OSC Highlights: Pathways to Success

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OSC HIGHLIGHTS PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

Quarterly eNewsletter highlighting OSC Member Achievements A digital magazine of the Ohio Schools Council; Highlighting and Celebrating Professional Staff, Innovative & Best Practices and Student Achievement. We hope you enjoy the magazine. Share stories about your Professional Staff, Innovative & Best Practices and Student Achievement by contacting Leah Nemeth at lnemeth@osconline.org.

Table of Contents CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL STAFF

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Wickliffe City Schools’ Superintendent Joseph Spiccia Named 2024 Ohio Superintendent of the Year: Advocates for Student Success Statewide Recognized for Excellence: Independence Local Schools Assistant Superintendent Tom Dreiling, Named OASBO 2024 Business Operations Director of the Year

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Berea City Schools’ Head Custodian Melvin Martin Honored with OASBO’s 2024 School Facility Support Staff Award

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Clearview Local Schools, Giles Brown’s Hands-On Leadership Earns Him the OASBO 2024 Transportation Director of the Year Award

CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE & BEST PRACTICES Your paragraph text

pg. 10 Ohio Schools Council Reaches Milestone: 300 Members pg. 11 Ohio Schools Council Supports Administrative Retreats for a Strong School Year Start

Parma City Schools Leads the Way with the OSC Farm-to-School

pg. 12 Program and the Cuyahoga County ‘Feed Our Future’ Program

OSC Outreach and Support allows Bedford Schools to Implement

pg. 14 the Cleveland Food Bank Summer Nutrition Program and the OSC Farm to School Program

CELEBRATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

pg. 16 West Geauga Local Schools A Student-Centered Approach READ MORE

OSC HIGHLIGHTS: PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

pg. 20 Happy Thanksgiving! www.osconline.org

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CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Featured story....

WICKLIFFE CITY SCHOOLS’ SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH SPICCIA NAMED 2024 OHIO SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR: ADVOCATES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS STATEWIDE Joseph Spiccia, Superintendent of Wickliffe City Schools, has been named the 2024 Ohio Superintendent of the Year by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA). This prestigious honor recognizes Spiccia's 47 years in education and his steadfast belief that every student, everywhere—not just in his district—deserves access to the tools and resources needed to succeed.

“This isn’t just about Wickliffe,” Spiccia explained. “Every student, in every place, should have the opportunity to succeed. We owe it to our communities and our young people to make sure they have the support they need to thrive.” (Continued on next page) www.osconline.org

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CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL STAFF CONTINUED: WICKLIFFE CITY SCHOOLS’ SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH SPICCIA NAMED 2024 OHIO SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR: ADVOCATES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS STATEWIDE While Spiccia’s leadership has greatly impacted the Wickliffe community, his broader vision is to inspire districts across the state to provide the same level of support to their students. “What we do is help people, and no one does anything by themselves,” he said. “My job is to work with my team to show them how it’s possible. Together, we help others prioritize and achieve, and we believe every student deserves the same chance, no matter where they are.”

One of Spiccia’s proudest achievements is the creation of the Family Resource Center, which he hopes can serve as a model for other districts throughout Ohio. Recognizing that 52% of Wickliffe residents are economically disadvantaged, Spiccia led the initiative six years ago to provide families with essential services, including: Community healthcare A student-led food and clothing pantry Mental and social services Athletic physicals Annual tax services and support

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To date, the Family Resource Center has served over 8,000 community members. Spiccia believes the center’s success is proof that such a model could be replicated in other districts facing similar challenges.

“Every community should have a resource like this,” Spiccia said. “Families need access to basic needs like healthcare, food, and mental health services, and I hope districts across the state can see how impactful this concept has been for Wickliffe and make it a reality in their own communities.”

Spiccia's leadership also extends to the district’s College and Career Program, a unique 10-year plan that begins in the third grade and helps students explore and plan for their future. This program offers early career planning, job site visits, and opportunities to hear from professionals with diverse career paths, including non-traditional roles such as casino pit bosses and professional clowns.

“We allow students to plan their future while also showing them how it’s possible,” Spiccia said. “It’s not about telling every student they need to go to college; it’s about showing them that there are many paths to success. Do you want to be in school until you're 60, or do you want to build a career?”

