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Dear Friends,Thank you for all you do to help Springer School and Center

achieve its mission to empower students with learning dis-

abilities to lead successful lives.

The 2016-2017 Annual Report celebrates the success of our

Annual Giving programs and the outstanding support of spe-

cial projects and programs. This year your support allowed us

to provide financial aid to one in three families, and provide

programming to 1,412 students, parents, and professionals

through center outreach. In addition, we completed a major

renovation that moved the library front and center as one en-

ters through the new reception area, and created an outdoor

classroom that is contiguous to the library. The lower level

underwent significant changes as well, and now is home to

a bright, colorful lunchroom and multi-purpose space. These

enhancements will serve Springer well for years to come.

Most importantly, however, the annual report celebrates

the work we do every day. By joining in support of Springer,

you are part of something extraordinary – you are helping

to transform the lives of children with learning disabilities.

You are giving children a place where they feel safe to take

the risks necessary to learn; where they feel understood and

accepted; and where they come to believe in themselves. The

students featured in this report only begin to tell the story of

transformation, for their stories are only beginning. We can

hardly wait to see where their strategies, self-understanding,

resilience and self-advocacy will take them.

Everyone reading this letter is in some manner linked to the

cause of learning disabilities and understands the importance of

ensuring that children who struggle due to learning disabilities

have a school like Springer. We are grateful to you for embracing

this cause and providing your support.

Together we transform lives.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Matthew C. BlickensderferPresident, Board of Trustees

Shelly Weisbacher Executive Director

In the 4th grade I was diagnosed

with dyslexia. My classmates said

things like, “Why can’t you read?

You must be stupid. You will

never amount to anything.” What

hurt more is that teachers said

these things too.

I don’t hear comments like these

from students or teachers at

Springer, and even better, I don’t

hear them from myself anymore.

Springer showed me how I learn

best. Now I am not embarrassed

of who I am, and I’m ready for

high school.

Springer transforms lives.In addition to Britt’s story, you’ll see in this report the stories of

five other 2017 Springer graduates, and learn how a Springer

education has transformed their lives.

Springer’s teachers are experts in the education of children with

learning disabilities. They guide students to be strategic learners and provide technology tools that support success.

When our students leave Springer, they leave with confidence and

self-advocacy skills that will level the playing field for them at

their next school, and throughout their lives.

Success Starts Here

““

Britt

When Jack started at Springer in second grade, he was unable to read, and was diagnosed with dyslexia. “Thankfully,” said his mother, “early inter-vention meant he was not even aware something was wrong. His teachers at Springer were wonderful. They helped him get to where he is today, and taught him organizational skills he will take with him.”

Springer’s teachers taught me how to read, discover

my strengths and problem-solve,” said Jack, “and they

encouraged me to be the best student I can be. I will

carry the skills I learned with me to fifth grade at my

next school. Jack“ “

MeredithMeredith came to Springer through the center’s Adventures in Summer Learning program. Her father remembers, “In kindergarten and first grade, Meredith spent more time pulled out of class than in it. Finally she was diag-nosed with math and written/oral expression disabilities.”

In the seven years I’ve been at Springer, I learned

many strategies that make schoolwork easier, such as

breaking big tasks down into little ones. I didn’t like

math until I learned strategies that made math fun,

and I discovered that I was good at it. The ‘ham-

burger’ outline helps me organize my writing, and

typing my assignments makes writing easier. With

the strategies I’ve learned, I feel better prepared for

high school.

““

“

JosiahBefore I came to Springer, I struggled with my classes

and had difficulty getting homework completed and

turned in. In my three years here, Springer gave me

strategies and technology tools that helped me take

notes and keep them organized, keep track of my ma-

terials and paperwork, and better understand what

I was reading, as well as check on my spelling and

punctuation. Now I feel I have the tools I need to

succeed in high school.

“

“

GabbyWhen I was younger, I was embarrassed because

I have dyslexia and struggled with reading. I felt

unsafe and avoided reading out loud at church and

at school. But now I love to read, and I see it as my

greatest strength. I can read as fast as anyone now.

My confidence in myself has grown in the seven

years I was at Springer - I can tell people I have dys-

lexia, and it’s no big deal.

““

“

BenBen came to Springer in second grade. His mother remembers that in first grade, “Ben felt so bewildered and overwhelmed that he rarely spoke at school at all, and certainly never asked questions.”

Before I came to Springer, I had trouble with reading

and math, and I didn’t want to ask for help. At

Springer, I learned that it is okay to ask for help when

you need it. If I don’t ask, no one will know that I need

help. The self-advocacy skills I learned at Springer

are what will help me be successful in the future.

“

“

PLEDGES AND GIFTS RECEIVED PRIOR TO JUNE 30, 2017

Agnes Nordloh Charitable Trust

The Andrew Jergens Foundation

Anonymous

Brian and Jill Rowe Foundation

Charles Scott Riley III Foundation

The Farmer Family Foundation

The Hayfield Foundation

The H.B., E.W., and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation

The Louise Taft Semple Foundation

The Maureen Wenker Artist in Residence Fund

The Ohio Valley Foundation

The Robert A. and Marian K. Kennedy Foundation

The Skyler Foundation

Springer thanks these generous contributors, who made possible our $1.1 million renovation. 2017 Renovation Project

Just as our students transform, so does Springer, to meet the

ever-changing needs of today’s students and the technology

tools and media available to them. This year has been a trans-

formative year, especially in terms of Springer’s physical space.

