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The Rocket Report August 2026

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A Report to the Community on the Business of Our City Schools

A Facilities for the Future Plan: A Summer Update on District Facilities

As the final weeks of summer wind down, the Bay Village City School District is buzzing with activity. If you’ve driven past buildings recently, you’ve likely noticed construction fencing, machinery and significant transformations underway. The Facilities for the Future Plan is officially in motion, breathing new life into school buildings to create modern, safe and innovative spaces for students.

To give the community a clear picture of where things stand, we sat down with Superintendent Scot Prebles and Assistant Superintendent Aaron Ereditario to get an update on what happened over the summer, what is happening now and what One Rocket Nation can expect next.

Q: We see construction across the district! What is the overall status of the projects right now?

A: We are thrilled to report that major projects are simultaneously underway at Normandy Elementary, the Glenview Center and Bay High School. According to our partners at Shook Construction, all three projects are progressing smoothly and remain on track with our projected timelines.

Q: Bay High School looks quite different from the outside. Can you explain what is happening there?

A: Yes; it’s a very exciting visual transformation! Work has officially begun on the high school’s new event center entrance, which is estimated to be a five-to-seven-month project. Crews have safely removed the exterior arches along the outside wall just east of the current gym entrance, opening up that space. This is the first major step to paving the way for a newly enclosed interior event center space that will serve as a hub for school events and community pride. The Athletic Department Office will also move to this area. When that’s complete, we will roll into the main entrance project.

Q: What specific milestones were achieved at Normandy Elementary over the summer?

A: Normandy is officially in its interior demolition and renovation stage. Construction fencing went up early, and crews have been hard at work inside the building. We are currently moving walls, updating lighting and replacing aging wiring to prepare the inside for modern updates, including a secure entrance connected to the newly located main office, a significant priority of the communitybased Facilities Core Committee.

Q: There is a lot of history at Glenview. What is the update on that site?

A: Glenview’s transformation is well underway. After successfully passing through the official approval channels of the city’s Planning Commission and Architectural Review Board, site preparation is occurring, fencing is up, interior prep work is complete and the demolition of the old (1948) part of the building began in mid-July. This clears the way for a brand-new, more thoughtfully designed facility for our youngest learners. The gym, kitchen and four classrooms (the south wing) are remaining, and will serve as the learning location for the SEED preschool program for the next 18 to 24 months.

Q: With three projects going on at once, have there been any unexpected challenges?

A: The extensive planning the Board of Education and our administration did with our construction partners prior to the project start date has paid off, as we haven’t had significant unexpected findings. Of course in renovation work, you always discover a few surprises when you open up old walls! For example, during site prep at Normandy, we discovered that the current overhang roof featured unique concrete columns and a concrete roof structure that weren’t fully detailed in old blueprints. We quickly adjusted the structural plan and pivoted to a design that works even better for our needs. We are learning, navigating and adapting as we go, but so far, nothing has made us press the “stop” button.

Q: The summer work is impressive. What comes next for the Facilities for the Future Plan?

A: While construction is happening on-site, a decent portion of the overall project is still actively in the design phase. Right now, we are finalizing plans for the new Bay High School guidance suite (which will live in the former main office), as well as a complete redesign of the high school library. We look forward to sharing official designs and renderings with the community soon, looking toward a grand reveal in the summer of 2027.

Additionally, we are working closely with the Bay High Alumni Foundation on the design of the high school’s new event entrance center to ensure alumni artifacts and photos are featured in a modern way. We can confidently say, families, students and residents are going to be really pleased with the final result!

Supt. Prebles and Ass't Supt. Ereditario meet with Shook Construction at BHS.

Bay Village Schools is a ‘Best Community for Music Education’

For the 23rd 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 57 Ohio school districts to receive this honor in 2026, and holds the second-longest winning streak in the state.

“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. Bay Village Schools is proud to have earned this award annually since 2003.

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.

