2025 OHSAA Boys Track and Field State Tournament on June 6-7 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium at Ohio State University. Regional Runner-up and rising Senior Jayden Perrine (upper left photo) finished third in the State in the 100m dash, earning AllOhio recognition and setting a new school record of 10:58 in his qualifying heat. Recent graduate and Regional Champ Michael Hanselman (upper right photo) placed 18th in the State in the 3200m run.
Girls Lacrosse won its third straight Division II Region 5 Championship to play Hathaway Brown in the State Semi-final Final Four game on June 4, 2025 at Copley High School. The Lady Rockets lost to the Blazers, 16-8, but had a great season, with many players receiving individual recognitions, including rising Senior Layla Meaux (right), who earned All-American honors from USA Lacrosse.
Bay Middle School: Bay Middle School’s Cody Knaack is the 2025 7th and 8th Grade Track and Field State Champion in the Discus. The rising eighth-grader also came in second in the Shot Put. Cody is the first Middle School State Champion in Track and Field for Bay. Also competing at the middle school State Meet was rising Freshman Chase Zastudil, coming in 29th in the State in High Jump.
BHS Boys Lacrosse Coach Honored
Congratulations to Bay High School Boys Lacrosse Coach Kyle Figy (left) for being selected for the OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award for the 202425 school year. This recognition highlights the contributions of coaches who embody the core values of sportsmanship, ethics, integrity and serving as role models for student-athletes and their communities.
Knapp Named Gatorade ‘Player of the Year’
In its 40th year of honoring the nation’s most elite high school athletes, Gatorade named recent Bay High School graduate Tessa Knapp as the 2024-25 Gatorade Ohio Girls Soccer Player of the Year. This is the second year in a row Tessa has won this distinction, and as noted last year, she is the first female Bay High School soccer player to be chosen for this award. Tessa is continuing her education and athletic career at the University of Notre Dame.
BOARD OF EDUCATION UPDATES
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
As Members of the Bay Village Board of Education, we had the honor of presenting 156 graduates with diplomas during Bay High School’s 99th Annual Commencement Exercises. It was inspiring to hear from two members of the Class of 2025, student speakers Tessa Knapp and Spencer Grace. These young leaders reflected on their time in Bay Village Schools, and credited their families, teachers, principals, coaches and friends for their support during their time in the district. They also shared their hopes for the future, including staying in touch as young alumni.
Board President Mrs. Amy Huntley has a tradition of sharing this poem whenever she has the privilege of speaking at Commencement–from one alum to another. She said it sums up what it’s like to be a Bay Rocket, always.
We’ve attended the same alma mater, And today I am wishing for you Good luck in the days that lie ahead And success in all that you do. You’re proud of that old alma mater And to tell the truth, so am I We’ve learned that it pays to work hard, And to always aim for the sky. So today is a day for fun and for laughter
A day to remember in the years ever after For saying goodbye to the friends you knew And promising, “I’ll keep in touch with you.” I wish you happiness all of your days May you find fulfillment in your different ways.
~Author Unknown
As these graduates head to college, to the military, to learn a trade or to the workforce, the Bay Village Board of Education wishes them all the best in their next journeys, and hopes they’ll come back for Homecoming 2025 the weekend of October 3-5!
Staff Members Recognized for State Achievements
The Board of Education would like to recognize Treasurer Meghan Rohde and the Finance Department for receiving another Auditor of State Award for its clean audit reports for the fiscal year ended 2024. Less than 10% of government entities in the state receive this award. Bay Village Schools has received the Ohio Auditor of State Award 10 of the last 11 years. This recognition reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to financial integrity, transparency and accountability, and is a testament to the diligence of our finance team.
The Bay Village Schools Financial Team (shown above) consists of: Judi Hansen, Accounts Payable & Health Benefits; Beth Gergye, Accounts Receivable; Meghan Rohde, Treasurer; and Susan Lapolla, Payroll.
The Board would also like to recognize Karen Misciagna (center right), the district’s director of communications for being honored at the Ohio School Public Relations Association (OHSPRA) annual spring conference. Karen was awarded with a Mark of Distinction Award for the July 2024 edition of the One Rocket Nation News ENewsletter. We congratulate Karen on being recognized by her peers.