Though deeply rooted in the Wickliffe community, Spiccia's vision for equitable access to resources and opportunities is something he hopes will spread across the state. “This is a team effort,” he said. “But it’s not just my team in Wickliffe—it’s every educator and every community working together to give every student the tools they need to thrive. I hope the work we’ve done here inspires others across Ohio.” www.osconline.org

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CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL STAFF RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE: INDEPENDENCE LOCAL SCHOOLS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT TOM DREILING, NAMED OASBO 2024 BUSINESS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Tom Dreiling, assistant superintendent of Independence Local Schools, has recently been named the Ohio Association of School Business Officials' (OASBO) Business Operations Manager of the Year. This honor recognizes Dreiling's exceptional leadership, his commitment to fostering growth, and his efforts to create meaningful collaborations that enhance the school environment.

In a recent interview, Dreiling shared his philosophy on leadership, emphasizing the importance of continual personal growth and servant leadership. "You can't serve if you're not growing," Dreiling said, explaining that a leader must constantly strive to improve in order to better support their team. His belief in this principle is reflected in his encouragement for staff to always give their best, urging them to bring "the best is all you've got" to their work every day.

Dreiling’s career in education began as an assistant principal, where he gained a deep understanding of leadership. He believes leadership involves mastering both task-oriented and soft skills, like communication and empathy, which are essential to building strong, cohesive teams. For Dreiling, leadership is not an inherent trait, but a skill that can be developed over time. "Leaders are not born," he stated, emphasizing that anyone can grow into a leadership role with the right support and training.

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CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL STAFF CONTINUED: RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE: INDEPENDENCE LOCAL SCHOOLS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT TOM DREILING, NAMED OASBO 2024 BUSINESS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR One of the core tenets of Dreiling’s leadership style is the use of inquiry. Rather than directing staff with strict answers, he chooses to "lead through questions," fostering collaboration and inviting others to take ownership of their work. This approach has been particularly effective in growing individuals who may not have had access to leadership training. "Growing people who don't get training is essential," he remarked, underscoring his passion for lifting up others and sharing knowledge.

Dreiling also highlighted the importance of vision in leadership, which he sees as crucial to navigating the complex challenges that arise in school operations. His open-door policy and willingness to share ideas have earned him a reputation as a visionary leader committed to building a strong, innovative team. "Vision is key," he said, noting that forward-thinking leadership is what drives real progress.

His work with the Ohio Schools Council is a testament to this.

Dreiling has partnered with OSC on an annual Custodial Day event, which brings together maintenance and custodial staff from all over Northeast Ohio to exchange best practices, collaborate, and feel supported in their roles. "The Custodial Day event has been a game-changer," Dreiling shared. "It’s important for everyone to feel like they’re part of something bigger, and this event helps custodial teams realize the impact they have on the overall success of our schools." The event, which has drawn increasing participation each year, reflects Dreiling’s belief in the value of sharing ideas and fostering a sense of community among all staff members, including those who often work behind the scenes.

As Dreiling continues his leadership journey, his focus remains clear: developing others, fostering collaboration, and building a vision for long-term success. His recognition by OASBO is a fitting tribute to his work, which has impacted not only Independence Local Schools but the entire Northeast Ohio region.

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CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL STAFF BEREA CITY SCHOOLS’ HEAD CUSTODIAN MELVIN MARTIN HONORED WITH OASBO’S 2024 SCHOOL FACILITY SUPPORT STAFF AWARD In recognition of his decades-long dedication to creating a safe and welcoming environment for students and staff, Melvin Martin, Head Custodian at Berea City Schools, has been named the recipient of the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) 2024 School Facility Support Staff Award for the Northeast region. The award, which acknowledges the critical contributions of Ohio’s school facility support staff, honors individuals who go above and beyond to ensure the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of school spaces across the state.

Martin has been with Berea City Schools for nearly 30 years, during which time he has become a respected leader and role model within the district. Known for his unwavering commitment to his role, Martin emphasizes a diplomatic and responsible approach to his work, leading his team by setting a high standard of work ethic and fairness.

“Melvin always goes above and beyond what is asked of him and is an unbelievable example of what a custodian should be,” said Michael Draves, Assistant Superintendent of Berea City Schools. “He is always looking to serve the larger mission of our school district, providing a world-class experience for our students. He understands that a clean, safe environment is a key part of this mission. Melvin is such a good person, who has devoted his life to ensuring our kids and community can be proud of their buildings and will be safe when they are there. He makes BMHS and BCSD better every day he is there!”

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CONTINUED: BEREA CITY SCHOOLS’ HEAD CUSTODIAN MELVIN MARTIN HONORED WITH OASBO’S 2024 SCHOOL FACILITY SUPPORT STAFF AWARD For Martin, his role as head custodian is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to positively impact the lives of students, staff, and community members who walk through the doors of Berea City Schools.

