The Milford Exempted Village Schools District (MEVSD) Board of Education held a regular meeting on October 17, 2024, to discuss important measures aimed at maintaining the district’s financial stability, celebrate student achievements, and provide updates on ongoing projects. Here are the key highlights from the meeting:
Contingency Measures Approved for 2025-2026
The Board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve a series of contingency measures that will take effect if the 1% Earned Income Tax (EIT) levy does not pass during the 2024-2025 school year. These actions are designed to preserve the district’s financial health and ensure continued service to students and families. The key recommendations include:
Transitioning to Sister Grade-Band Schools:
The district would reorganize into "sister" schools, grouping grades to maximize resources:
PK-1: Mulberry Elementary & Pattison Elementary
Grades 2 & 3: Boyd E. Smith Elementary & Charles L. Seipelt Elementary
Grades 4 & 5: McCormick Elementary & Meadowview Elementary
This restructuring would allow the district to optimize staff and facilities, but would shift students into new school arrangements based on their grade level.
Reducing Transportation to State Minimum:
The district would provide transportation services that meet only the state’s minimum requirements. This change would affect busing for high school students, as well as younger students who live within a two-mile radius of their schools.
Implementing a Tiered Pay-to-Play System:
A new, tiered fee structure would be introduced for extracurricular activities, such as sports and arts programs. The goal is to keep these activities available despite budget constraints, with fees adjusted based on program costs and participation rates.
Superintendent John Spieser emphasized that these measures are purely financial decisions. While necessary to ensure the district remains financially viable, they are not ideal for students, teachers, or families. He reiterated that passing the EIT levy would allow the district to avoid these significant changes and continue offering the quality education that Milford Schools is known for.
Celebrating the Arts and Athletics
The meeting also celebrated the achievements of Milford students in the arts and athletics:
Arts: Several student artists from McCormick Elementary were recognized for their creative works, which were displayed during the meeting. Director of Fine Arts Josh Kaufman highlighted the success of various arts programs, including the upcoming musical "Little Shop of Horrors," set to take the stage in early November, and the marching band’s participation in the BLINK Parade. Kaufman also shared exciting news that the high school choir will perform at the national A Cappella Festival on November 9.
Athletics: The Board congratulated the 8th grade red volleyball team for their outstanding achievement of going undefeated throughout the season. The team’s 21-0 record is a milestone, marking the first time in the district’s history that a volleyball team has achieved this level of success. Other athletic accomplishments, such as the football team’s strong finish, were also recognized.
Public Participation and Support for the EIT Levy
During the meeting, several teachers, parents, and community members took the opportunity to share their views. Many expressed strong support for the upcoming EIT levy, citing concerns over the potential consequences if it fails. Key points raised by the speakers included:
Neighborhood Schools: Educators and parents highlighted the value of the current neighborhood school model, which allows students to build strong, long-lasting relationships with their peers, teachers, and community members. They fear that transitioning to a grade-banded system could disrupt this sense of continuity.
Class Sizes and Extracurricular Programs: Speakers stressed the importance of maintaining smaller class sizes and preserving a broad range of extracurricular activities, including arts, sports and academic clubs. They pointed out that these programs play a crucial role in student development and community engagement.
Financial Realities: Some speakers acknowledged the district’s financial challenges but urged the community to invest in the future by supporting the levy. They argued that failing to pass the levy could result in higher long-term costs and fewer educational opportunities for students.
Middle School Construction Update
The Board received an update on the new middle school construction project. Superintendent John Spieser reported that the project remains on track for an August 1, 2025, completion date, with substantial progress being made. He praised the work of the construction teams, who have been working diligently to ensure the project stays within budget and ahead of the original completion timeline.
Upcoming Board Meetings
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Administrative Office, located at 1099 State Route 131, Milford, Ohio. Additionally, a special board meeting will be held on October 23, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.