Superintendent’s Update
As we close out the 2024–2025 school year, I’m filled with pride in our students and staff. This has been another year of excellence, driven by our community’s strong commitment to education. Our schools are more than just buildings; they are places of purpose where students thrive, and learning outcomes continue to rank among the best in the state and nation.
From academic achievements and creative breakthroughs to acts of leadership and service, this year has been filled with powerful reminders of what makes Mariemont City Schools so exceptional. These moments, some of which are highlighted in this newsmagazine, reflect the heart of our community: one that values growth, innovation, and each other.
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Superintendent’s Update
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Looking ahead, the 2025–2026 school year will be a milestone as we conclude the Destination 2026 strategic plan. This visionary framework has guided major advancements across our district and brought our mission to Work Smart, Create Experience and Embrace Growth to life. In the coming year, we will celebrate the progress made and look to the future.
In this issue, you will also find a financial update from our Treasurer and CFO, Tom Golinar. Potential changes in how the state funds its public schools could pose a challenge to maintaining the financial stability we have built together. While we remain committed to strong fiscal management, it’s important that our community is aware of the conversations happening at the statehouse and the impacts that school districts like ours could face.
Thank you for supporting our students, staff, and schools. It’s an honor to serve this district and community. Have a great summer!
Steven Estepp Superintendent
Congratulations to the Mariemont High School Class of 2025!
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Mariemont High School presented 102 seniors to the Board of Education for commencement ceremonies. Mariemont City Schools is proud of the entire class of 2025 and wishes them well in their future endeavors.
The Class of 2025…
Submitted nearly 600 applications to 143 colleges across the United States and Canada
Where can you find the Class of 2025?
Appalachian State University
Bard College
Bellarmine University
College of Charleston
Davidson College
DePauw University
Employment Gap Year
Georgia Institute of Technology
Hope College
Indiana University
Kent State University
Loyola University Chicago
Miami University
Michigan State University
Northern Kentucky University
The Ohio State University
Ohio University
Rutgers University
Savannah College of Art and Design
United States Army
University of Arkansas
University of Cincinnati
University of Dayton
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Kentucky
University of Michigan
University of Mississippi
University of South Carolina
University of Tennessee
Villanova University
Workforce
Xavier University
Saw 102 seniors presented to the Board for commencement
A Letter from Treasurer Tom Golinar
Shifts
in Ohio’s School Funding and Why It Matters
For more than a century, Ohio’s school funding system has been shaped by legislation, court rulings, and state budget cycles. Through it all, one fact remains: Ohio public schools rely heavily on local taxpayers.
Mariemont City Schools is no exception. Our community’s support through locally approved levies has been essential to our ability to maintain high-quality education. That reliance on local revenue is not by choice, but by design.
Although the Ohio Supreme Court has declared the funding system unconstitutional, Ohio still lacks a fair and adequate solution. In fact, the state’s share of school funding has steadily declined, especially for districts like ours. As a result, school districts across Ohio must return to voters more frequently for levies to maintain existing services.
This isn’t just a challenge for schools; it’s a growing burden for homeowners. Ohio’s system creates pressure, particularly for residents on fixed incomes or facing rising housing costs.
Our district is committed to maintaining excellence while using taxpayer dollars wisely. We also continue to advocate for a funding model that is fair to families and sustainable for schools.
Declining State Support Reinforces Reliance on Local Levies
Current state budget proposals, set to be finalized by July 1, may intensify these challenges. Although the nuance of each proposal released thus far varies, the storyline is the same: traditional public school districts in Ohio are not being fully funded by the state and taxpayer-funded subsidies for private education through vouchers are expanding.
To explore this topic further and view the full timeline of the budget process, please visit our website or scan the QR code on the next page.
Sincerely,
Tom Golinar Treasurer, CFO
How Did We Get Here? Understanding Ohio’s School Funding System
Ohio’s current school funding challenges come from over a century of legislation, budget changes, and legal rulings, many of which have made school districts like ours increasingly dependent on local taxpayers. The milestones below show how policies over time have created an unsustainable system for public schools.
The Bottom Line
Today, 80% of Mariemont City Schools’ funding comes from local sources. If state support continues to decline, the district will be forced to lean even more on local taxpayers to sustain daily operations.
Despite millions saved through energy efficiencies, healthcare consortiums, and keeping staffing flat, the district faces rising costs of about 3% each year. The reality is simple: no organization can sustain flat revenue and rising costs indefinitely without impact on its quality of service.
Even in the face of changing conditions, our commitment remains clear: to protect purposeful learning in safe, supportive schools and to deliver the excellence our community expects through smart, transparent, and responsible fiscal management.
Scan the QR code to explore budget shifts and view latest updates about the budget process.
Tricia Buchert Named 2025 Award of Excellence Recipient
The Mariemont City School District Award of Excellence is awarded annually to a staff member who exemplifies dedication to, and support of, Mariemont City Schools. The recipient of the 2025 Award of Excellence is Director of Student Services Tricia Buchert.
