A MESSAGE FROM THE
DEAR STRONGSVILLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS:
In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, the importance of a strategic plan for a school district cannot be overstated. Just as successful organizations and businesses thrive on well-de ned strategies to navigate challenges, allocate resources e ectively, and achieve their goals, school districts must adopt a strategic approach to ensure that they meet the diverse needs of their students and communities.
Our District is in the second year of a three year strategic plan. With assistance and input from internal staff, parents, community members, and local business leaders, we are excited to have developed a comprehensive strategic plan which serves as a roadmap, guiding decision-making, fostering collaboration, and promoting accountability.
The strategic plan is based on our Purpose and Mission:
• Purpose - Inspiring and empowering today’s learners to build tomorrow’s leaders.
• Mission - As a school community, we will design premier educational experiences that develop innovative, resilient, collaborative, global, and empowered students who are architects of their learning, equipped to thrive in their future.
The plan is also organized in four different strategic priorities: Transforming Teaching & Learning, Aligning Staff & Resources, Cultivating Culture & Climate, and Leveraging Funding & Facilities. Within each priority is a set of objectives that is defining our District’s work. Inside this Quality Profile are just a few examples for each strategic priority. The full details of this strategic plan for Strongsville City Schools can be found on our District website (www.scsmustangs. org) under the “Find It Fast” tab.
Our goal at Strongsville City Schools is to build and strengthen a collaborative atmosphere and a positive culture, dedicated to always working in the best interest of our students. When we are successful in the development of our students at every grade level, we build a stronger community. Partnering with our community is extremely important for our District to continue reaching our shared goal of excellence for our students and community. We appreciate the important connections being made between our schools, students, teachers, staff, and our overall community.
GO MUSTANGS!
Dr. Cameron M. Ryba, Superintendent 440.572.7010 cryba@scsmustangs.org
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DISTRICT
Strongsville City Schools Administrative O ces 18199 Cook Avenue, Strongsville, OH 44136
440.572.7010
Superintendent: Dr. Cameron Ryba
Treasurer: Mr. George Anagnostou
Assistant Superintendent: Mrs. Jennifer Pelko
“THE MODEL MUSTANG”
Strongsville City Schools is committed to building “Model Mustangs.” Our teachers and sta are developing the following skills in all of our students - Innovative, Resilient, Collaborative, Global, and Empowered - as part of “The Model Mustang,” which is the foundation for our District’s Instructional Plan. These are necessary skills for all of our students in grades PreK-12 to build success both inside and outside of the classroom. Perhaps more importantly, developing these skills will lead to success long after our students graduate from Strongsville High School.
Strongsville Early Learning Preschool 19543 Lunn Rd., Strongsville, OH 44149 440.572.7046
Principal: Mrs. Ciara Vanderho
Chapman Elementary School 13883 Drake Rd. Strongsville, OH 44136 440.572.7140
Principal: Mrs. Kaylee Harrell
Kinsner Elementary School 19091 Waterford Pkwy. Strongsville, OH 44149 440.572.7120
Principal: Mr. Lou Marconi
Muraski Elementary School 20270 Royalton Rd. Strongsville, OH 44149 440.572.7160
Principal: Mr. Mike Gri en
Surrarrer Elementary School 9306 Priem Rd. Strongsville, OH 44149 440.572.7170
Principal: Mrs. Emily Young
Whitney Elementary School 13548 Whitney Rd. Strongsville, OH 44136 440.572.7180
Principal: Mrs. Katie Hawk
Strongsville Middle School 13200 Pearl Rd. Strongsville, OH 44136 440.572.7090
Principal: Mr. John Telloni
Strongsville High School 20025 Lunn Rd. Strongsville, OH 44149 440.572.7100
Principal: Mr. Bill Wingler
TEACHING & LEARNING
When we Transform Teaching & Learning, we enhance the classroom experience for all students
through the implementation of innovative instructional approaches, structures, and strategies to inspire and empower our learners.