Bay High School Musical Nominated for Dazzle Awards

Last spring, the Bay High School musical Anything Goes was nominated for seven Dazzle Awards, which is an arts education program and annual awards ceremony presented by Playhouse Square that recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. Congratulations to the cast, crew and directors for an amazing run.

BMS Power of the Pen Team Writers Impress at States

Four Bay Middle School writers traveled to Ashland University to compete at the prestigious Power of the Pen State Tournament. Students included eighth-graders Charlotte Colman (two-time State writer) and Audrey Beckwith, and seventh-graders London Goodpaster and Nora Lindsay. London was recognized with a Platinum Pen Award and her short story The Thief will be published in the 2026 Book of Winners. There were more than 500 writers from nearly 200 schools in attendance.

2026-27 School Year Coffee Chats

Community Coffee Chats have been a great way for parents and residents to meet Superintendent Scot Prebles and Treasurer Autumn Reed. These casual, yet informative events continue for the 2026-27 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, September 30 • 7:30-8:30 a.m. Mojo’s, 600 Dover Center Rd.

• Thursday, November 5 • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Cuyahoga County Public Library-Bay Village Branch, 27400 Wolf Rd.

• Friday, January 15 • 10-11 a.m.

Village Rose Deli, 328 Bassett Rd.

• Wednesday, March 24 • 6-7 p.m. • Board of Education/ KT Allen Building, 377 Dover Center Rd.

• Tuesday, May 4 • 8-9 a.m. • Trust Coffee, 27225 Wolf Rd.