Reflecting on his approach, Martin shared, “I try to find the good in everyone,” a guiding principle that has shaped his relationships with colleagues and students alike.

Over the years, Martin has cultivated a reputation for being a fair and understanding leader. As a good listener, he ensures his team members feel supported, appreciated, and empowered to do their best.

His steady, thoughtful leadership has created a culture of mutual respect, and his hard work behind the scenes has allowed the district’s students to learn and grow in a comfortable and inviting environment.

The School Facility Support Staff Award from OASBO recognizes staff members like Martin, who maintain the thousands of school buildings that serve Ohio’s youth. Facility, maintenance, and custodial teams play a foundational role in school district operations, ensuring that buildings are not only clean and safe but also spaces where students and staff feel welcomed and ready to succeed.

Melvin Martin’s award is a testament to his nearly three decades of dedication, his thoughtful and fair leadership, and his enduring impact on Berea City Schools. His hard work ensures that students have a safe place to learn and grow—a mission he embraces with pride and purpose.

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CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL STAFF CLEARVIEW LOCAL SCHOOLS, GILES BROWN’S HANDS-ON LEADERSHIP EARNS HIM THE OASBO 2024 TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD Giles Brown, Transportation Director at Clearview Local Schools, has been recognized as the 2024 Transportation Director of the Year by the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO). This prestigious award reflects his dedication, leadership, and tireless work to ensure the district’s transportation needs are met despite significant challenges, including a nationwide bus driver shortage.

Clearview Local Schools, one of the Ohio Schools Council’s most active members, has benefited greatly from its involvement with OSC's programs, allowing Giles and his team to navigate the complexities of transportation with ease. “OSC does everything,” says Giles. “If it wasn’t for them, I would not be able to get on that bus for four hours each day.”

Giles’s role goes beyond directing; he embodies the spirit of “all hands on deck.” For the past decade, he has managed every aspect of Clearview's transportation system, from overseeing routes to maintaining the fleet of 12 buses that transport 671 K-8 students. His daily schedule is grueling, starting at 5 a.m. and finishing at 5 p.m. In addition to his administrative duties, Giles spends four hours a day driving routes and serves as one of three part-time mechanics, often handling repairs himself. “It’s hard to be the boss if you’ve never done the job,” he says, illustrating his hands-on approach.

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CONTINUED: CLEARVIEW LOCAL SCHOOLS, GILES BROWN’S HANDS-ON LEADERSHIP EARNS HIM THE OASBO 2024 TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD Clearview’s transportation department has grown under Giles’s leadership, with a new bus garage built in 2020, improved operational efficiency, and his favorite part of the job—connecting with the kindergarten students he transports daily. He’s known for keeping the “best candy” to give to the young riders, a small but meaningful way he builds rapport with the children in his care.

Through its partnership with OSC, Clearview has access to a wide array of services, from pre-bid school buses to discounted routing software like Transfinder. This support has enabled Giles to implement 3-5 contingency plans to ensure operations run smoothly, even when faced with driver shortages or sudden absences.

The OSC’s Transportation Supervisors Network has been particularly valuable to Giles, allowing him to connect with peers and gain insights despite the demanding nature of his role. “If the OSC network meetings weren’t held virtually, I wouldn’t be able to attend—we just have too much going on here. It’s so great that I can tune in from anywhere,” he notes.

Giles credits his drivers as the heart of the operation: “We have the best drivers on the road,” he says. And with the help of the Ohio Schools Council, he’s been able to create a robust transportation system that keeps Clearview Local Schools moving forward.

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OHIO SCHOOLS COUNCIL REACHES MILESTONE: 300 MEMBERS

The Ohio Schools Council is proud to announce a significant milestone in its 35-year history—welcoming its 300th member!

This achievement highlights the growing value and impact that OSC offers to educational institutions across Ohio.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Support Founded in 1986, the Ohio Schools Council began as a small group of districts coming together to leverage collective purchasing power. Today, OSC has become a statewide leader, serving urban, suburban, and rural districts alike. Our mission has always been to provide shared resources, expert guidance, and innovative programs to help school districts stretch taxpayer dollars and enhance the quality of education.

With the addition of its 300th member, the OSC continues to foster collaboration among school districts, allowing members to access a wide range of services, including energy programs, cooperative purchasing, transportation services, and robust pre-bid solutions.