EXPANDED COURSE OFFERINGS
Our District’s course and program o erings continue to evolve, based on student needs and interests. Courses such as Financial Algebra, Speech and Communications for the 21st Century, Fashion & Interior Design, Makerspace II: Advanced Makerspace, and Digital Art o er our students the chance to explore various careers, aiming to help them discover their passions and cultivate a lifelong career in something they truly love.
MODEL MUSTANG INTEGRATION
As the foundation of our District’s instructional plan, we are focused on developing innovative, resilient, collaborative, global, and empowered skills in all of our students from preschool to seniors at SHS. Sta and teachers continue to work together to e ectively transform the classroom learning experience for our students. Whether it’s integration of technology, project-based learning opportunities, or providing di erent options for students to complete assignments, SCS works every day to provide impactful classroom environments and personalized learning pathways.
PARTNERSHIP WITH POLARIS
Strongsville is one of six partner schools o ering career-technical education opportunities with Polaris Career Center. Students not only travel to the Middleburg Heights campus, but also take satellite courses at SMS and SHS. The Polaris/ Strongsville partnership provides hands-on learning environments in programs such as engineering, construction, pre-nursing, welding, culinary arts, and cosmetology.
STAFF & RESOURCES
EVIDENCE-BASED LITERACY INSTRUCTION
After prioritizing a multi-year commitment to train our primary and elementary sta in the Science of Reading principles, our District’s teachers are now integrating these principles into daily instruction across our elementary buildings. This, combined with introducing a strong knowledge-building curriculum in our elementary English Language Arts programming, is leading to consistent gains in our students’ reading and writing achievement.
INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES
Instructional Coaches, both at the District and Building level, provide ongoing support to teachers. These peer-to-peer coaches bring a wealth of expertise in research-based instructional practices, as well as the incorporation of technological resources in the classroom. Whether it’s individualized professional development or modeling e ective teaching strategies, our coaches serve as in uential leaders who inspire our educators to embrace innovative practices, moving beyond traditional methods. This innovative mindset helps foster dynamic learning environments which empower our students to acquire the knowledge and skills essential for future success.
BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL
Our District partners with local business leaders to further develop workforce skills in our students. Through their feedback and guidance, our District is creating programs and courses for our students to explore potential careers, understand their strengths and interests, and develop durable skills for life after SHS.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Our District is committed to the continued development of our sta . We have purposefully scheduled Professional Development days throughout the year to assist in the growth of our personnel, which translates to the growth of our District. Professional Development days are lled with relevant learning topics, as well as time to collaborate with colleagues on creating impactful classroom and department experiences.
When we Align Sta & Resources, we ensure that our personnel, curriculum, technology, and partnerships are optimized to support our Purpose and Mission so that our students are equipped to thrive in their future.
FISCAL
NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS TREASURER’S DEPARTMENT
Since 2016, SCS has been recognized nationally for nancial reporting, budget presentation, and overall scal transparency.
•
Earned the Meritorious Budget Award by the Association of School Business O cials International for 8 straight years
•
1 of only 4 Ohio school districts to achieve this award
• Received the Certi cate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Association of School Business O cials International for 8 straight years
• 1 of only 40 Ohio school districts to receive this recognition
• Received the Certi cate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance O cers Association for 8 straight years
• Earned the Auditor of State Award with Distinction from Ohio’s Auditor of State O ce for 5 straight years
PER PUPIL
Our District is prudent in our spending per pupil, while continuing to achieve great results for our students. The table to the right details how Strongsville ranks in spending per pupil* in comparison to the 11 school districts in Cuyahoga County who earned a ve star rating on the most recent State Report Card.
ISSUE 53 - SCS OPERATING LEVY
Strongsville City Schools is seeking a 4.9 mill continuous operating levy on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Issue 53 replaces a former 5.9 mill levy, which will lower tax rates, as well as protect home values. This levy will generate approximately $9.2 million annually for the District, allowing for the continued investment in the growth and development of our students, at one of the lowest tax rates in all of Cuyahoga County.
