Olmsted Falls School District May / June 2008www.ofcs.k12.oh.usDISTRICT TO PLACE OPERATING LEVY ON NOVEMBER BALLOTAt a special meeting held on May 30th, the Olmsted Falls Board of Education passed a resolution to place a new operating levy on the ballot this coming November. The Board has yet to determine the type of millage and the exact amount of the new operating levy, but residents can definitely expect to see a tax issue placed before them on the November 4, 2008 ballot.

“It has been more than a decade since the passage of the last school operating issue in Olmsted Falls,” said Board of Education President Jim Weisbarth. “The Board and administration have worked diligently to stretch funds from the last operating levy for more than 10 years.”

An operating levy provides funding for the operational expenses of a school district including salaries, benefits, textbooks, educational materials and professional development. School districts place an operating levy on the ballot when their forecasted budget indicates they will need additional funding to maintain current educational programming. On average, most school districts place an operating levy on the ballot approximately every 3 years.

During the 2007-2008 school year, District expenses exceeded revenue by $951,602. Financial projections indicate that without additional revenue, expenses will continue to exceed revenue and District cash reserves will be completely depleted by the start of the 2010-2011 school year. A complete, five-

Operating Levy story continued inside....

OLMSTED FALLS MUSIC PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITIONFor the second consecutive year Olmsted Falls School District has been named one of the “Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America.”

“I want to personally thank the Olmsted community for providing our schools with the necessary financial resources to support our outstanding music programs throughout the District,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley.

CONGRATULATIONS OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2008 Congratulations to the 267 members of the Olmsted Falls High School Class of 2008. Valedictorian Eileen Norton, Salutatorian Holly Bourgeois, and Class President Monica Mills addressed fellow classmates, Board members, teachers, administrators, family and friends at the commencement ceremony, held May 30th at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University. More than 85% of the OFHS Class of 2008 plan to continue their education.

Valedictorian Eileen Norton

Class of 2008 PresidentMonica Mills

Salutatorian Holly Bourgeois

The annual national survey is sponsored by the NAMM Foundation, in partnership with leading music and educational organizations, to promote the benefits of active participation in music and music education.

The 2008 winners include school districts from 29 states that are committed to quality music education programs and providing access to music education. Olmsted Falls is one of only seven school districts in the State of Ohio to make this year’s roster.

year forecast for Olmsted Falls Schools is available on the District website at www.ofcs.k12.oh.us. (Click on the Administration tab, and then click the link to the Office of the Treasurer.)

The 2 Mill Bond Issue, passed by Olmsted voters in May 2007, will provide funding for the construction of a new intermediate building. Funds from this bond issue cannot be used for District operating expenses such as salaries, textbooks, educational materials, etc.

“Running a school district requires a balance of attention between operational and facility needs,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley. “Fortunately, as a District, we were able to pass a 2 Mill Bond Issue as well as secure additional alternative funding sources to address a portion of our facility needs, thereby reducing the amount of financial support we need from the Olmsted community for construction and renovation projects.”

In March 2008, Olmsted Falls School District secured an unprecedented $7.7+ million in funding for new construction through the Ohio School Facilities Commission’s Exceptional Needs Program. These State funds will be utilized to further address overcrowding in the District by allowing for the construction of additional classrooms at the Middle School. The District is also currently participating in the State’s HB264 program which financially assists the District with renovation and upgrade projects that improve the energy efficiency of our buildings.

“Unfortunately, while we were successful in locating alternative sources of funding for our facilities, we must rely exclusively on local tax dollars for the additional operation revenue for our District,” said Dr. Hoadley. “I encourage residents to contact the Board office at 427-6000 with any questions about the new operating levy slated for the November ballot, or about the state of school funding in Ohio.”

“The Board of Education commends Dr. Hoadley, the administration, faculty and staff for working hard to find efficiencies and reduce expenditures in order to significantly stretch existing operating funds further than projected, while still keeping our academic programming in tact,” stated Mr. Weisbarth. “The Olmsted Falls school system continues to achieve extremely high student achievement results, while at the same time operating with one of the lowest cost-per-pupil ratios in Cuyahoga county.”