BAY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 2026

GRADUATES in the top 5% of the class after 7 semesters, based on gPA

John William Allan

Olivia Grace Allen

Steven Paul Alten

Brady Wayne Anderson

Charlotte Mary Andrews

Kaitlyn Aquino

Morgan Aquino

Aidan David Bailey

Margaret Balas-Cahill

William Edgar Bando

Lauren Christine Barrett

Joseph Matthew Beauchesne

Vivian Claire Behringer

Elizabeth M. Bell

Isabella Faye Belveal

Anna Maria Bennett

Hannah Elizabeth Bergmann

Jack Joseph Bly

James H. Boehnlein

Isabella Marie Boland

Avery Margaret Bolwin

Sarah Althea Bombaugh

Keira Lynn Brelo

Oliver Maxwell Brown

Adam Eric Burgy

Gordon Delos Burt

Adrian Juaquin Bustos

Hannah Elizabeth Butler

Charlotte Anne Campbell

Elizabeth Veloso Carroll

Nicholas Raimonds Cebulis

Logan Sullivan Cerrito

Caroline Marie Chilton

Nora Grace Christel

Emily Christina Cline

Maxwell George Cockburn

Cannon Elizabeth Conley

Grahm E. Conway

Asher Jason Cooley

Richard B. Corbin

Jacob N. Costa

Aodhan Cunningham

George William Curran

Carolyn Cutteridge

Amelia Samantha Dalalau

Kathryn Mary Davey

Lucas Michael DeSalvo

Sophia Simone Dicicco

Magnolia Gray Doane

Sofia Ridley Dodge

Jack Dempsey Downing

Josephine H. Drenkhan

Kara Rebecca Dreslinski

Emma Kathleen Dubick

Margaret Ann Dunstan

Rocco Ereditario

Ellie Sue Estridge

Abigail Olivia Feiszli

Maxwell Norbert Fischer

Mary Grace Fitchpatrick

Michael W. Foreman

Charlotte Rose Fox

Sophia Maria Freda

Melia Dawn French

Isabel Katherine Frombach

Sarah Lynn Fry

Jack Allerton Gaffney

Madeline Michelle Gaudino

Gavyn Frank Kostadine Gavrilovec

Ethan Andrew George

Devon William Gerig

Sophie Victoria Getts

Leila Sophia Ghaffari

Shelby Jean Gillette

Maximilian D. Glowe

Cecilia Renee Gomez

Zachary James Graham

Benjamin Michael Harlan

Lucas Adam Harrod

Martin James Hausler

Sarah Barbara Hein

Trey Joseph Hileman

Ella Katelyn Hoerig

Stella Lillian Hoffman

Amy Marina Ingraham

Nicholas Quentin Jameson

Margaux Kathleen Jensen

Alice Archer Jones

Sacha John Jones

Grady William Reed Joyce

Eva Marie Julian

Halle Hale Julian

Benjamin Jacob Kamm

Molly Suntala Keane

Grace Catherine Kelly

John Robert Kenney

Paige Annalise Kerber

RheaLynn P. Klinger

Calista Ann Knab

Storey Alma Kocon

Lucy J. Korth

Trey Bodhen Kraska

Kathleen Marie Lang

Peyton Kathleen Larson

Josie Lazard

Ainsley Cate Lesh

Andrew Peter Liatti

Lydia May Lin

Blaise Bradshaw Linsenmeyer

Owen Christopher Mahoney

Emma G. Maiure

Sydney Lynn Martin

Bode Chase Mason

Julia Elizabeth Mavis

Lilyan Lucille Maynard

Colin Joseph McAlea

Maggie Kaelin McCale

Maeve Morgan McFarland

Morgan Lois McFarland

Joel J. Medina Maravi

Jayson Walter Miller

Olivia Louise Miller

Riley Jane Mitchell

Isabel Alyah Morgan

Nathan Thomas Mull

Stephen James Murphy

Jackson Patrick Murton

Bryana M. Neeson

Zoe Madeline Norcross

Sunniva Oestringen

Trevor W. Ormsby

Lia Noemi Overfield

Nina Grace Peet

Jayden Michael Perrine

Kaitlyn Pistorino

Chase William Prudhoe

Cassius Jacob Pruitt

Hope Barbara Rankin

Kelly Rekstis

Ella Pearl Riley

Kieran Ripley

Reese Ellen Roche

Charles Matthew Rodgers

Kiara Cinthya Rojas Maravi

Yacira Cinthya Rojas Maravi

Travis Richard Ropelewski

Ryan Jason Rothman

Sebastian Andrew Sabre

Rose Frances Saracusa

Devin Gabriel Sarkar

David James Scarbrough

Mia M. Schafer

Liam Campbell Schelzig

Avery Jean Schriner

Andrew Michael Seeholzer

Ruby Elizabeth Shaffer

Marlo Grace Sharpe

Keller Shea

Annabel Sjoberg

Neil Francis Smith

Grace Katherine Somerville

Madison Irene Somerville

Olivia Larraine Stehlik

Camryn Elizabeth Stojic

Michael E. Surovi

Peter Edmund Sutherland

Liam Jeffrey Sutman

Annika Katherine Taber

Evan Michael Taulbee

Michael W. Taylor III

Jill Caroline Tennant

Lukas Otto Timm

Norah Trefz

Mariah VanNewhouse

John Robert Veverka

Kendra Lynn Vidmar

Samuel Mayer Vonderau

Benjamin Andrew Wagner

Fiona Kelly Walden

Curran K. Wank

Lillian Ryce Wavak

Anne Elise Weber

Meredith Taylor Weiden

Ryder Wise

Jack Allen Wunder

Henry Arthur Fife Wyman

Mackenzie A. Zastudil

Jackson Adam Ziemnik

Daniel Allen Zipfel

Photos by
Thomas & Thomas
Oliver BrownJacob CostaShelby GilletteZachary GrahamMartin HauslerBenjamin Kamm
Grace KellyPaige KerberStephen MurphyAvery SchrinerAnne Weber
To see a complete list of the 2026 Scholarships and Awards, visit: https://bit.ly/Schol26

Bay Village is Top 5 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. 5 this year, and Bay Village Schools again made the top 10 list, ranked No. 4 in the magazine’s 2026 annual best school districts, moving up two spots from last year.

