Editor's note: The Akron Beacon Journal asked the leaders of Summit County's 17 public school districts to share some highlights of what's new in their schools this year. We will share these highlights over the next week as students return to class.
Read previous stories in this series here.
Springfield Local Schools is keeping it simple this year with no major changes planned for the school year.
After five years of state financial oversight and continued budget reductions, the district has been able to restore some of its programs after voters approved the district's property tax levy renewals.
Superintendent Shelley Monachino said the district restored its elementary physical education, art and music teachers and added art for grades 7-8 midway through last school year. She looks forward to a full school year of specials in the elementary school for the first time in a long time.
Here are a few highlights for Springfield Local Schools:
The district of roughly 1,600 students is welcoming 14 new teachers, which represents 11% of the district's roughly 130 teachers and other certified employees. Monachino attributed the notable turnover to changes in the state retirement system that prompted veteran teachers to retire and created new openings.
The district has hired Rosalind Moore as treasurer, who has 19 years of financial experience, including 14 years in various roles in the East Cleveland City School District. She most recently served as the assistant finance director for the city of Bedford Heights. She succeeds Chris Adams, who retired after more than a decade as treasurer.
Bill Johnson has been named the district's director of business operations, which oversees transportation, food, technology, facilities and maintenance services. Johnson, who previously served as the athletic director for Tallmadge City Schools, succeeds Dustin Boswell, who became Tallmadge's school treasurer.
The facilities and capital planning committee that formed last school year will continue its work this school year.
The 13-member committee, which includes parents, school staff, community members and local officials, has been evaluating district facilities, identifying long-term infrastructure needs, prioritizing improvement projects, exploring funding strategies and helping to shape a comprehensive master plan.
Monachino said the next step will be talking with state officials about obtaining a more formal condition assessment of specific facilities.
Reach Akron Beacon Journal education writer Kelli Weir at 330-580-8339 or [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Springfield Local Schools welcomes new faces, evaluates facilities