By 1808Delaware
Olentangy Local Schools is asking the community to help shape the identity of its next high school as the district continues preparing for growth across southern Delaware County. At its September 8 meeting, the Olentangy Board of Education highlighted the naming process for the district’s fifth high school, along with strong staffing numbers, expanding career-development opportunities for students, and another national recognition for the district’s financial reporting.
A Name for High School Number Five
Community members can now submit suggestions for the name, mascot, and colors of High School Number Five through the district’s online survey.
Under district policy, school buildings must be named for something connected to local history or geography, giving the eventual name a direct link to the community the school will serve. The survey remains open through Friday, September 25. The Board of Education is expected to review recommendations and select the school’s name at its October 8 meeting. The process gives residents an opportunity to influence an identity that could remain part of the Olentangy community for generations.
Thousands Apply to Work for Olentangy
The district also offered a detailed look at its workforce, showing both the scale of Olentangy Schools as an employer and continued interest in working for the district.
Olentangy currently employs 3,276 people, representing approximately 3.5 percent of all jobs in Delaware County. More than half of those employees also live within the county.
Human Resources officials reported that the district received 15,207 job applications and has filled 100 percent of its certified positions. The district reported a 98.6 percent acceptance rate among candidates receiving employment offers.
Retention also remains high. Overall employee retention stands at 91.4 percent, while teacher retention is 96.1 percent. Together, the numbers reflect a school system that has become not only one of Delaware County’s largest educational institutions, but also one of its significant employers.
Connecting Students With Careers
Career exploration was another major topic during the meeting. Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships Molly Preston reported that 640 students participated in career exploration opportunities through Olentangy’s BridgED initiative. One of the program’s partners, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, has now connected with more than 4,050 Olentangy students and staff members through events, job shadowing, internships, and other career-focused experiences.
The district will continue that effort Wednesday, September 16, with its annual BridgED Bridging the Future event at Olentangy High School.
The program runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and will feature Columbus State Community College President Dr. David Harrison. Students and families will have an opportunity to learn more about changing career fields and the skills employers are seeking.
Twenty-Five Years of Financial Recognition
Olentangy Schools also marked a financial reporting milestone as the district has received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 25th consecutive year. The latest award recognizes Olentangy’s annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025. The certificate is the GFOA’s highest recognition for governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Community Office Hours Coming Sunday
Board President Brandon Lester will hold community office hours Sunday, September 13, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Liberty Branch Library, 7468 Steitz Road in Powell.Residents can visit Study Room 3 to ask questions or share comments with the board president.
The meeting also included recognition from Ohio School Boards Association CEO Tom Hosler for Board member Brad Rellinger, who joined the OSBA Board of Trustees after his appointment to the Olentangy board in March. Board Vice President Dr. Libby Wallick was recognized for her continued service as an OSBA trustee and as president of the organization’s Central Region.
September Calendar Continues
Several additional dates are approaching for Olentangy families.
- Classified Interview Day will be held Friday, September 18, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Olentangy Administrative Offices.
- There will be no school Monday, September 21, because of a professional development day.
- The Legends of Olentangy Alumni Awards will follow Friday, September 25, at 6:00 PM at Olentangy Liberty High School.
The Board of Education’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, at 6:30 PM at the Olentangy Administrative Offices.
For a district continuing to add students, schools, employees, and partnerships, the September meeting offered another snapshot of how Olentangy is preparing for what comes next, beginning with something as fundamental as choosing the name that will appear over the doors of its newest high school.
