The Rocket Report May 2025

BMS Power of the Pen Students Advance

2025 Merit Finalist In October, Bay Village Schools announced that Bay High School student Jacob Dwyer was recognized in the 2025 National MeritÆ Scholarship Program (NMSP) as a Semifinalist. BHS Principal Jason Martin was notified by NMSP that Jacob has advanced to Finalist standing in the 70th annual competition.

This academically talented high school senior is now eligible for Jacob Dwyer Merit Scholarship awards totaling more than $30 million that will be awarded this spring.

He is one of only 15,000 Finalists of the more than 1.5 million NMSP entrants.

BHS has 6 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Winners

The awards given by the Ohio PBIS Network and the State Support Team for implementation of school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Building-Level Recognition: • Glenview Center - Bronze • Normandy Elementary - Gold • Westerly Elementary - Silver

BHS’ Team Village With A Vision Raises $113,000 for LLS Bay High School’s Team Village With A Vision ended its fundraising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) by raising more than $113,000 in the fight against cancer. This group of about 30 BHS students was one of 33 schools in Northeast Ohio that came together to raise more than $1.4M in seven weeks.

The Bay Middle School Power of the Pen teams had a great showing at the recent Regional competition, with the eighth-grade team winning first place out of 36 teams and nearly 100 writers in attendance. Next up is the state competition later this month.

“Spare me your pity” by Gwynn Miller

Celebrating State-qualifying Athletes Bay High Diving had two divers qualify for the State Tournament, Charlie Vatolin (2nd place) and Belle Dent (19th place).

Lauren Rowe

Six BHS students won 11 awards in categories such as poetry, painting, personal essay and sculpture in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Of those awards, 3 were Gold Keys, 4 were Silver Keys and 4were Honorable Mentions.

In other arts news, two BHS students had works qualify for State judging in the Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition, currently on display at the State House.

In March, 13 teams from Bay Village Schools competed at the Destination Imagination (DI) regional tournament in Beachwood.

Teams worked hard for many months to get ready for the competition and had a very fun and successful day. Of the 13 teams competing, 11 teams qualified for the DI State Tournament later this month in Barberton. Congratulations to all the teams and to DI Moderator Leigh Ann Spratt.

Westerly fourth-graders participated in a writer’s workshop put on by the Magical Theatre Company’s KidsScripts program. The company chose two students’ original stories and returned to Westerly this spring to adapt and perform these two short plays. Congratulations to Annie Noris (Charlotte and the Haunted House) and Lulliana Osorio (Cheerleaders and Aliens) who saw their creativity come to life, performed by real actors in front of their peers. This program encourages children to read more, write more and enjoy live theater.

BMS Teacher Named ‘Citizen of the Year’ Normandy’s ‘One School One Book’ Celebrates 12 Years

Katie Pistorino

Destination Imagination Teams Excel

Westerly Writers’ Stories Come to Life

In other news, seventh-graders are growing hydroponic lettuce and harvesting it for school lunches. The initiative is coordinated by BMS Food Services Manager Kathleen McDonald and Science Teacher Eric Caddey.

Martin Hausler’s “Brown Sugar” and “King of the Pond”

Six Bay High Swimming had six athletes qualify for the State Swimming Meet in the following events: Ruby Render, 100 yd Freestyle; Ollie Brown, 100 yd Breaststroke (14th place); Luke Filiatraut, 100 yd Backstroke and 100 yd Butterfly (12th place); 200 yd Medley Relay, Luke Filiatraut, Ollie Brown, John Allan, Peyton Myers; and 400 yd Freestyle Relay, Aaron Bernys, Peyton Myers, Ollie Brown, Luke Filiatraut (15th place).

Three BHS students represented the Rockets at the OATCCC Indoor State Track meet: Jayden Perrine, 200m dash (5th place); Michael Hanselman, 3200m run (11th place); and Kieran Reipley, 1600m run (14th place).