The benefits go beyond cost savings, offering districts dynamic networking, grant opportunities, exclusive vendor partnerships, and access to pre-bid, discounted, and compliant programs and services.

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CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE & BEST PRACTICES OHIO SCHOOLS COUNCIL SUPPORTS ADMINISTRATIVE RETREATS FOR A STRONG SCHOOL YEAR START This past summer, the Ohio Schools Council actively participated in dozens of Administrative Retreats, providing critical support to school districts across Ohio as they prepared for the 2024-2025 school year. Throughout early August, OSC representatives met with hundreds of school administrators, delivering valuable insights, resources, and practical solutions to help districts launch successfully into the new academic year. The retreats, designed to foster collaboration and equip school leadership teams with the tools they need, saw enthusiastic participation from district superintendents, business directors, principals, and other key personnel.

The OSC focused on addressing both immediate needs and longterm strategies, including cost-saving initiatives, vendor partnerships, and programming designed to enhance operational efficiency in schools. Highlighting new programs and partnerships, OSC shared updates on their expanded services, including cybersecurity training, school equipment auctions, and pre-bid services for critical infrastructure needs such as window and door solutions.

The OSC also discussed ongoing initiatives such as networking meetings, which have grown into a powerful platform for district leaders to exchange best practices on topics ranging from compliance to the latest legislative updates. By offering tailored advice and emphasizing the importance of collaboration, the OSC’s presence at these retreats ensured that school leaders entered the new school year equipped to tackle their challenges head-on. Our involvement reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Ohio’s districts and fostering a culture of shared success across the state. With the collective effort of the OSC and Ohio’s educational leaders, this year’s Administrative Retreats have set the stage for a productive and prosperous school year.

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CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE & BEST PRACTICES PARMA CITY SCHOOLS LEADS THE WAY WITH THE OSC FARM-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAM AND THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY ‘FEED OUR FUTURE’ PROGRAM Parma City Schools has been a standout participant in the Ohio Schools Council's Farm to School Bid Program, which is part of the Feed Our Future initiative. The partnership, backed by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, aims to connect schools, homes, and communities by promoting local food sourcing and educating students about healthy eating habits.

During the 2023-24 school year, Parma City Schools made significant strides with the program. The district spent $218,295 on local food purchases, including apples, lettuce, and pizza dough—its top three items. In total, Parma sourced 175,192 pounds of local food, marking an impressive 35% increase in local food procurement since the 2021-22 school year.

This growth reflects the district's commitment to providing fresh, nutritious meals to its students while supporting local farms. Emily Gladish, Parma City Schools' Food Service Supervisor, attributes much of this success to the support from the Ohio Schools Council.

"The program and vendor variety this year have been excellent," she said, emphasizing how the OSC simplifies the process by handling the food bids and compliance aspects, which allows districts to focus on choosing vendors that meet their specific needs.

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CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE & BEST PRACTICES CONTINUED: PARMA CITY SCHOOLS LEADS THE WAY WITH THE OSC FARM-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAM AND THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY ‘FEED OUR FUTURE’ PROGRAM One of the program's highlights this year was a unique tastetesting event where students sampled five varieties of watermelon, including sangria, yellow dial, and red-seeded types. "It was so fun watching the students eat yellow watermelon," Gladish shared, underscoring how these hands-on experiences help educate students about local food in an engaging way.

With a 43% increase in spending across all OSC farm-to-school vendors over the last year, it's clear that schools like Parma City are embracing the Feed Our Future program to enrich their food services. Gladish offers advice for other districts interested in joining: "Start small. Look at the variety of bids available, pick one thing or one vendor, and grow from there."

Parma City Schools’ achievements highlight how the partnership between schools and local food vendors can create a healthier, more sustainable future for students and communities alike.

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CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE & BEST PRACTICES OSC OUTREACH AND SUPPORT ALLOWS BEDFORD SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT THE CLEVELAND FOOD BANK SUMMER NUTRITION PROGRAM AND THE OSC FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAM Jennifer Dickson, fueled by passion and partnership, is a trailblazer in Bedford Schools’ Food Service.

One of Jennifer's most recent achievements is her role in the Cleveland Food Bank’s Summer Nutrition Program.

When the Ohio Schools Council sought participants for the program last summer, Jennifer was quick to step up.

Bedford served a remarkable 3,166 meals to children during the program, an achievement that highlights her unwavering dedication to ensuring no child goes hungry, even when school is out.