STRONGSVILLE TAX RATE
Of the 31 school districts in Cuyahoga County, Strongsville ranks 26th in residential e ective tax rate for Tax Year 2023 / Collection Year 2024. Our community is in the bottom third of taxes paid for residential properties, for all District levies - Operating, Permanent Improvement, and Bond Retirement. Meaning, a homeowner in Strongsville will pay less school taxes in comparison to 81% of other school districts in Cuyahoga County with the same home valuation.
FUNDING & FACILITIES
TRANSPORTATION
When we Leverage Funding & Facilities, we e ectively manage and utilize the District’s resources to provide safe, modern, and high-quality learning environments that a ord premier educational experiences.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Our strong partnership and collaboration with both Strongsville Police and Strongsville Fire has led to continued improvements in our District’s safety plans and our emergency response readiness and training. We are proud of the work being done with Strongsville’s safety forces to provide the safest environments for our students and sta . Our District also has full time School Resource O cers at both Strongsville High School and Strongsville Middle School, and Strongsville Police O cers who rotate among our elementary and preschool buildings. Their presence not only provides safety and security in our buildings, but these o cers also build relationships with our students. They actively participate in activities both inside and outside of the classroom.
Our District continues to invest in our eet of school buses in order to provide safe transportation to and from school and extracurricular activities for all of our students. Recent upgrades have included the addition of safety cameras on our buses and the addition of a GPS tracking system for our transportation department.
FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Facilities Development Committee, made up of volunteer community members, continues to work with our Business Service Department, to develop a Master Facilities Plan. In addition, an Elementary Facilities Planning Committee was formed in February, 2023 to study our aging elementary schools and provide a recommendation to the Board for updates and potential new construction of elementary schools in our District. The committee made their recommendation to the Board in October, 2023. Due to the failure of our recent renewal levy, the Board has paused on the details of this plan. However, the challenges of growing enrollment and aging facilities remains. This year, we have added mobile classroom units at 4 of the 5 elementary schools as a short term solution to these space limitations.
CULTURE & CLIMATE
When we Cultivate Culture & Climate, we foster a positive and inclusive environment through evidence-based practices and supports that promote acceptance, respect, and well-being for all students, sta , and community members.
EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Extracurricular activities play an important role in the growth and development of our students. Providing opportunities outside of the classroom helps develop durable skills, such as communication, teamwork, creativity, and many other social skills.
Elementary Schools - Each elementary school in our District features 4 extracurricular opportunities for students. Extracurriculars are based on student interest at each school and include Art Club, School Newspaper, Kids on the Run, Choir, Makerspace Club, Tech Club, and Student Council.
Strongsville Middle School - A wide array of extracurriculars and club opportunities are available for students at SMS. Power of the Pen, Mathemagicians Club, Jazz Band, Show Choir, and Intramurals such as bowling, basketball, and dodgeball contribute to the growth and development of our middle school students outside of the classroom.
Strongsville High School - There are more than 40 extracurriculars and clubs at SHS. These opportunities include several subject-related honor societies, Student Council and other leadership organizations, academic-focused competition groups, and music-related extracurriculars including Pep Band, Jazz Band, and Chamber Strings. Our extracurriculars and clubs at SHS help to develop well-rounded students and provide experiences that develop lifelong skills.
SUPPORT/RESOURCES FOR ALL STUDENTS
Over the past few years, our District has added several positions to support the mental health and well-being of our students. Some of those positions include adding a school counselor at every elementary school and hiring two Social Workers for our middle school and high school. SCS also partners with outside resources, which provide ongoing therapeutic counseling for students that need support beyond the scope of our school counselors work.
ATHLETIC OPPORTUNITIES
SCS understands that middle school and high school athletics play a key role in the growth and development of many of our students. As a part of athletic teams, students develop important skills such as leadership, communication, time management, resiliency, competitiveness, and collaboration with others. Over the past few years, our District has enhanced our athletic program to meet the needs of our students. Adding leadership positions, supplemental coaching contracts, and new athletic teams at both the middle school and high school are just some of the examples SCS continues to grow a successful athletic program.