• Bay Middle School - Bronze • Bay High School - Silver

With only 4% of the districts in the state of Ohio have received this award, the district is excited and proud to celebrate a district-wide commitment to positive behavior, student success and school climate excellence!

Special recognition was given to Paige Kerber for receiving the 2025 Mission Research Award, and to Molly Keane for winning the Team Member of the Year Award at the recent LLS Student Visionaries Grand Finale. Thank you to everyone who supported this student-led team.

“Immersed” by Avery Shriner

Bay Village Schools recognized with the 2023-24 District Award

Normandy celebrated the 12th anniversary of One School One Book (OSOB) by reading Lucy’s Lab: Nuts About Science by Michelle Houst, who visited Normandy in person. About 700 students and adults participated in the school-wide book club. Events included an all-school assembly; a special OSOB Night with 300 students and parents in attendance; learning how to measure the age of a tree; and a tree-planting ceremony with the Bay Village Tree Conservancy and Bartlett Tree.

This program was made possible thanks to many volunteers, including BHS Key Club, Project Earth and design students Olivia McIntire and River Chakerian; and Normandy PTA, parents, staff and local merchants.

The Bay Village Community Council recently named Mark Kevesdy the 2025 Citizen of the Year. Kevesdy, a longtime Bay resident and math teacher at Bay Middle School, was recognized for his many contributions to the community, most notably his efforts to raise funds to help solve the Amy Mihaljevic case. For the past five years, he has coordinated a memorial walk/run, raising more than $20,000 last year alone. Kevesdy also serves the city as an auxiliary police officer, and has volunteered to help integrate Ukrainian refugees into the community.

Normandy Kindergarten Registration is open for the Class of 2038 For more information, please scan the QR code or call the school at 440-617-7350.

PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It's a schoolwide, systems-based approach to improving school behavior, focusing on teaching and supporting positive behaviors for all students. PBIS emphasizes prevention and proactive measures rather than reactive discipline.

Normandy students recently enjoyed a "Glow Day Party" as part of their PBIS rewards

BMS, BHS Music Students Represent at OMEA Events Nearly 300 Bay High and Bay Middle schools music students were showcased at this year's Ohio Music Education Association's (OMEA) events, including band, orchestra and choral members. Chamber and Rocket Orchestras, and the A Cappella Chorus all earned ‘Excellent’ ratings at the State Orchestra Contest. Pictured here are seventh- and eighth-grade string players at the OMEA Junior High Solo & Ensemble Adjudicated event.

Bay Village Schools Recognized as Purple Star District Last month, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announced its Class of 2025 Purple Star Schools, which included all five of Bay Village City School District’s buildings: Glenview Center for Child Care & Learning (toddler through preschool and before/after care); Normandy Elementary School (grades K-2); Westerly Elementary School (grades 3-4); Bay Middle School (grades 5-8); and Bay High School (grades 9-12).

This is the second time the district’s K-12 buildings have applied for and received this distinction, but this is the first time the Glenview Center has applied for and received Purple Star distinction. Bay Village Schools is the only public school district in Cuyahoga County to have each of its school buildings earn the distinction this year.

This designation is for 2025-2028.

“This prestigious recognition underscores our deep commitment to supporting the military families who call our district home,” said Bay Village Schools Supt. Scot Prebles.

“Our staff understands the unique challenges that military children and their families face, including frequent moves and the sacrifices made by their parents in service to our nation. This Purple Star designation affirms the steps we have taken, and inspires us to further enhance our efforts to provide a welcoming, supportive and academically enriching environment for these students. We are honored to be a Purple Star School District and remain steadfast in our commitment to serving those who serve us.”

Celebrating Month of the Military Child

The Purple Star District announcement came during April’s Month of the Military Child, when the district recognized its 71 military-connected students and their 43 families. This month-long celebration honored these students and their families for the daily sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome. The recognition included a Purple Up Day, social media posts and sharing family photos during building announcements.