“Without new money, a reduction to the District’s academic programming will, unfortunately, have to be implemented as the next cost-cutting measure,” added Mr. Weisbarth.

The Board of Education intends to finalize the details and pass the necessary resolutions for the November 2008 operating levy in early August. Please check the District website - www.ofcs.k12.oh.us - and future School Reports and Business Reports for the latest information.

Operating Levy story continued....

DID YOU KNOW?

Cleveland Magazine again awarded Olmsted Falls School District with a ranking in the Top 15 School Districts in Northeast Ohio

in its annual “Rating the Suburbs” issue (June 2008).

OLMSTED FALLS KIWANIS CLUB EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARDSKiwanis Employee of the Year award winners (pictured L to R): Olmsted Falls Middle School Social Studies/English Teacher Diane Seith, Superintendent’s Secretary Connie Kostelnik, and Falls-Lenox Preschool Teacher Sara Matthews with Olmsted Falls Kiwanis Club Vice President John Jacobs, who made the award presentations. The special awards were presented on Records Day, held June 5th, in the Middle School cafetorium. Staff members are nominated by fellow colleagues through a written nomination process. Nominations are reviewed and winners are selected by a special committee of Kiwanis members. Congratulations to the 2008 Employees of the Year, and thank you to the Kiwanis Club for their continued support of the Olmsted educational community!

L to R: High School Principal Robert Trapp (15 Bulldog years); High School Library Media Assistant Janet Stetz (30 Bulldog years); Bus Driver Doris Cain (30 Bulldog years); Middle School Science Teacher Dan Radman (31 Bulldog years); Middle School Social Studies/English Teacher Diane Moodt-Seith (24 Bulldog years); High School Science Teacher Gene Moore (39 Bulldog years); Fitch Intermediate School Cleaner Linda Lee Kolokoske (32 Bulldog years); Fitch Intermediate Tutor Sandy Guildoo (19 Bulldog years); High School/Middle School Teacher Mike Guildoo (35 Bulldog years); Falls-Lenox Kindergarten Teacher Carol Yanico (35 Bulldog years). Not pictured: Director of Curriclum and Instruction Caroline Rami (26 Bulldog years); Falls-Lenox 1st Grade Teacher Sally O’Donoghue (16 Bulldog years).

CONGRATULATIONS TO 2007-2008 PTA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

OFMS STUDENTS HONORED FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

At its May meeting, the Board of Education honored twenty students from Olmsted Falls Middle School for being recognized by the Midwest Talent Search for their superior performance on both the ACT and PSAT tests. Congratulations to: Kristin Allan, Adam Al-natsheh, Daniel Becker, Nicholas Buchta, Megan Doherty, Katelyn Edgehouse, Olivia Henton, Thomas Hoy, Pamela Keller, Emilie Macek, Martin Mendenhall, Madeline New, Ashley Raffay, Erica Reiser, Hayleigh Sanders, Bradley Sevcik, Nicholas Smith, Sohan Vartak, Matthew Wachowiak, and Zachary Zaruba.

Rebecca Gawsyszawski was named Volunteer of the Year at the Annual PTA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held on May 21st at Olmsted Falls Middle School. Mrs. Gawsyszawski served as President of the Falls-Lenox PTA during 2007-2008, and next year will serve as President of the PTA Unit at Fitch Intermediate. Heartfelt thanks are extended to Mrs. Gawsyszawski for her hard work and dedication on behalf of the students and staff of Olmsted Falls Schools!

Beginning this fall, Olmsted Falls Schools will implement an after school class in Mandarin Chinese for students in grades 1 to 5. The classes will be taught by foreign language teacher Grace Chen and are being offered through a partnership with Polaris Joint Vocational School. Polaris will fund the after school Mandarin Chinese program as a two year pilot program. Ms. Chen will teach two afternoons a week at Falls-Lenox and two afternoons a week at Fitch. Olmsted Falls is the only school district in the area to be offering Mandarin Chinese to its primary students. Additional information regarding eligibility and registration will be forthcoming.