Jennifer's leadership has also been instrumental in Bedford’s Farm-to-School program, which she launched nearly seven years ago with the support of the Ohio Schools Council. “OSC has been an incredible partner,” she says. “Their general food bids and local fresh farm-to-school bids save us time and money, which I can invest back into my team.” The program connects students with local farmers, introducing them to fresh produce and allowing them to learn firsthand about where their food comes from.

In the Bedford City School District, Jennifer Dickson is more than a food service director; she’s a pioneer transforming school cafeterias into creative hubs that engage students and nourish them in ways that extend far beyond a standard lunch tray. Her passion for fresh, healthy food and innovative approaches to school nutrition has earned her a reputation as a leader and strong partner of the Ohio Schools Council, leveraging their resources to bring her visionary ideas to life.

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CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE & BEST PRACTICES CONTINUED: OSC OUTREACH AND SUPPORT ALLOWS BEDFORD SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT THE CLEVELAND FOOD BANK SUMMER NUTRITION PROGRAM AND THE OSC FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAM Jennifer's dedication to pushing boundaries is evident in every facet of her work. She’s constantly experimenting with new menu items, offering a rotating array of student favorites and health-conscious options. Her student-led taste testing sessions have become a staple in Bedford Schools, where students not only taste but vote on what will become part of their cafeteria lineup. This level of engagement has fostered a connection between the students and their food, empowering them to make choices and enjoy their meals.

A key element of Jennifer’s success is her commitment to grants that support K-12 food service programs.

Her tireless pursuit of these opportunities is reflected in the grow machines carefully scattered throughout the high school, producing fresh greens for students' meals. “It’s not just about feeding students; it’s about educating them on the power of fresh, healthy food,” Jennifer explains.

Jennifer’s passion extends beyond food, resonating with her staff through her unique leadership style.

Inspired by her love of bees, which she believes are essential to the balance of nature, she wears a necklace with a bee pendant and gifted her entire school nutrition staff the same symbol. "I remind them to 'bee themselves,'” Jennifer shares, “because everyone brings something unique to our team." She supports and educates her staff, noting that access to the OSC Food Service Program allows her to dedicate more time to training. “I’m the fastest one to cut a watermelon, but not everyone is, so I get to show them,” she laughs. Jennifer Dickson's partnership with the Ohio Schools Council and her forward-thinking approach to food service have made her a standout leader in Bedford Schools.

She’s not only providing students with nutritious meals but also enriching their educational experience.

Through her efforts, Jennifer is ensuring that the next generation understands the value of fresh food and community” and that’s something truly worth buzzing about.

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CELEBRATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT WEST GEAUGA LOCAL SCHOOLS A STUDENT-CENTERED APPROACH Reprint: Business View Magazine; July 2024 An Ohio School District Exemplifying Excellence and Innovation Offering a unique blend of rural charm and suburban convenience, the West Geauga School District, fondly referred to as “West G”, is a testament to educational excellence and community pride. Serving the picturesque communities of Geauga County, this district of approximately 2,000 students is continuing to evolve and is celebrated statewide for its commitment to academic achievement, innovative teaching methods, and comprehensive student support.

In the words of Superintendent, Dr. Richard Markwardt, “One of the first things that we emphasize is giving our students, and our staff, a safe, nurturing, learning environment. And that incorporates a lot of different elements, including physical safety, emotional safety, the opportunity to grow, and the opportunity to fail. And when people fail, we allow them to try again and to eventually achieve success.”

As Superintendent of the West Geauga School District since 2015, Dr. Markwardt recalls the ambitious goals set by the Board upon his arrival. “Academically they felt that the district was under-achieving and they’d like to be in the top five percentage of districts in the state within five years,” he recounts. “Well, I think we’ve done better than that.”

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CONTINUED: WEST GEAUGA LOCAL SCHOOLS A STUDENT-CENTERED APPROACH Now high-performing, West Geauga has made great strides over the last decade, to reach its academic potential. “We’ve probably charted more academic gains than any other district in the state,” says Markwardt. He attributes this success to the efforts of students, support from the community, and a forward-thinking team of teachers and leaders, boasting, “We have a pretty outstanding staff who are amenable to new ideas and who will incorporate those ideas into their classroom.” Noting that all educators in Ohio are teaching to the same state standards, Markwardt emphasizes, “It’s how we teach to those standards that separate us from many other districts.

There’s a great deal of emphasis here on the importance of instruction, and in terms of how we hire people, and then how we work with those people to develop their skills once they’re here.”