BY THE NUMBERS

A Picture of the District’s Expenses, by Category By Meghan Rohde, Treasurer

Actual 2023-24 District Operating Expenses

NON-PROFIT ORG ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE

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

ECRWSS 44140

9% Purchased Services: The second-largest budget category is Purchased Services, making up 9% of total expenditures.

These are services the district does not or cannot provide inhouse. This includes tuition for students attending West Shore Career & Technical programs, offsite special education facilities and College Credit Plus courses.

Also included are expenses for substitute teachers, legal and consulting services, maintenance contracts and specialized student services like physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Utilities, internet and phone service, and staff training and travel are also accounted for here.

POSTAL CUSTOMER BAY VILLAGE, OH 44140

4% Supplies and Materials: Classroom resources, educational software, Chromebooks, instructional materials, and custodial and maintenance supplies fall under the Supplies and Materials category, which accounts for 4% of the budget. These are the tangible tools that support daily teaching, learning and operations.

5% Other: This category includes facility maintenance and improvements, equipment purchases, auditor and banking fees, certain debt payments and transfers to the capital projects fund. This year, the district has continued its commitment to long-term building upkeep by setting aside funds for future capital improvements. These transfers are part of a responsible

Glenview Unveils a New Playground

“We are proud to once again receive the Auditor of State Award for a clean audit. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to financial integrity, transparency and accountability,” said

Treasurer Meghan Rohde. “It’s a testament to the diligence of our finance team and the strong support of our Board and Superintendent. We remain focused on earning the trust of our community by being responsible stewards of every taxpayer dollar.”

The Bay Village Schools Financial Team (pictured) consists of: Meghan Rohde, Treasurer; Judi Hansen, Accounts Payable & Health Benefits; Beth Gergye, Accounts Receivable; and Susan Lapolla, Payroll.

I

n December, the Bay Village Board of Education unanimously voted to place a permanent improvement levy on the May ballot to fund the community-led Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan. A few short weeks ago, the Bay Village community voted to support this new, no tax increase levy that creates longterm financial stability for the district; increases safety, security and ADA compliance; enhances educational spaces at buildings; and increases the lifespans of each building by 30-70 years. So what happens next?

We sat down with Superintendent Scot Prebles and Treasurer Meghan Rohde to find out more about what the plan is, the timelines and what all this means for Bay Village Schools.

Cash Balance: When looking across all categories, more than 72% of the district’s spending is invested directly in students–a figure that exceeds the state average. This demonstrates the districtís strong commitment to classroom instruction, learning environments and student support services.

Auditor of State Keith Faber announced that Bay Village City School District received the 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.

S C H O O L

D I S T R I C T

MAY 2 025

A Conversation about ‘What’s Next’ for Bay Village Schools

In Summary: Overall across all spending categories, the majority of the districtís expenses go directly to the classroom and our students. A little over 72% of our total expenses are invested directly in students. This is a leading percentage compared to other similar school districts, which emphasizes the district’s commitment to and focus on student education, experience and resources.

Bay Village is still early in its current levy cycle. The Board and Administration are working together to carefully manage costs, make strategic tradeoffs, and leverage taxpayer dollars to deliver the best outcomes for students. The goal is clear: extend the life of our current levy, fulfill the priorities of our strategic plan and continue being good stewards of the community’s investment in public education.

C I T Y

Residents Pass Levy for Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan

savings plan to avoid unexpected costs or disruptions in facility operations.

The district has a formal Cash Balance Policy that outlines both a minimum and a maximum threshold. According to the policy, the upper threshold is 5 months of operating expenses. Since the district has now reached that upper limit, the Board of Education recently adopted a cash balance plan to responsibly allocate and manage excess reserves. The plan prioritizes capital improvements, academic programming and other one-time investments that align with the district’s strategic goals–ensuring funds are used efficiently and in a way that benefits students and the community.