Military Coin Presentation

On Friday, August 21, Bay Village Schools, a Purple Star District, will be presented with a Purple Star Command Coin from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce at Bay High School’s first home football game of the season against Ashland High School at 7 p.m. The district’s Leadership Team and Military Liaisons will accept the coin on the field at approximately 6:50 p.m. This coin will also be used in the game’s official coin toss. The district’s 42 Military-connected families will also be in attendance to participate in this important ceremony.

BHS Key Club Recognized at State Conference

Seven Bay High Key Club members attended the 2026 Ohio Key Club 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 17 awards, including Best Service Project and Outstanding President.

ROCKET ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS

This spring, multiple varsity programs extended their seasons all the way to Columbus, showcasing true Rocket pride at the OHSAA State Championships. From the track to the lacrosse field, our athletes proved that they belong among the elite in Ohio. Congratulations to all of our spring athletes on a memorable season.

Boys Track & Field Top-10 State Finish

The Boys Track & Field team capped off an unforgettable season at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium with a ninth-place overall finish in the state standings. The Rockets’ charge was spearheaded by an impressive performance from Senior Jayden Perrine, who captured two State Runner-up titles, earning silver medals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dash finals.

Bay also demonstrated incredible depth in its sprint relays:

• The 4x200m (Will Curran, Ben Kamm, Max Fischer, Jayden Perrine) 15th place.

• The 4x100m (Evan Taulbee, Colin McAlea, Ben Kamm, Jayden Perrine)16th place.

• Max Fischer also placed 18th in the 110-meter hurdles.

Girls Track and Field

Distance standout runner Maya Gonzalez proudly represented Bay at the State Tournament, qualifying for both the 800-meter and 1600-meter runs, placing fourth in the 800, and she was State Runner-up in the 1600.

Girls Lacrosse Reaches the Final Four

Girls Lacrosse had a historic playoff run in the Division II State Tournament. Showing incredible resilience and teamwork, the Rockets charged through the regional brackets, securing dominant wins over rivals Rocky River (18-8) and Hathaway Brown (9-6).

Exceptional teamwork earned the team a coveted spot in the OHSAA State Championship game at Historic Crew Stadium. While their championship journey ultimately came to an end against a tough St. Francis DeSales squad, the Rockets finished an incredible season as State Runner-up. Gracie Fitchpatrick and Layla Meaux were recently named to the USA Lacrosse All-American team.

BOARD OF EDUCATION UPDATES

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

As Members of the Bay Village Board of Education, we had the honor of presenting 189 graduates with diplomas during Bay High School’s 100th Annual Commencement Exercises at Bay High Memorial Stadium. It was inspiring to hear from two members of the Class of 2026, student speakers Paige Kerber and Blaise Linsenmeyer. 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 alumni.

Fiscal Year 2026 Financial YearWrap-up

Board Member Dr. Andrey Stojic, whose daughter Camryn graduated this year, spoke at Commencement on behalf of the Board of Education. He offered three actional pieces of advice to help the Class of 2026 navigate the changes that await them: Lead through Service; Be Resilient; and Be Good and Kind. In closing, Dr. Stojic asked the graduates to remember that One Rocket Nation is “A community committed to giving our children the best opportunities for success. This community – this family – will always be there to support you.”

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 2026 the weekend of October 2-4!

Central Office Staff Members Recognized

The Board of Education would like to recognize Superintendent Scot Prebles, who was selected as one of four recipients of the 2026 Jennings Superintendent Award of Excellence. This award, presented by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, recognizes the outstanding leadership, vision and meaningful impact a superintendent has made in their district and across the broader educational community. Selection reflects the high esteem in which the awardee’s peers and colleagues hold their work, and acknowledge their contributions to public education in Ohio.

