By 1808Delaware
At the most recent meeting of the Olentangy Schools Board of Education, key topics included the announcement of a community-wide survey, the district’s stellar performance on the Ohio State Report Cards, and significant projected savings through bond refinancing. The board also approved updates to critical policies related to student conduct and safety.
Community Survey to Begin in October
As part of the district’s ongoing effort to gather community input, Board President Brandon Lester announced that Olentangy Schools will partner with Fallon Research to launch a digital and SMS-based survey. The survey, starting on October 1, will target a wide array of residents, including families with school-aged children, retirees, and those without direct ties to the district. This initiative seeks to collect valuable feedback on community issues affecting the district.
The survey will focus on how residents, including those whose children may attend schools outside the district, perceive key issues. The board hopes this effort will provide insight into community priorities and help shape future policies and initiatives.
Olentangy Earns Another Five-Star Rating on State Report Card
The district’s success continues with the announcement that Olentangy Schools received an overall five-star rating on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s School Report Cards for the second consecutive year. This rating is based on five components: Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, Early Literacy, and Graduation.
Among Ohio’s 607 school districts, Olentangy is one of only 68 to receive a five-star rating. Particularly notable is Olentangy’s performance in the Achievement category, which measures student performance on Ohio State Tests and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The district is the only one in the state with more than 10,000 students to receive five stars in this component.
Several schools within the district also achieved impressive results. Oak Creek and Tyler Run Elementary Schools were two of only five elementary schools in the state to receive five stars in every category. Similarly, Berkshire Middle School and Olentangy High School were among the few schools to achieve the same across the board.
Superintendent Highlights Community Engagement and Upcoming Event
Superintendent Todd Meyer encouraged residents without children in Olentangy Schools to register for “Community Connections,” a new platform providing periodic district updates. This initiative ensures that all residents, regardless of whether they have school-aged children, stay informed about district activities and news.
Meyer also highlighted the upcoming Olentangyevent, “Bridging the Future,” set for October 16 at Olentangy High School. The event will showcase the district’s partnerships with industry leaders and offer students real-world learning opportunities. It promises to be a key event for those interested in learning more about the district’s forward-thinking educational strategies.
Treasurer Outlines Significant Savings Through Bond Refinancing
Treasurer Ryan Jenkins presented a plan to refinance two of the district’s existing bonds, the 2015B Refunding Bonds and the 2016 Series Refunding Bonds, taking advantage of a recent reduction in the federal funds rate. This refinancing move could save the district between $5.7 million and $6.2 million, which will directly benefit taxpayers by reducing interest payments on outstanding debt.
The refinancing is expected to be completed by March 2025, providing a substantial financial advantage without impacting current district programs or services.
Policy Updates on Anti-Harassment and Personal Devices
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jack Fette introduced updates to two key board policies: Anti-Harassment (Board Policy 5517) and Personal Communication Devices (Board Policy 5136). The anti-harassment policy changes involved the removal of language about speech that causes discomfort or humiliation, keeping the focus on unlawful harassment and bullying.
The updated policy on personal communication devices now clearly distinguishes between acceptable in-school and out-of-school behavior, providing better guidance for students and staff. Both updates align with recent U.S. Supreme Court and Sixth Circuit rulings and are intended to create a safer, more structured learning environment.
Board President Lester reaffirmed that the district remains committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for all students while maintaining clear expectations around behavior and communication.
Next Steps and Future Meetings
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on October 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM. The district’s full meeting schedule and all records are available on the Olentangy Schools website for public review.
As the district continues to shine with its five-star rating and looks forward to the community survey, Olentangy Schools remains focused on transparency, financial responsibility, and student success.
Source: Olentangy Local Schools