Ms. Buchert is finishing an incredible 31.5 years at Mariemont City Schools in 2025. Over the course of her career, she has served as a high school intervention specialist, junior high intervention specialist, junior high counselor, elementary school counselor, interim high school counselor and as Director of Student Services.
Her leadership has transformed the way we support students, particularly in special education and mental health services, building programs that are now considered models for other districts. She has taken on tough conversations with grace, advocated fiercely for students, and always made decisions with their best interests in mind. Her presence extends beyond the classroom, through her involvement in Friday Nights Out, the Warrior Run, and countless other initiatives that support our students and their families.
Ms. Buchert has devoted her career to challenging and encouraging students at all levels, pushing her peers to be better, and always leading with authenticity, sincerity, and thoughtfulness. One nomination stated, “She is a true warrior for the staff, students, and parents of this district and does it in the most respectful way possible.” Another shared, “She has a way of thinking about students that focuses on their growth, their mental health, and their well-being.”
While she will be deeply missed after her retirement at the end of this school year, her legacy will live on in the countless lives impacted, the systems she has strengthened, and the relationships she has built. As one colleague put it, “I can’t begin to list the opportunities she’s created for our district.”
Ry Naticchioni Wins Marie Huenefeld Friend of the School Award
In 2015, the Mariemont City School District established the Marie Huenefeld Friend of the School Award to honor individuals in our community who make significant contributions to our schools with their time, service, and expertise—all to create a better experience for our students and to help make us a better school district. The school district is excited to announce Ry Naticchioni as the 2025 Marie Huenefeld Friend of the School recipient.
Ry is a proud graduate of Mariemont High School, Class of 2002, and her love for this district has never wavered. Over the years, she has held numerous leadership roles within our parent and support organizations, including serving as PTO President at both Mariemont Elementary and Mariemont Junior High, volunteering at countless events, and lending her time and talents to initiatives big and small—from chairing our FAB Affair to organizing concession stands on weekends.
But Ry’s dedication extends far beyond just our buildings. She has been deeply involved in youth and school athletics as a team mom, statistician, press box coordinator, and concession stand organizer for football and lacrosse at every level. Her support ensures that our student-athletes and their families have a positive and meaningful experience.
Ask anyone in our district, and they’ll tell you—Ry is someone you can count on. She’s dependable, selfless, and always willing to step in wherever there’s a need. She connects people, brings energy to everything she touches and makes our school community stronger and more connected.
Mariemont High School Ethics Bowl Team Finishes Top Ten in the Nation
The Mariemont High School Ethics Bowl team capped off a remarkable season, finishing seventh in the nation at the National High School Ethics Bowl held at the University of North Carolina. The team, in its first year of competition, advanced through increasingly competitive rounds to earn this honor, showcasing not only their academic strengths but their ability to think deeply and communicate respectfully on challenging moral and ethical issues.
Unlike traditional debate, the Ethics Bowl encourages collaborative dialogue and critical thinking rather than winning an argument. Students are provided with 15 complex cases ahead of the competition, each accompanied by open-ended questions designed to prompt discussion about ethical considerations. These cases range from pressing global concerns to nuanced interpersonal dilemmas, all aimed at fostering thoughtful and civil discourse.
Throughout the first half of the school year, the Mariemont team dedicated themselves to studying the cases, exploring ethical principles such as justice, harm, character, and autonomy. Their hard work paid off when they placed first out of 38 teams at the regional competition at the University of Cincinnati in January. They then advanced to a divisional match against The Geneva School in Manhattan, conducted over Zoom, and won again to secure a spot at nationals.
Representing Mariemont High School at the national level were students Owen Dunning, Eva Lowry, Evey Metze, Miles Niemeyer, Lauren Peirol, Paisley Smyrnos, and Will Stevens. The team was led by teacher advisors Liz Reilly and Emily Colpi.
Dr. John Hill Named Principal of Terrace Park Elementary
Mariemont City Schools Superintendent Steven Estepp announced that Dr. John Hill has been named the next principal at Terrace Park Elementary School. Hill, an experienced educational leader with more than 20 years in the field, previously served as an Assistant Principal at Wyoming Primary School in Wyoming City Schools.
“I am pleased to announce that Dr. John Hill will be the next principal of Terrace Park Elementary,” said Estepp. “John is a dedicated and passionate educator who prioritizes building strong relationships with students, staff and families. His leadership experience, deep understanding of curriculum development and commitment to fostering a supportive school culture make him an excellent fit for TPE. I am excited to see the positive impact he will have on our students and community.”
Dr. Hill’s experience in education spans multiple roles, including teacher, building coordinator and leader in student support and school culture initiatives. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Miami University, along with Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati and Inclusive Early Childhood Education from the College of Mount St. Joseph.
Dr. Hill takes over the role previously held by Tami Croll, who will transition into her new position as the district’s Director of Student Services following the retirement of Tricia Buchert.
Dr. Hill and his family reside in Loveland, and he is eager to become an active part of the Terrace Park Elementary community.