Another honor includes the Finance Department receiving the Auditor of State Award for clean audit reports for fiscal year 2025. Less than 10% of state government entities receive this award. Bay Village Schools has received this award 11 of the last 12 years. This recognition reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to financial integrity and accountability. The district’s Financial Team consists of Treasurer Autumn Reed; Judi Hansen, Accounts Payable & Health Benefits; Beth Gergye, Accounts Receivable & Payroll; and Susan Lapolla, Payroll.

Finally, the Board would like to recognize Director of Communications Karen Misciagna for being honored at the Ohio School Public Relations Association (OHSPRA) annual spring conference with five Achievement Awards. We congratulate Karen on being recognized by her peers. Effective communication is the foundation of our success.

The district’s financial year ended on June 30, 2026. The General Fund ended with a $13.8 million cash balance, in line with expectations from the Five-Year Forecast. The district brought in approximately $44.5 million from local property taxes, state aid and other sources. Operating expenditures totaled around $41.9 million, resulting in a $2.6 million positive operating balance.

In fiscal year 2025, a significant $8.5 million was strategically transferred from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. This action supported the Facilities for the Future Plan, and aligns with the Board’s policy of investing excess funds into longterm strategic priorities. This transfer allowed the district to begin the construction process in advance of receiving tax revenue from the Permanent Improvement levy passed in May of 2025. The COPs and TANs financings were completed in January of 2026, and will fund modern, safe and innovation spaces for our students.

The Permanent Improvement levy began collections in 2026. This allows capital project funds to cover building, maintenance, technology and equipment needs, freeing up 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.

2026-27 BUILDING TIMES

First day of school is Tuesday, August 18!

Bay Village City School District

377 Dover Center Road

Bay Village, OH 44140

Board of Education

Debbie Callihan, President

James Goodman, Vice President

Kevin Ballantine

Amy Huntley

Dr. Andrey Stojic

District Office

Scot T. Prebles, Superintendent

Autumn Reed, Treasurer

POSTAL CUSTOMER

BAY VILLAGE, OH 44140

Maintaining School Facilities

This summer, Bay Village Schools invested in significant building and grounds improvements as part of the district’s strategic plan. This annual maintenance schedule enhances facilities for students, staff and residents to ensure a safe and refreshed return to school this month.

Here is a look at the most prominent maintenance projects that happened around the district this summer:

•A Brand-New Surface for the Bay Middle School Gym: The Bay Middle School gymnasium floor is getting a complete makeover. Starting in late June and wrapping up in early July, the gym was fully resurfaced to provide a top-tier, safe playing surface for our physical education classes and sports teams.

•Essential Infrastructure Enhancements at Normandy: At Normandy Elementary School, the facilities team tackled a significant roof repair directly above the cafeteria to prevent future leaks and to protect the facility. Additionally, crews completed a soffit repair in the Normandy courtyard to keep the exterior sharp and structurally sound.

•Prioritizing Safety with a New Bay Middle School Crosswalk: If you’ve driven near Bay Middle School recently, you may have noticed the addition of a new, high-visibility crosswalk. This upgrade is a direct outcome of last year’s Traffic Study, and represents a major step forward in ensuring the safety of students, walkers, bicyclists and drivers alike.

In addition to these major undertakings, our team is busy handling dozens of smaller cosmetic touches, deep cleaning and routine maintenance tasks across all buildings.

We are incredibly grateful to our community for your continued support, which allows us to keep our schools safe, modern and beautiful. Keep an eye out for these fresh updates when school starts on Tuesday, August 18.

Bay Village Schools will hold its fourth annual State of the District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2027 at Bay Middle School Library. The community is welcome to hear more about year four of the district’s Strategic Plan, as well as updates on finances, curriculum and facilities.

STAY CONNECTED WITH BAY SCHOOLS

If you have questions, ideas or would like to subscribe to the Bay Village Schools Enewsletter, please email photos@bayk12.org.

Bay Middle School Gym
Bay Middle School Crosswalk

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The Rocket Report August 2026 by Bay Village Schools - Issuu