By 1808Delaware
The Olentangy Local Schools Board of Education used its June 24 meeting to look in several directions at once: back at a successful year, outward toward community partnerships, and ahead to the financial and academic realities facing one of Ohio’s fastest-growing districts.
The meeting included the district’s annual Community Partner Recognition, a celebration of the businesses, organizations, volunteers and supporters whose contributions help strengthen Olentangy’s schools. Board President Brandon Lester and Superintendent Todd Meyer both reflected on the role those relationships play in the district’s continued success, noting that student achievement is supported not only inside classrooms, but across the broader community.
Celebrating Student Achievement
Meyer’s superintendent’s report opened with a series of student accomplishments, including several state championship performances.
Olentangy High School’s Brody M., Jacob L., Joaquin L. and Jet C. won the boys 4×200 relay state title. Olentangy Berlin High School’s Miles K. captured the boys 300-meter hurdles championship, while Olentangy Liberty High School’s Elena A. won the girls 3200 meters and TJ L. won the boys 110-meter hurdles. The district also celebrated the Olentangy Liberty High School girls’ lacrosse team, which won its third consecutive state championship after making its fourth straight appearance in the state finals. The team defeated Upper Arlington on June 7 to complete the three-peat.
Summer Learning And New Beginnings
The report also highlighted summer learning and preparation for the next school year. Olentangy’s Summer Enrichment Experience was held during the first two weeks of June at Glen Oak Elementary, Freedom Trail Elementary and Orange Middle School. The program gave students opportunities to explore new interests, build skills and take part in hands-on learning beyond the traditional school day.
At the same time, elementary schools welcomed more than 1,200 incoming kindergarten students for screenings. The process gave future students a first look at their schools while allowing principals, nurses and staff to meet families, review health information and complete paperwork ahead of the new year.
Behind the scenes, custodial, maintenance and facilities staff are also deep into summer work, including cleaning buildings, making repairs and completing capital improvement projects. The district noted that its custodial, maintenance and facilities team was recently featured by NBC4 for the work involved in preparing school buildings for students and staff.
Academic Results Remain Strong
Preliminary state testing results showed another year of academic achievement for Olentangy students. According to the district, students improved proficiency on 11 of 20 Ohio State Tests and increased Accomplished or Advanced performance on 12 assessments. Olentangy also outperformed the state’s proficiency average by 17 to 40 percentage points. District leaders said the results will be used to guide curriculum, instruction and ongoing improvement efforts.
Expanding College Pathways
The Board approved Olentangy’s participation in Ohio’s Direct Admission program, a statewide initiative designed to expand college access for students. Beginning with the Class of 2027, eligible Olentangy students may receive admission offers from participating Ohio colleges and universities without submitting a traditional application. Families will have an opportunity to opt out before any student information is shared with participating institutions.
Growth, Finances And Long-Term Pressures
Treasurer Ryan Jenkins presented information on the district’s approach to evaluating economic development proposals, emphasizing the balance between collaborating with local communities and protecting school resources.
The Board also reviewed an updated five-year financial forecast. The forecast reflects improved revenues and expenditures since February, but it continues to show long-term operational funding challenges as enrollment growth outpaces Ohio’s current school funding model.
For a district continuing to add students, the discussion underscored a familiar tension: Olentangy remains academically strong and financially attentive, but growth continues to place pressure on future operations.
Food Service Holds Meal Prices Steady
Bethany Lenko, Director of Food Service, presented the department’s annual update. The district’s food service program served more than 3.1 million meals during the 2025-26 school year and remains in a healthy financial position. As a result, Olentangy will maintain current student meal prices for the 2026-27 school year.
Foundation Support And Community Events
The Olentangy Education Foundation presented a $95,000 check to support classroom grants throughout the district. The foundation also invited the community to attend Zoolentangy on Aug. 14, its signature fundraising event benefiting students.
The district is also continuing to accept nominations for the Legends of Olentangy Awards. Nominations remain open through July 1 for distinguished alumni or community members whose accomplishments and service have made a lasting impact. This year’s recipients will be recognized on Sept. 25 at Olentangy Liberty High School. Nominations may be submitted at:
https://olsd.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aXeccgeMaVDZGwC
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Olentangy Local Schools Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 PM at Olentangy Berlin High School. Meeting information and records are available through the district’s Board Meeting Records webpage.