WITH MEGHAN ROHDE
Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Year Wrap-up
The Bay Village City School District concluded its fiscal year on June 30, 2025, meeting financial expectations from the May Five-Year Forecast. The General Fund saw revenues of approximately $44.6 million and operating expenditures of $41.1 million, resulting in a $3.5 million positive operating balance.
A significant $8.5 million was strategically transferred from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. This action supports the Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan and aligns with the Board's policy of investing excess funds into longterm strategic priorities. Even with this transfer, the district ended the year with a healthy General Fund cash balance of approximately $11.5 million, demonstrating responsible financial planning.
This transfer allows the district to begin addressing building, maintenance, technology and equipment needs outlined in the Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan ahead of the new Permanent Improvement levy collections, which begin in 2026. Using capital project funds in this way helps preserve General Fund dollars for classroom instruction and student services.
The Board and administration remain committed to long-term financial sustainability, projecting continued operations within budget and strategic investments in key initiatives. The district thanks the Bay Village community for its support, which enables both future planning and high-quality education today.
2025-26 BUILDING TIMES
First day of school is Thursday, August 21! BAY HIGH SCHOOL 7:50 a.m. - 2:40 p.m. (M, W, F) 7:50 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. (T, Th) BAY MIDDLE SCHOOL 7:45 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. WESTERLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 8:05 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.
NORMANDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 8:35 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mrs. Amy Huntley, Mrs. Debbie Callihan, Mr. James Goodman, Dr. Scott Schulz, Dr. Andrey Stojic
BAY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 2025
GRADUATES in the top 5% of the class after 7 semesters, based on gPA
Liam Francis Albright
Addison Lynn Alexy
Emery Jane Aschenbrener
Jeffrey Paul Bailey
Daniel Gene Barker
Cooper Robert Baruxes
Marina Rose Beigi
Erin Brianna Belveal
Aaron Edward Bernys
Madeline Mary Bigler
Carlin Laura Biondi
Bennett Riley Bourn
Vincent Xavier Boushelle
Jack Michael Boyer
Jonathan Patrick Bragan
Colin Michael Brelo
Courtney Ann Buchanan
Greyson Douglas Buckingham
Caroline Elizabeth Bunsey
Rose Leah Burgett
Margaret Ellen Burt
Isabella Marie Buttari
Ishmael Balam Cal
Braeden Grady Capretto
Stephen Michael Caputo
Amelia Veloso Carroll
Christopher Gifford Chakerian
Jack James Chalmers
Anna Mae Christel
Dashiell Charles Clevenger
Alana-Faye Cornelia Conley
Ava Grace Constantinescu
Rhyleigh Skye Cruz
Ella Madeleine Deibel
Rebecca Belle Dent
Christopher Steven Diamond
Katherine Marie Dorton
Vivian Marie Dunn
Emma Elizabeth Duns
Michael Spencer DuPrey
Jacob Matthew Dwyer
Ryan Christopher Dyke
Kaitlin Michelle Egan
Dylan Malibiran Eiler
Moira Elizabeth English
Katherine Glenn Erwin
Abigail Lilly Estridge
Wondu James Evans
Michael Edwin Farrell
Alexa Elizabeth Feicks
Elizabeth Fiala Fetterman
Ahna Karolynn Fliehman
Annalise Fiona Forsyth
Claire YanShuQi Foster
Benjamin Carl Frey
Mora Elizabeth Gabet
Josette Renee Gadbois
Sophia Rose Gadd
Austin James Genochio
Samuel Dean Giannakopoulos
Lacey Gene Gilmore
Jaxon Gabriel Gozar
Spencer Wayne Grace
James Francis Gray O’Shea
Derek Gura
Michael Richard Hanselman
Jennifer Grace Harman
Andrew Walter Harper
Ashley Dawn Harper
Maya Ann Holmes
Marie Madeleine Hunt
Javaria Imran
Madeline Jane Jalovec
Keira Grace Jansen
Ella Katherine Kevesdy
Robin Lynn Kibbey
Audrey Alice Kirkland
Jackson Charles Kloepfer
Madeline Lorraine Knaack
Aidan Joseph Knapp
Tessa Elizabeth Knapp
Kate Apoline Kontis Gleydura
Sean Conrad Kraft
James Anthony Krieg
Ava Belle Kruger
Henry Thomas Kubiak
Reese Marie Laschinger
Sarah Elizabeth Leighliter
Bianca Elise Leon