DISTRICT TO OFFER MANDARIN CHINESE CLASS FOR GRADES 1 TO 5

Olmsted Falls Schools said farewell to twelve dedicated staff members who retired at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Their combined service to Olmsted Falls Schools totaled 332 years! These valuable individuals, and their impact on the District, will be greatly missed. On behalf of Olmsted Falls Schools and the Olmsted communities, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of this year’s retirees for their commitment to the education and well-being of our children. Congratulations and best wishes for a happy, healthy retirement!

2008 RETIREES DEDICATED TOTAL OF 332 BULLDOG YEARS TO DISTRICT

DID YOU KNOW?

Two Olmsted Falls students received Honorable Mentions at the State Level

PTA Reflections Contest.

Congratulations Hope Burkart from Falls- Lenox and Stephanie Shafer from Olmsted Falls High School! Both were recognized

for submissions in the Visual Arts category.

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPSAcademic Booster Club ....................................................... Darcy Belford..................Jessica Crandall................................. Kyle Knapp

Ryan Michaels Stephanie PediciniAmerican Legion Post 403...................................................................................................................................................Kevin CorriganAthletic Booster Club .................................................... Michael Abraham...................... Calli Roberts...................................Julie Trapp

Michael Varga Cynthia Weeks Marissa WoodBeeler Family ........................................................................................................................................................................... Kyle KnappBoard of Education .................................................................John Budosh.........................Kelly Conti............................Kevin Corrigan

Brittney Dieckman Michael Padley Stephanie PediciniPaul Print Ashley Rachid Todd Schanz

Kelsey Sorensen Stephen Tapaszi Julie TrappChamber of Commerce .................................................................................................................................................... Michael MarincicCRL Foundation............................................................................................................................................................................ Diana JinDr. Frank D’Amico........................................................................................................................................................... Garrett CostanzoDonauschwaben’s German American Cultural Center....................................................................................................Elizabeth DelfingEndowment and Alumni Association ................................ Corinne Abbiss...............Samantha Delfing...............................Lauren Rieke

Sam Renzo Meredith Storey Kelly UhrEndowed Scholarships:Banks Family ...................................................................................................................................................................Monica Mills Rachel Bigley................................................................................................................................................................. Marissa WoodGordon Boddy ......................................................................................................................................................................Laura KayGreg Butcher Wrestling......................................................................................... Cody Dieckman............................. David Schuetz

Nicholas Stenger Michael VargaDallas Family................................................................................................................................................................. Haley MuellerDr. Leonard Davidson ................................................................................................................................................. Cameron BradyLeonard A. & Betty J. Davidson ................................................................................................................................Matthew HalataAmelia Harding .............................................................................................................................................................. Eileen NortonClara Harding.................................................................................................................................................................Ashley RachidCapt. Charles Harding ...................................................................................................................................................Ryan MichaelsMcKinney Family............................................................................................................................................................Julie RadiganVirginia Reed Railsback ....................................................................................................................................................Julia MichelJohn Sanders ................................................................................................................................................................Matthew JurcakSchady Family .............................................................................................................................................................. Jenifer ClaytonBruce Smirt ..................................................................................................................................................................Elizabeth PetrusAurora & Norman Spiro Memorial ................................................................................................................................Anisa AesramStumpf Family ......................................................................................................... Conrad Reeves...............................David TurnerAnn Taylor...................................................................................................................................................................James BrabenecRobert Venefra................................................................................................................................................................... Kyle Knapp

First Federal of Lakewood.................................................................................................................................................. Joshua CochracFoundation for School Business Management ................................................................................................................. Brittney BuzzardGarden Club ..................................................................................................................... Mario Lassiter......................... Nicholas Stenger

Cynthia Weeks Aaron VargaGirl Scout Service Unit of Olmsted Falls ....................................................................... Victoria Elliott..................................... Diana JinDr. William Hayes ..............................................................................................................................................................Patrick AshmunDara Hosta Memorial for Music & Performing Arts.......................................................... Heather Farr............................ Conrad ReevesDara Hosta Spirit 5K Race/Walk................................... Michael Abraham.....................Michael Allen............................... Joyce Arnold

