By 1808Delaware
Board President Brandon Lester opened the June 26 meeting of the Olentangy Local Schools Board of Education with a candid update on the looming state budget deadline. Governor Mike DeWine is expected to finalize Ohio’s biennium budget by June 30, and its implications for Olentangy Schools are concerning. Despite delivering high-quality education at a cost of $16,019 per pupil—below the statewide average and far below peer districts—Olentangy is set to receive only about $1,600 per student in state funding.
Lester expressed frustration over the minimal support and increased restrictions on how districts can use their existing funds. The message was clear: Olentangy continues to do more with less, but the state’s funding model places increasing strain on local resources.
Celebrating Students, Staff, and Community Champions
The Board took time to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of Olentangy students and staff in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities across the past two seasons. Applause also went to a group of outstanding community partners who received this year’s Community Partner Awards for their volunteerism and support of school programs. Honorees represented a range of schools, from elementary through high school, as well as district-wide contributions.
Notable recipients included:
- Abbey Booth (Tyler Run Elementary)
- Jason Manley (Shanahan MS & Berlin HS)
- Bruce Runyon (District-wide)
- Vicky Sherer (Administrative Office)
- And many others who play vital roles behind the scenes
Improving Communication and Testing Outcomes
Chief Communications Officer Krista Davis shared the results of an internal communications survey, conducted to gauge staff needs and improve outreach. Based on feedback, the communications team will revise its strategic plan, streamline messaging platforms, and launch a centralized newsletter. A major step forward: the district will implement ParentSquare, a secure and unified communication platform, in the 2025-26 school year.
Meanwhile, Director of Continuous Improvement Jeanette Brunswick presented preliminary results from Ohio’s spring state tests. The data showed Olentangy students made gains in 12 out of 20 tests and outperformed state proficiency rates by wide margins—between 16% and 38%. Areas identified for improvement include third grade English Language Arts and eighth grade math.
From the Superintendent and the Treasurer
Superintendent Todd Meyer congratulated the Olentangy High School baseball team and Coach Ryan Lucas on winning the program’s first-ever OHSAA Division I state championship. Meyer also introduced the new “Legends of Olentangy” awards to honor distinguished alumni and community contributors, with nominations open through July 1.
Treasurer Ryan Jenkins addressed key financial decisions, including the Board’s approval of a Resolution of Necessity. This could lead to a no-new-millage bond issue appearing on the November 2025 ballot, enabling the district to construct a new elementary and high school without increasing taxes.
Jenkins also explained a critical move to transfer $50 million in general funds to other reserve funds. This step was necessary to comply with House Bill 96, which caps carryover general fund balances at 40%, and to avoid a loss that could equal hundreds of staff positions. The transfer ensures the funds continue serving students and maintaining Olentangy’s educational standards.
Next Steps
The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 PM at the Olentangy Administrative Offices. Meeting agendas, minutes, and records are available online for public review.
As always, Olentangy Local Schools continues to strive for excellence—in the classroom, through community, and in fiscal responsibility—despite the ongoing challenges posed by state funding limitations.