V I L L A G E

A Report to the Community on the Business of Bay Village Schools

440-617-7300 www.bayk12.org 82% Personnel: As in most public schools, the majority of Bay Village Schools’ budget (82%) is dedicated to salaries and benefits. This reflects our core mission: education is a peopledriven endeavor. Our teachers, support staff and administrators are the foundation of our learning community. Their expertise, care and commitment are what drive student success. This level of investment in personnel is consistent with districts across Ohio.

B A Y

PAID COLUMBIA STA., OH PERMIT #4

Congratulations to the cast, crew and pit orchestra for the spring musical The Music Man. With more than 115 students involved, months of rehearsals and three of four shows sold out, this was an incredible production directed

by Luke Scattergood and his team. It was especially fun to see many of our elementary and middle school students on stage, as well as a few cameo appearances by some very familiar administrators.

Editor's Note: At press time, it was announced that "The Music Man" has been nominated for seven Dazzle Awards.

STAY CONNECTED WITH BAY SCHOOLS

This spring, the Glenview Center for Child Care & Learning unveiled an updated playground, sparking joy and excitement for preschool and schoolage children. The thoughtfully designed space features a tricycle path, a working water pump, two large sand areas and new climbing structures – all tailored to encourage exploration and active play. Embracing a naturebased approach, the new playground invites children to engage with natural elements, while developing their motor skills and creativity.

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@BaySchoolsOH @BayMiddleSchool @BayAthletics @BayWesterly @BaySchoolsSupt @BayNormandy

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

DONT FORGET TO VOTE! November 4, 2025 is a General Election

Q: Congratulations on passing Issue #18, the permanent improvement levy. Why was this so important for the district?

A. First and foremost, on behalf of the Board and ourselves, we thank the community for passing the recent permanent improvement levy. The district is grateful for residents’ partnership with the district, and their commitment to stable finances that offer the opportunity to extend the lifespans of our school buildings. We met many new friends at community levy events and kitchen chats, and we look forward to getting these residents involved in other ways and on other committees. We are still overwhelmed by the support.

Second, funds from the permanent improvement levy stay in Bay Village and offer the district increased flexibility on all capital improvements with a lifespan of five or more years. In fact, 499 of the 607 public school districts in Ohio already have permanent improvement levies in place, or 82%, and we are glad to be number 500. Passing this levy ensures long-term stability for the district.

Q. So what’s next?

A. Great question. Bay Village Schools will work with its Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan project partners to prepare requests for quotes (RFQs). These documents will ask potential suppliers and vendors to provide specific pricing details for goods and services that are needed to move forward with the building improvements to be funded from the recently passed levy. Timelines and a

deliverables schedule will be established and a Core Committee will be enlisted to monitor and provide feedback on the progress of each project.

Q. So the community will continue to be part of the next steps?

A. Most definitely. The Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan was a community-led initiative from the very beginning, and that will continue. We look forward to engaging community members who have an interest in and expertise with construction project implementation. We are committed to remaining accountable in the management of district resources, and fully intend to keep the community informed about construction and all other significant district operational decisions.

Q. Do you know when renovation construction will begin and end?

A. The construction phase should begin in June of 2026, after school gets out. This phase will last about 18 months, depending on the scope of the renovations at each building. For example, Glenview’s plan involves a three-phase process due to the nature of its renovations, so it will take longer than the work that will be done at Normandy, Westerly and Bay High. The good news is, no building will be shut down during renovations. All construction should be completed by August of 2027.

Q. How can the community stay updated on the Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan and this entire project process?

A. We will convert the Levy website page to a Project Implementation Plan page to share updates with the Bay Village community. We will also continue broadcasting the new Rocket Report Live podcast, and mailing postcards and newsletters to all Bay Village residents and businesses. Beyond that, we encourage everyone to follow us on social media and to attend Board Meetings for updates. Of course you are always welcome to attend coffee chats or to call the Board of Education office at 440-617-7300 with your questions. Treasurer Rohde and I are always available to answer your questions.

Your investment in our schools is an investment in our childrens’ future and the future of our community. We are grateful for your support and trust. Thank you!