Holly Bourgeois Cameron Brady Zachary BridgeJohn Budosh Joshua Cochrac Kevin Corrigan

Jessica Crandall Elizabeth Delfing Brittney DieckmanVictoria Elliott Camila Faria Adam Funk

Kati Grimes Cory Hargis Diana JinAnne Kelley Renee Klan Kyle Knapp

Mario Lassiter Karilyn Mader Daniel McKennaJulia Michel Eileen Norton Michael Padley

Stacy Plachko Paul Print Julie Radigan

COMMUNITY SUPPORT OF OLMSTED FALLS LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GROWS TO MORE THAN $128,000 FOR CLASS OF 2008

Thanks to the generous support of local individuals, families, businesses and organizations who contributed to the Olmsted Falls Local Scholarship program this year, $128,465 in scholarship funds were awarded to students from the Olmsted Falls High School Class of 2008. Olmsted Falls School District greatly appreciates the support of each and every one of our local donors, and acknowledges the important role they play in paving the path toward success for our students. Congratulations to this year’s winners who were awarded their scholarships at the High School Honors Day Ceremony held May 29th. The District is proud of these young people and wish them well as they pursue their future endeavors.

Dara Hosta Spirit 5K Race/Walk continued Lauren Rieke Lauren Schlitter David SchuetzMatthew M. Smith Nicholas Stenger Meredith StoreyCatherine Sustersic Stephen Tapaszi Julie Trapp

Jessica Tyson Aaron Varga Cynthia WeeksKathleen Witherspoon Marissa Wood Lena Zanzano

Michael ZottolaKey Club ................................................................................ Joyce Arnold.................Holly Bourgeois.............................Victoria Elliott

Matthew Jurcak Laura Kay Ellen KirtnerElizabeth Petrus Meredith Storey

Kiwanis Club ....................................................................Holly Bourgeois...............Samantha Delfing.............................Victoria ElliottMatthew Jurcak Ellen Kirtner Eileen Norton

Stephanie PediciniKiwanis Lyn Barbee Memorial....................................................................................................................................................Laura KayKiwanis Jack McDonald Memorial ....................................................................................................................................Elizabeth PetrusDr. Thomas Kronholz ...................................................................................................Holly Bourgeois...............................Monica Mills

Lauren Rieke Kelly UhrLayburn Award ........................................................................................................................................................................ Heather FarrQuarry Masonic Lodge #382 .....................................................................................................................................................Jason KolarMedical Mutual of Ohio....................................................................................................................................................Amanda WubbenMonin Insurance & Financial .............................................................................................................................................Michael ZottolaMusic Association: George Miller Band ....................................................................................................................................................Michael Zottola Kunberger Choir ........................................................................................................................................................... Mario Lassiter Outstanding Music Student........................................................................................................................................ Morissa DittrickNational Honor Society..........................................................................................................................................................Darcy BelfordNortheast Technical Services Co., Inc.......................................................................................................................................Jason KolarOAPSE................................................................................. Michael Allen....................Brittany Baron........................... Cameron Brady

Adam Funk Renee Klan Stacy PlachkoStephen Tapaszi David Turner

OFEA ............................................................................................................................... Mario Lassiter...............................Julie RadiganOlmsted Community Center ...............................................................................................................................................Matthew HalataOlmsted Falls Cross Country ..............................................................................................................................................Charlotte OliverOlmsted Falls High School Office Scholarship ........................................................................................................................ Rita GeorgeParker Wealth Management............................................................................................................................................Stephanie PediciniPost Prom Committee .............................................................Felicia Dunn..................Matthew Halata...................................Anne Lyon

Kyle Seitz Catherine SustersicPTA Units Early Childhood.......................................................................................................... Mario Lassiter.................................. Sam Renzo

Julie Radigan Catherine Sustersic Falls Lenox...................................................................Holly Bourgeois.........................Kelly Conti................................ Heather Farr

