Message from Superintendent Diane Xander: Building on our Past –Growing an Exciting Future (Continued inside)
This year marks a big milestone for Polaris Career Center - 50 years of empowering futures. Our story began in 1968, when local leaders united to create what was then the Southwest Cuyahoga County Joint Vocational School. From the beginning, we served both high school and adult students from the Berea, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Strongsville school districts. In the years that followed, Fairview Park joined in 1985, and Brooklyn in 1998, further expanding the Polaris footprint.
Building on our PastGrowing an Exciting Future
In June 1976, 229 high school students and 80 adult learners became our first graduates. Today, we serve more than 1,032 high school juniors and seniors, 3,572 satellite students and over 3,000 adult learners annually.
Momentum continues to build. Following a $55+ million campus renovation completed in 2019, we will open a 26,608-square-foot expansion in fall 2026, launching our New ERA: Engineering Technology, Robotics & Automation program.
While much has evolved, our mission remains the same: to inspire students to achieve career success. For 50 years, that commitment has guided us. As valued members of our community, we sincerely thank you for your continued support.
State Report Card
High School Enrollment Continues to Soar!
At our Middleburg Heights campus, the future starts in 11th grade. Our career-technical programs provide hands-on, high-quality training in a state-of-the-art setting – from Aeronautics to Welding - preparing students for what’s next. Many programs offer access to industry-recognized certifications and free or reduced-cost college credit. After graduation, our students are ready to enter the workforce or continue their education at a two- or fouryear college or university.
Enrollment is at an all-time high, with over 1,030 students – in addition to large waiting lists each of the past three years. This momentum reflects our strong alignment with workforce needs and our commitment to delivering relevant, high-quality programs.
As we look ahead, we continue to explore innovative ways to expand access and serve more students - on our campus and beyond. Recent and new program additions beginning fall of 2026 include:
• Fashion Design & Merchandising (to be housed at Berea-Midpark High School and open to students from all six Polaris partner school districts)
• Nail Technician
• Robotics
Discover how Polaris is preparing students for high-demand careers. Visit www.polaris.edu/highschool or scan the QR code to explore our full range of high school program offerings.
Charting an Early Course to Career-Technical Education
Research continues to show that the earlier students are introduced to career possibilities, the more confident and prepared they are to build a successful future. At Polaris, we are proud to lead the way - expanding career awareness across our footprint with a comprehensive K–12 outreach plan designed to inspire students at every stage.
Through the dedicated efforts of our Career & Enrollment Services team, we made an impact on more than 12,000 K–12 students this past year - providing engaging programs, after-school opportunities and meaningful community events that inspire career exploration and future success.
Our growing presence throughout the community is creating excitement, building confidence and opening doors. By connecting young learners to real-world opportunities, we are empowering the next generation to make informed decisions - and take meaningful steps toward rewarding, highdemand careers.
Polaris Hall of Fame Celebrates Exceptional Alumni
The Polaris Career Center Hall of Fame made its highly anticipated return this past fall - recognizing four distinguished alumni whose achievements exemplify excellence in career-technical education.
Our 2025 inductees included:
Steven Bartczak, Sr. (Class of 2005) Adult Basic Peace Officer Academy
Chuck Grospitch (Class of 2009)
AutomotiveTechnology, Olmsted Falls High School
Frank Fabrizi, Jr. (Class of 1989) Truck Mechanics, Midpark High School
Melanie Murphy Miller (Class of 2004) MedicalAssisting, Midpark High School
We are proud to celebrate these accomplished alumni and recognize the powerful legacy they carry forward as ambassadors of Polaris. To read their full biographies and explore past Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.polaris.edu/halloffame
Education –REAL Skills. REAL Results.
Since 1975, Polaris has served tens of thousands of adult learners aspiring to learn new skills, achieve career success, earn a key credential or take a class for fun.
At the center of our efforts are 14 comprehensive Job & Career Training programs designed to prepare students for immediate success. From access to financial aid (for those who qualify) and employability skills training, to industryrecognized credentials that open doors, Polaris equips adults with the tools to not only land a job - but build a career.
And we’re just getting started. We continue to expand programs at multiple levels to serve more students and strengthen our local talent pipeline. Ready to take the next step? Visit www.polaris.edu/ adulteducation, scan the QR code or call 440.891.7750 to schedule a tour.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 5:00 – 6:30 PM
7285 Old Oak Blvd.
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
440.891.7600
www.polaris.edu
2026 Polaris Board of Education
President - Mr. Rocky Neale
Brooklyn City School District
Vice President - Mr. Doug Schwind
Berea City School District
Mrs. Jennifer Bolander
Fairview Park City School District
Mrs. Gina Lehmann
North Olmsted City School District
Mr. Phil Eckenrode
Olmsted Falls City School District
Mrs. Kelly Walker
Olmsted Falls City School District
New Expansion Opens Pathways to Advanced Manufacturing
The future of career-technical education is taking shape at Polaris! Construction is nearly complete on our 26,608-square-foot New ERA – Engineering Technology, Robotics & Automation expansion - a bold investment in tomorrow’s workforce. This transformative project was made possible through an $11+ million CTE Construction Facilities Expansion Grant awarded by the State of Ohio in 2023, paving the way for this state-of-the-art addition.
Designed to deliver cutting-edge training in STEM and advanced manufacturing, these dynamic new labs will equip students with the in-demand skills needed to power high-tech industries across our region. We will welcome our first cohort of students this fall. Once fully launched, the New ERA expansion will serve up to 144 juniors and seniors - expanding opportunity, access and impact for years to come.
As we celebrate 50 years of innovation and excellence, we’re not just honoring our legacy - we’re building the future.
Scan for program details.
Mrs. Laura Wolfe-Housum
Strongsville City School District
Superintendent - Mrs. Diane Xander
Polaris Career Center
Treasurer - Mr. Mike Robinson
Polaris Career Center
Satellite Programs Prepare Students for STEM Careers
Polaris satellite programs are making a BIG impact - serving an impressive 3,572 students across our partner middle and high schools. By bringing innovative STEM and career-focused learning directly to students’ home campuses, we’re expanding access and opportunity like never before.