To meet the diverse needs of students, Dr. Markwardt says the district had to make some changes. “We’ve sort of moved the whole curve to the right, in that we’ve upped the middle,” he explains. “We’ve increased in terms of rigor, and we’ve made it tougher to earn an A than what it was 10 years ago. We also have put in place many supports for our lower achieving kids.”

Proactively, the district uses a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model, addressing struggling students’ needs before they face significant academic setbacks. Dr. Markwardt mentions Amy Davis, Director of Pupil Personnel, sharing, “She was talking about our efforts in inclusion and equity. And she said the most equitable thing we can do is ensure that all of our children achieve proficiency or above in their academics. And that’s become a driving force for the district.” In addition, West Geauga Local Schools has revamped its approach to gifted education, making the effort to engage families more actively.

“These kids also need opportunities to expand their minds and grow to their capacity and that may mean accelerating or expanding a curriculum, but the parents want to be involved in that,” he asserts.

Initiatives such as these have brought unparalleled academic gains for West Geauga, as Markwardt summarizes, “We’ve done an exemplary job of providing additional services for all of our kids.”

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CONTINUED: WEST GEAUGA LOCAL SCHOOLS A STUDENT-CENTERED APPROACH Academic Achievement and Beyond Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nancy Benincasa highlights the district’s approach to early literacy, and their use of the Science of Reading framework long before the state of Ohio mandated it.

“About eight years ago we were working with colleagues that were well versed in the Science of Reading, and we studied it collegially as teacher teams and administrators,” she details. “We have built from the ground up, an early literacy and literacy program, steeped in the belief system of the Science of Reading and we’re very proud of that work.”

For the older students, West Geauga is forging innovative pathways, blending academics with real-world career opportunities. “We have a fairly large group of our students at the high school taking college courses with the College Credit Plus (CPP) programming. We’re located close to Lakeland Community College, and we also have those classes within our high school, where we’re able to utilize some of our staff to teach them,” reports Karen Pavlat, Treasurer and CFO. The district has also embraced Excel TECC, a CTE program that offers students career-focused opportunities. “We have 25% of our kids that participate in this programming, that is anything from horticulture to cosmetology, computers, marketing,” Pavlat conveys. These programs are bolstered by strong community partnerships with institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and other local entities.

Situated near a major metropolitan area, West Geauga leverages its location to develop valuable partnerships with local businesses, as Markwardt portrays, “On the one hand, we can work with our chamber of commerce, we can access the mom and pop shops and the local businesses, because we do have some pretty thriving businesses in the area. But then we also have families in our district, who are the CEOs of major, in some cases, global, enterprises.”

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CONTINUED: WEST GEAUGA LOCAL SCHOOLS A STUDENT-CENTERED APPROACH Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth West Geauga’s resilience was put to the test during the pandemic, which coincided with the absorption of the neighboring Newbury School District. “As part of that, we had to reconfigure our buildings. So, we had to implement a new grade leveling system and move half of our staff to split up our elementary buildings from being two K-5 buildings to a K-2 and a 3-5. It was a big lift for this district,” Markwardt affirms, adding that despite some initial challenges and adjustments, the integration has been remarkably successful.

Looking ahead, the district plans to consolidate its aging infrastructure with a centralized campus model, an investment of over $100 million. “We are planning to put that to our residents to vote on a bond issue, to build a new 6-12 building, and to renovate our middle school into a PreK-five,” describes Pavlat. “It’ll be a big change for this community, but one of the things that we are proud of is that we have a small but mighty group, and we can make those changes happen.”

In terms of other future goals Dr. Markwardt states, “I think we need to keep our foot on the gas about academics, because although we’ve made significant achievements, we still have room to grow, as I think any district does. We have a group here who’s determined to continue to provide the best academic opportunities we can for our kids, and our teachers as well, so that they can hone their craft in a setting that’s conducive to learning.”

A Vibrant Outlook West Geauga Local Schools exemplifies what can be achieved when a district combines visionary leadership, innovative teaching, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to every student’s success. As it looks to the future, the district remains focused on its mission to provide a high-quality education that meets the needs of every learner. Benincasa stresses.

“Our job isn’t to simply prepare our students to live in West Geauga. Our job is to prepare our students for a global economy. And that’s what we want to do here.”

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OHIO SCHOOLS CONNECT PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

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FALL 2024

OHIO SCHOOLS COUNCIL

OSC HIGHLIGHTS PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

Quarterly eNewsletter highlighting OSC Member Achievements

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