By 1808Delaware
With the first day of school less than two weeks away, Olentangy Local Schools is putting the final pieces in place for the 2026-27 academic year. Those preparations extend beyond new staff and classroom schedules to school security, transportation training and the district’s longer-term financial health.
During its recent meeting, the Olentangy Board of Education heard updates on safety initiatives, staff preparation and a financial forecast showing that the district could exhaust its operating cash reserves by the end of the 2028-29 school year.
New Tools Strengthen School Safety
Director of Safety, Security and Preparedness Ron Vogel organized his report around three district priorities: proactive preparedness, collaboration and transparency, and wellness. Among the initiatives planned for 2026-27 is the integration of Code Blue alerts with the district’s Mitel telephone system. The technology will provide immediate building-level notifications during emergencies.
The district is also expanding emergency preparedness planning and school safety audits while creating a School Safety Stakeholder Committee. A new e-bike safety initiative, developed with the Delaware Public Health District, will address the growing use of electric bicycles among students and families.
Additional efforts will include stronger partnerships with first responders, distribution of the district’s Safety, Security and Preparedness Guidebook, and continued work with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office through the Handle with Care program.
Staff And Transportation Preparations Underway
Superintendent Todd Meyer told the board that preparations for the new school year include leadership and new staff onboarding, the district’s annual Elevate professional learning conference and comprehensive transportation safety training. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade return Thursday, August 20. Preschool classes begin Tuesday, August 25.
Local Taxes Carry Most Of The Load
Treasurer Ryan Jenkins presented a financial picture shaped by Olentangy’s continued enrollment growth and heavy reliance on local property taxes.
Of the district’s projected $396.6 million in revenue for the current fiscal year, approximately $264.5 million, or 67%, is expected to come from local property taxes. Personnel represents the district’s largest expense. Approximately $346.6 million, or 80% of projected expenditures, is tied to staff-related costs.
Jenkins said 75.31% of Olentangy’s operational expenses directly support classroom instruction. That places Olentangy sixth among Ohio’s 607 public school districts.
Administrative expenses account for 9.57% of total operational expenses, while central office administration represents 5.62% of the operational budget. Only 11 Ohio districts report a lower percentage of administrative overhead.
Cash Reserves Expected To Run Out
Despite those efficiency measures, Olentangy’s five-year forecast continues to show financial pressure from rapid enrollment growth and limitations in state funding. The district currently projects that its operating cash reserves will be exhausted by the end of the 2028-29 school year. Officials anticipate that an operating levy will be needed during calendar year 2028 to maintain current services. If that timetable holds, the district will have stretched the proceeds from its May 2020 operating levy for eight years. Operational levies are typically designed to cover three to five years.
August School Calendar
Several events are scheduled before and shortly after the opening of school:
- Thursday, August 13: PowerSchool opens; Parent Technology Support Night from 6:00–7:30 PM at Orange High School
- Friday, August 14: ZOOlentangy, presented by the Olentangy Education Foundation, from 6:00–9:00 PM at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Tuesday, August 18: Elementary School Open House
- Wednesday, August 19: 2026-27 Staff Convocation at Berlin High School
- Thursday, August 20: First day of school for grades K-12
- Tuesday, August 25: First day of preschool and High School Curriculum Night
- Wednesday, August 26: Elementary School Curriculum Night for grades K-2
Recordings are available for the board president’s report, safety update, superintendent’s report, treasurer’s report and business and facilities update.
The Board of Education will next meet at 6:30 PM on Thursday, August 27, at the Olentangy Administrative Offices. Additional information is available through the district’s board meeting records and 2026 meeting schedule.