DIVERSITY COUNCIL
Our District’s Diversity Council was formed with the mission of creating a safe environment where students are accepted, heard, and valued while feeling empowered to develop the knowledge and skills to learn, understand, and appreciate di erent perspectives and individual experiences. The Diversity Council is made up of SCS students, sta , and administrators, as well as parents and Strongsville community members.
Since 2019, our District has invested $4.2 million into programs, supports, and opportunities for the growth and development of our students.
COMMUNITY & PARENT
our students and our District. The extraordinary e orts of Strongsville families, parents, booster groups, foundations, and civic groups make our District stronger and help to provide growth opportunities for our students. We appreciate these partnerships and the volunteers who donate thousands of hours and other to the countless volunteers who continue to support
resources to build a premier school district.
STRONGSVILLE COMMUNITY GROUPS
Our community organizations - Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimist, and City Club to name a few - are fantastic supporters of our District. Many of these organizations provide opportunities for our students to connect with their members and community leaders, providing examples of what it means to give back to your community. The annual scholarships provided by all of these partners are very much appreciated by each of the senior class recipients.graduating seniors.
ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
Did you know that our Strongsville Athletic Boosters donates more than $10,000 to our District to cover the admission for students at many of our athletic contests? This Booster group raises signi cant funds each year to support our student-athletes and athletic programs. Some recent examples include the renovation of the home locker rooms for our football and basketball programs, and bringing in a nationally-known speaker to conduct workshops on providing awareness and strengthening mental health in our student-athletes.
PTA
A strong supportive group of our District, PTA always steps up for SCS students and sta . Whether it’s volunteer hours, raising funds for our individual schools, or providing scholarships to our graduating students, we are appreciative of the countless ways PTA supports SCS.
STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The mission of the Strongsville Education Foundation is dedicated to raise and disburse funds to support and foster creativity, innovation, and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers, and the community served by the Strongsville City Schools. We appreciate the grants provided to our teachers and sta to enhance classroom learning (more than $41,000 was awarded last school year), the annual scholarships awarded to our graduating seniors, and the continued funding of annual PreK-8th grade eld trips for our District.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS
MUSIC BOOSTERS
The Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters (SIMB) and Choral Boosters are dedicated to helping provide premier music opportunities for our students. Thank you to both of these groups for your continued e orts to fundraise, which enables our student performers to have the necessary resources to share their creative talents and represent the Strongsville community in a positive way.
DISTRICT
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS EARNS
5
ON STATE REPORT CARD
SCS received a ve star overall rating (Signi cantly Exceeds State Standards) for the 2024 Ohio State Report Card. This is the 2nd straight year SCS has earned a ve star rating. Our District is one of only 68 out of 607 Ohio school districts, and one of just 11 school districts in Cuyahoga County, to receive the highest rating possible. In addition, all of the individual schools in our District received a rating of 4 stars (Exceeds State Standards) or higher.
FIVE STAR RATING
Exceeds State Standards
One of the ve components on the State Report Card is “Progress,” which measures the academic performance of students compared to expected growth on Ohio’s State Tests. The Progress component includes a “Growth Index” rating. Based on this Growth Index rating:
Strongsville City SchoolsStrongsville High School
TOP 5% TOP .099% 30TH 3RD
Out of 606 Ohio Districts Out of 3,025 Ohio High Schools
STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL RECEIVES “EXCELLENCE IN INCLUSION” AWARD FROM SPECIAL OLYMPICS OHIO
Special Olympics Ohio honored SMS with the “Excellence in Inclusion” Award. This award is given to one elementary school, one middle school, one high school, and one college or career center that have each demonstrated exceptional commitment to their mission of strengthening school cultures through inclusion. This award celebrates schools that promote inclusion, Uni ed Sports, and youth leadership, while fostering an environment of acceptance and belonging among students, sta , and the community.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS RECEIVES
“BEST
COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION”
RECOGNITION
FOR 11TH STRAIGHT YEAR
SCS was once again honored with the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Strongsville was one of only 56 districts in Ohio to receive this prestigious award in 2024. This designation recognizes and celebrates school districts for their support and exceptionally high commitment to music education, and for their e orts to assure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.
