By 1808Delaware
The Olentangy Local Schools Board of Education covered a wide range of district business during its April 9 meeting, from leadership changes and student programs to curriculum decisions and the naming of a new elementary school. At the forefront was a transition on the Board itself, alongside updates that reflect a district continuing to grow in both size and complexity.
New Board Member Introduced
Board President Brandon Lester formally welcomed Brad Rellinger, who was appointed at the March 26 meeting to complete the unexpired term of Kevin O’Brien.
Rellinger brings both professional and local experience to the role. He serves as Chief Technology Officer for the Northern Buckeye Education Council and has been involved in district initiatives through the Continuous Improvement Committee. He lives in Lewis Center with his family and has also been active at the school level as a PTO treasurer.
Special Olympics Program Continues to Grow
The Board heard a presentation on the expanding impact of the Olentangy Schools Special Olympics (OSSO), led by local coordinator Fran Gardner. The program now includes approximately 170 student-athletes participating across 13 sports during the 2025–26 school year. Gardner emphasized a focus on meaningful inclusion, including efforts to mirror the experience of traditional high school athletics through peer volunteer engagement.
Community members were encouraged to follow OSSO channels for updates on competitions and volunteer opportunities.
District Highlights Include Leadership Summit, New School Construction
Superintendent Todd Meyer highlighted several recent milestones across the district.
Among them were the first Olentangy Student Leadership Summit, the groundbreaking of the district’s 18th elementary school, and the annual Certified Interview Day aimed at recruiting teachers for the 2026–27 school year. He also recognized the OZone Robotics Team 4611, which will represent the district at the FIRST Robotics World Championship later this month in Houston.
Middle School Math Curriculum Selected
One of the evening’s key decisions centered on the adoption of a new middle school math curriculum. After reviewing eight instructional programs and piloting two finalists, the district selected CPM (College Preparatory Mathematics) for implementation. The curriculum emphasizes collaborative, problem-based learning and aligns with state and national standards.
The rollout will occur over the next two school years, beginning in 2026–27. District leaders noted that a consistent curriculum framework will allow teachers to focus more deeply on student needs while strengthening collaboration across classrooms.
Cybersecurity Program Formalized
Director of Technology Robert Sexton presented a districtwide cybersecurity initiative designed to comply with Ohio law and strengthen existing protections. The program aligns with Ohio Revised Code requirements, including incident reporting timelines and restrictions related to ransomware payments. It also incorporates the CIS Cybersecurity Framework and introduces additional safeguards, including certain public records exemptions tied to security measures. Officials described the move as both a compliance step and a proactive effort to address evolving digital risks.
New Elementary School Named
The Board also finalized the name of the district’s 18th elementary school following a community-driven process. A survey generated 387 responses, with suggestions reflecting themes tied to local geography, nature, and regional history. From a final list of three options, the Board selected Deer Haven Elementary School as the official name.
The decision continues a pattern of naming schools in ways that reflect the character and landscape of the surrounding community.
Next Meeting
The Board will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the district’s administrative offices. Additional materials and recordings from the April 9 meeting are available through the district’s online Board Meeting Records.
Source: Olentangy Local Schools