Laura Kay Meredith Storey Fitch Intermediate ........................................................Michelle Becker.................Nicole Bernardo.........................Elizabeth Delfing

Victoria Elliott Michael Padley Middle School................................................................. Cody Connare.........................Renee Klan...................................Anne Lyon High School .............................................................. Michael Abraham.......................Aaron Borns...........................Zachary Bridge ............................................................................................ Kevin Corrigan..................Jessica Crandall............................... Megan Lyon

Ryan Michaels Monica Mills Eileen NortonStephanie Pedicini Elizabeth Petrus Emily Pratt

Conrad Reeves Lauren Schlitter Stephen TapasziMichael Varga Michael Zottola

PTA Council .............................................................................................................Patrick Pellerite............................. David SchuetzJulie Trapp David Turner

Renaissance Retirement Community.........................................................................................................................................Renee KlanEllen Reeves Art ....................................................................................................................................................................... Kyle KnappRotary Club of Berea ............................................................................................................................................................... Megan LyonSADD.............................................................................................................................Matthew Halata..............................Stacy PlachkoSaluja Hamilton Memorial........................................................................................................................................................Julia MichelDr. Gino Saponari Hockey Scholarship Fund.........................................................................................................................David TurnerSchuster’s Greenhouse........................................................................................................................................................Jessica CrandallBob Shaker Memorial ......................................................................................................................................................Michael AbrahamShaker’s Market Place ..........................................................................................................Kelly Conti................................ Megan LyonStudent Council...................................................................... Joyce Arnold.....................Darcy Belford.......................... Nicole Bernardo

Karilyn Mader Lauren McQuillan Andrew PallottaVitamix Corporation ....................................................................................................................................................Lindsie MacPhersonClint Williams Realty, Inc. ...............................................................................................................................................Amanda WubbenAshley Wyderka Memorial...........................................Brittney Dieckman..................... Allison Pinter...............................David Turner

BUS INFORMATION TO BE MAILED IN AUGUST

In mid-August, parents of registered students will receive a postcard notifying them of the specific bus stop pick-up and drop-off information. A complete list of all District bus routes, stops and times will also be available in mid-August on the District’s web site, www.ofcs.k12.oh.us, under the Bus Routes link. Please contact the Transportation Department, at 427-6350, with questions.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER EFFORT BUILDS ADAPTIVE PLAYGROUND AT FALLS-LENOX

Following a year-long fundraising effort, volunteers from throughout the Olmsted communities gathered in May to help assemble the new adapative playground at Falls-Lenox Primary School. This innovative new playground facility was funded entirely through private donations from the local community and provides accessibility for all students.

The Olmsted Falls City School District hereby gives notice that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in the educational programs and activities operated by the district.

Olmsted Falls Board of Education26937 Bagley Rd.P.O. Box 38010Olmsted Falls, OH 44138

Non-Profit Organ.U.S. Postage

PaidCleveland, OhioPermit No. 3288

IS PUBLISHED AS A LINE OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE RESIDENTS OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

ECRWSSPOSTAL PATRON

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!Wednesday, August 20th

First Day of School for Students

REGISTRATION INFORMATIONAll students, new to the Olmsted Falls School District, must register in order to receive bus schedules and class assignments. Registration packets may be picked up at the Board of Education office located at 26937 Bagley Road. Please visit the Olmsted Falls School District website at www.ofcs.k12.oh.us for registration schedules and additional information, or call 427-6000.

BOARD OF EDUCATIONJames A. Weisbarth, PresidentFrank J. Pedicini, Vice PresidentJoseph T. BertrandRhonda McCroneMichelle M. Theriot

Dr. Todd F. Hoadley, SuperintendentDavid L. Lewis, Chief Operating OfficerJames L. Lloyd, Assistant SuperintendentMaria Bartulica, Interim TreasurerTimothy J. Atkinson, Director of Business Affairs

Kim Petrina, Editor (440) 427-6020

DID YOU KNOW?Olmsted Falls school bus driver Kitty Fenderbosch was named

North Ohio Region “Driver of the Year.”