By 1808Delaware
The Olentangy Local Schools Board of Education opened its April 23 meeting with recognition of a quick and coordinated response to an unusual incident at Liberty High School.
Board President Brandon Lester commended Liberty High School staff, district personnel, and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for their actions on Friday, April 17, after a deer crashed through a school window. The moment was unexpected, but Lester pointed to the response as an example of staff and law enforcement working quickly to keep the situation under control.
Lester also announced upcoming Board office hours, scheduled for Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Liberty Branch Library in Liberty Study Room 4. The session was designed to give community members a chance to ask questions and speak directly with board representatives.
Mental Health, Career Education, And Public School Issues
Committee updates touched on several areas of district and community interest.
The Mental Health Committee discussed the possibility of parent support groups focused on helping families manage student mental health and wellness. Board members also noted the recent groundbreaking for the Delaware Area Career Center expansion, a project closely tied to workforce preparation and career technical education in Delaware County.
The Ohio School Boards Association has also invited board representatives to take part in a community conversation on public education issues, including school funding and education policy.
Teachers Showcase Classroom Innovation
One of the meeting’s instructional highlights came through a presentation on Seeds of Change, a professional learning model that gives teachers a structure for testing new classroom ideas. The model is built around identifying challenges, designing solutions, gathering evidence, and refining classroom practice through collaboration and feedback. Teachers eventually share what they have learned during a Showcase Event with colleagues.
Physical education teachers Kristyn Richardson and Ryan Vogel shared their project, “Brainball,” a new activity that blends movement with academic learning. The project reflects the district’s broader emphasis on practical, classroom-based innovation led by educators themselves.
Bridging Students To Future Careers
Superintendent Todd R. Meyer used his report to highlight Olentangy:BridgED, the district’s effort to give students earlier exposure to career pathways.
Recent examples included Intel visiting Shale Meadows Elementary, where second graders took part in the company’s Future Skills program and hands-on STEAM learning. Meyer also noted apprenticeship opportunities with Vaughn Industries and Worthington Steel. The district is also preparing for another major facilities milestone. Olentangy will celebrate the groundbreaking of High School 5 at 5:00 PM on Monday, June 1.
Lottery Dollars And The Reality Of School Funding
Treasurer Ryan Jenkins focused his report on gambling-related revenue and its role in Ohio school funding. Jenkins explained that lottery profits go to the Lottery Profits Education Fund, while portions of casino and sports betting taxes are also directed toward schools. However, he noted that increased gambling revenue does not necessarily mean a direct increase in total education funding.
Under Ohio’s “first-dollar” funding structure, growth in lottery or gaming revenue can offset money that otherwise would have come from the state’s General Revenue Fund. In practical terms, gambling revenues remain a stable but limited part of school funding, accounting for roughly one in every eight or nine state education dollars. Jenkins emphasized that overall school funding is shaped more by state policy decisions and local tax support than by changes in gambling revenue.
New Policies Include AI And NIL Guidance
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jack Fette presented the first reading of the district’s FY26 No. 4 board policy updates, following discussion by the Policy Committee on April 7.
The updates include a new Name, Image, and Likeness policy aligned with Ohio High School Athletic Association guidance. NIL policies have become increasingly relevant as student-athletes navigate opportunities connected to personal branding and compensation rules.
The district is also revising grading and class rank policies to maintain state compliance. Another notable change is the adoption of a new artificial intelligence policy required under House Bill 96 and modeled after guidance from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Facilities Work Moves Forward
Chief Operations Officer Jeff Gordon reviewed several business and facilities items.
The board considered an easement agreement with Columbia Gas of Ohio for a gas service pipeline at Deer Haven Elementary. It also reviewed a contract to resurface the track at Liberty High School. Another major item involved a contract with Daktronics, Inc. for new scoreboards and videoboards across district high school stadiums. The work reflects continued investment in athletic facilities and event infrastructure across Olentangy’s campuses.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Olentangy Local Schools Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 PM at Olentangy Orange High School. Meeting information and records are available through the district’s Board Meeting Records webpage.
