By 1808Delaware
January 8 marked the annual organizational meeting of the Board of Education for Olentangy Local Schools, setting the tone for the year ahead with leadership decisions, policy updates, and a long list of student and district accomplishments.
Organizational Business and Oaths of Office
The meeting opened with the formal business required at the start of a new calendar year. Brandon Lester and Dr. Kevin Daberkow were sworn in, continuing their service on the Board of Education. Board members then voted on officers for 2026. Brandon Lester was selected to serve as Board President, with Dr. Elizabeth Wallick named Vice President.
Leadership Reflections and a Community Invitation
In his President’s report, Lester thanked voters for placing their trust in both him and Daberkow for another term. He also expressed appreciation to fellow board members for their confidence in the new leadership team.
Lester is extending that accessibility beyond the boardroom. Community members are invited to attend open office hours on Saturday, January 10, at the Liberty Branch Library, Liberty Study Room 4, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
State Policy Changes and Student Achievements
Superintendent Todd Meyer’s report covered both policy shifts and celebrations. Ohio’s new House Bill 114 standardizes kindergarten age eligibility statewide. Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, students must be five years old on or before the first day of school. For Olentangy, that date is August 20, 2026. Kindergarten registration opens January 12, 2026, with details available through the district’s New Student Welcome Center.
Meyer also highlighted a banner year for student athletics. Olentangy Orange High School’s football team completed an undefeated season and captured the OHSAA Division I state title. Olentangy Berlin High School’s competition cheer team earned the Division I Spirit State Championship for the second consecutive year. Both athletic and academic achievements will be formally recognized at the January 22 Board of Education meeting at Berlin High School.
Looking ahead, the district will host its annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community members are encouraged to participate through volunteering or donations coordinated with local partners.
Financial Transparency and Recognition
Treasurer Ryan Jenkins reported that both the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the Popular Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 have been submitted to the Government Finance Officers Association for consideration for financial achievement awards.
The Popular Annual Financial Report is scheduled to be mailed to Olentangy residents by early February, continuing the district’s emphasis on transparency and public access to financial information.
Facilities, Construction, and Long-Term Planning
Chief Operations Officer Gordon presented several business and facilities items that received board approval. These included professional service agreements supporting the construction of Elementary School No. 18 and High School No. 5, as well as long-term testing and inspection services for capital projects over the next five years.
The board also approved a 24-month temporary easement agreement at Berlin High School with the Delaware County Board of Commissioners. The agreement supports planned roadway widening and improvements along Berlin Station Road, a reminder that growth inside schools is closely tied to infrastructure outside them.
Next Steps
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 PM at the Olentangy Administrative Offices. Meeting agendas, records, and supporting documents remain available through the district’s Board Meeting Records webpage.
Taken together, the January 8 meeting reflected a district balancing continuity with change: familiar leadership, new statewide rules, major student successes, and steady progress on facilities that signal Olentangy is planning well beyond 2026.
Image by Urban Origami from Pixabay
