The Milford Exempted Village Schools District (MEVSD) Board of Education held its regular meeting on January 16, 2025, focusing on school achievements, updates on critical district projects, and long-term planning. Below are the key highlights from the meeting:
School Updates and Student Recognition
Art Recognition at Mulberry Elementary
The Board celebrated Mulberry Elementary student artists who showcased their exceptional mixed-media creations, including National Park landscapes, watercolor resist designs, and collaborative sculptures inspired by Dale Chihuly.
PBIS Initiatives at Mulberry Elementary
Principal Greb presented updates on PBIS programs, including:
Eating with All-Stars: Monthly mentor lunches connecting students with community members to foster positive relationships and social skills.
Check and Connect Program: Targeted support for students with chronic absenteeism, resulting in a drop in absentee rates from 15.6% to 5.6% over two years.
Staff Recognition
Teddy Blinkhorn Honored for 47 Years of Service
The Board celebrated the retirement of Teddy Blinkhorn, food service worker and kitchen manager, who served the district since 1977.
A heartfelt tribute included a rocking chair from Cracker Barrel as a token of appreciation for her decades of dedication to Milford students.
The Board introduced a new initiative called Mission Moments to highlight exemplary staff and community efforts. January’s recognition celebrated:
Jeff Johnson's maintenance team for their work clearing snow to ensure schools reopened safely after a major storm.
The district’s bus drivers, who navigated challenging road conditions to keep students safe.
Middle School Construction Progress
Superintendent John Spieser shared updates on the new middle school project:
The construction remains on budget and on track for its August 1, 2025, completion.
Recent milestones include the installation of ceiling grids, learning stairs, and restroom plumbing fixtures.
Potential start times for the 2025-2026 school year were also discussed with a new start for the middle school and adjustments for other schools to accommodate efficient transportation.
Financial and Policy Updates
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Doug Ackerman provided a financial overview, highlighting progress in closing multiple fiscal months and ensuring balanced cash reconciliations.
Expenditures for purchased services and other costs have decreased compared to prior years, reflecting efforts to reduce non-essential spending.
The district continues to closely monitor financial trends and has initiated plans for an upcoming performance audit to ensure continued efficiency.
Board Retreat Goals and State Funding Concerns
The Board plans to finalize 2025 goals during its upcoming January 18 retreat, including exploring third-party audits for transportation plans.
Board members discussed potential impacts of state funding uncertainty, urging community members to advocate for fully funding Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan.
Celebrating Arts and Athletics
Band and Choir Updates
Director of Fine Arts Josh Kaufman announced an upcoming Chicago trip for band and choir students, including performances at the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Additionally Kaufman urged the Board and audience to buy tickets for the upcoming High School production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child before tickets sell out.
Athletics Update
Athletic Director Aaron Zupka shared details of the “Game of Hope” basketball event honoring Lauren Hill’s legacy. He also announced a new fundraising event, "Night at the Nest," scheduled for March 15, 2025.
Zupka also announced that Milford High School (MHS) will not offer the competitive sport of water polo (boys & girls) for 2025-2026 and possibly beyond. He emphasized the lack of student interest and financial constraints prevent the sport from returning next year.
Next Regular Board Meeting: February 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (Milford Administrative Office).