Kai Alexander Louis
Charles Brennen Lyons
Thomas Shafer Mack
Delaney Marie Majer
Evan Cahoon Manderine
Grace Margaret Manoloff
Brooklyn Sailor Marriott
Liam Walter Martin
Megan Kimberly Maybaum
David Christopher Mayer
Olivia Bree McIntire
Henry Paul Mediate
Collin Daniel Melvin
Gianna Ann Mihalic
Gwynn Aten Miller
Kayla Christine Morriss
Conor Patrick Murtaugh
Peyton Gabriel Myers
Rian Sloane Nicholl
Quinn Keelin O’Leary
Murray Thomas Oldham
Jacob Terrence Owens
Emma Marie Parker
Isaac Benjamin Pedersen
Quinn Xavier Pellow
Caitlin Marie Petz
Lena Scout Piktel
Isabella Rose Pirinelli
Olivia Maria Poulis
Ryan Robert Reed
Brooke Nikkou Rhea
Douglas Ronald Riley
Caleb James Rinehart
Julia Mae Rocco
Ali Sleiman Saad
Sarina Alexa Sangari
Kate Marie Scarbrough
Noah Bingham Scholtz
Nathaniel Thomas Scott
by
Benjamin George Shuster
Morgan Julia Simolin
Nicholas John Skryp
Madeline Lee Smith
Katherine Dorothy Sommers
Connor James Spellman
Nathan Lee Spolar
Hannah Grace Starnes
Grant Alan Steiskal
Ellie Keating Stevenson
Kennedy Anne Stockdale
Carsten Bradley Stofcheck
Lucy Elizabeth Tarpy
Evelyn Joy Tenerowicz
Lola Christine Toil
William August Travis
Elliot Donald Trefz
Logan Christopher Turk
Beatrice Susan Ullom
Charles Vatolin
Jack Finn Veselic
Annaliese Marilyn Walters
Luke Thomas Wannemacher
Christofer Michael Wassmer
Nathan Alexander Webster
Leo Jonathan Willhoite
Ian Charles Williams
William Anthony Basil Willmitch
George Edward Winkler
Graydan James Wisniowski
Nadia Fallon Wynocker
Ishmael CalVivian DunnJacob DwyerAlexa Feicks
Thomas MackLena PiktelCarsten StofcheckWilliam Willmitch
Photos
Thomas & Thomas
Bay Village City School District
377 Dover Center Road
Bay Village, OH 44140
Board of Education
Amy Huntley, President
Debbie Callihan, Vice President
James Goodman
Dr. Scott Schulz
Dr. Andrey Stojic
District Office
Scot T. Prebles, Superintendent
Meghan Rohde, Treasurer
440-617-7300
www.bayk12.org
POSTAL CUSTOMER
BAY VILLAGE, OH 44140
Maintaining, Enhancing School Facilities
Bay Village Schools invested in significant building and grounds improvements this summer as part of its strategic plan, enhancing facilities for students, staff and residents.
COMPLETED PROJECTS INCLUDE:
•Bay High School Auditorium: Replaced the original stage floor.
•Westerly Elementary: Resurfaced the playground and completed a building-wide soffit repair (with the main entrance slated for next summer).
•District-wide: Continued the 5-year transition to LED lighting; upgraded security cameras and badge readers; removed dead trees and branches; and updated classroom floors, door handles and exterior doors in most buildings.
Traffic Study Underway
As part of the Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan, the district has been conducting a traffic study, focusing on Normandy, Westerly and Bay Middle schools. Bay Village Schools is partnering with Toole Design to improve safety for student arrival and dismissal. The city of Bay Village is collaborating on this review process, and is simultaneously engaging with the Ohio Department of Transportation on the Safe Routes to School initiative.
Toole Design's preliminary findings and recommendations are expected later this month. This information will be discussed at upcoming Board of Education meetings. The district looks forward to and is committed to improving safe arrival and dismissal for students.
Additionally, thanks to the Permanent Improvement levy passed in May, the district has begun or completed key projects under the Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan, focusing on safety, security and extending building life. These include installing a safety fence behind Normandy Elementary School’s west playground and starting a multi-year replacement/repair process for Bay Middle School's geothermal heating system motors.
Bay Village Schools will hold its third annual State of the District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 24 at Bay Middle School Library. All community members are welcome to hear more about year three of the district’s Strategic Plan, as well as updates on finances, curriculum and facilities.
The BHS Auditorium stage during floor replacement last month