We have transformed our most central and prominent space

from a lunchroom to a library and media center, and brought

our reception area forward to the front of the building. We have

also transformed our lower level into a bright, new lunchroom

and multi-pupose space for students, and created new outdoor

classroom space contiguous with the library. Along with these

renovations came the need for upgrades to our HVAC and tech-

nology infrastructure. We are grateful to the supporters who have

made this project possible, keeping Springer at the forefront of

education for students with learning disabilities in the Cincinnati

region.

Annual Giving

Matt Gockerman, Event ChairBrad Johansen, Emcee and AuctioneerErin Carlton and Jenni Ward, Auction Co-ChairsDaniel Allen, Marc Banks and Katy Zembrodt, Event Speakers

Event SponsorsPRESENTING SPONSORUnlimited Systems

BENEFACTOR SPONSORSMaureen Wenker Artist in Residence FundNeusole Glassworks

PATRON SPONSORSBelFlex Staffing NetworkCarpetland Carpet OneChemed FoundationFifth Third BankGeiger VisionWilliam Hueneke FoundationMacy’sMyers Y. Cooper, CompanyThe Prangley Team - Coldwell Banker West ShellRaymond JamesRiverPoint Capital ManagementSmith Muffler & Brakes, Inc.Western & Southern Financial GroupZenith Transaction Services

ALUMNI SPONSORDoug and Cecily Fassler

WINE SPONSORMountjoy Chilton Medley LLC

A Springer Celebration!$142,500 for financial aid, school and outreach programs

Table HostsDebbie and Rick BlumCasey BolandLuke and Jamie BrockiThe Carew FamilyClark Schaefer HackettE3 Local Marketing SolutionsFrost Brown ToddGina and Bill GoingsHamilton Sierra, Inc.The Hynden FamilyAnnie Kallaher and FamilyBarbara and Justin KleinMercedes-Benz of Fort MitchellDavid A. Millett, Inc.NKY DataOhio Valley FlooringQuality Casing CompanyThe Tondow FamilyUnistrutKim and George VincentPatty and Mark Wolff

Auction Category SupportersCasey BolandDavid and Kari Ellis Family FundThe Lawrence Law FirmThe Sutkamp FamilyFriends of Will Ward

Grants and Gifts $44,406

Center GrantsChemed FoundationDaniel and Susan Pfau Foundation

Gifts to the Maureen Wenker Artist-in-Residence FundAgnes Nordloh Charitable TrustCharles Scott Riley, III FoundationJ. Fredrick and Helen B. Vogel TrustRobert A. and Marian K. Kennedy FoundationStella M. Buerger Charitable Trust

Gifts to the Norita Aplin Musician-in-Residence FundNorita Aplin and Stan Ragle

Gifts to the Bolan Post-Springer Scholarship FundMargaret and Michael Dunn

Gifts to David and Anne McConnell FundLisa McConnell JonesMichelle Platz

Gift for Staff Professional DevelopmentMary Liz and Tom Finn

Reuben Springer Society Donations of $1,250 or greater

President’s Circle $10,000 + The Spaulding Foundation Skyler Foundation Heather and Matt Gockerman Levin Family Foundation

Benefactor’s Circle $5,000 - $9,999 Anonymous (2)DDebbie and Rick BlumDCecily and Doug Fassler Ann Munson Steines and Mike SteinesDMarke� and Eric Yeiser Nancy L. Youtsey

Director’s Circle $2,500 - $4,999DNorita Aplin and Stan Ragle Matt BlickensderferDThe David and Margaret Tondow Fund**DSherry and Tom FarnhamDMary Ann Mulcahey and Tony SimionDParry-Schneebeck Foundation*DSusan and Daniel Pfau Ellen and Doug RohsDShelly and Ken Weisbacher

Annual Fund $258,769 for financial aid and outreach programs Ryan L. Brown and John J. Schiff III, Annual Fund Co-Chairs

Leadership Circle $1,250 - $2,499

Anonymous Casey Boland Heather and Ryan BrownDChemed FoundationDNancy and Randy Cooper Paul DemmyD Kim and Doug GakerD Lisa and Lawrence Gamblin DHynden Family Charitable Fund* Sarah and Jim JurgensenDDiane and Tom LeugersDMary and Mike McGrawDMartha and David Millett Susan and Michael Motch Motch Family Foundation Pamela and Dick ReisDCindy and Matt Stephens Siobhan TaylorDKim and George Vincent Cheri and Jeff WeedmanDThe Willow Hill FoundationDJulie and Russ Wilson Patty and Mark Wolff

DDonors who made Annual Fund gifts for 10 years or more * A fund of the Greater Cincinnat i Foundation ** A fund of the Greater Dayton Foundation � Deceased

Event Chair Matt Gockerman with his wife Heather

Emcee Brad Johansen with Event Speakers Katy Zembrodt, Marc Banks and Daniel Allen

Liz and Chuck Crellin Deborah and John Cronin Jean Cummings Kristen and Steve DabbeltDDarrina and Ralph Damico Denise Danielson Libby and Ron Dermody Juanita Dougherty David Douglas Susan Douglas Laura and James DukeDMeg and Ben Duke Stephanie Dunne Susan and Bernard Ellert Kristina Ernst Lindsey Estes Andrew Farnham Anne and James Farnum Mary and Robert Ferris Jenna Filipkowski and Jason MottDDiana Fisher Lisa and Kevin Fleischmann Julie and Gary Flowerdew Amanda Forbes Cynthia and Miles FoxDJane and James Fraser Mary and Garrett Frey Sharon and Anthony Frost Janet and Mark Gates Kathleen Gates Peggy and Hank Geers Marilyn and Richard Geise Leslie and Mark Gerome Amy Gerowitz Virginia and Dennis GesenhuesDAnne Ghory-Goodman and Ward GhoryDLinda and Jay Gormley Barbara Gourzis Gray Photography Rosemary and Richard Greiwe Jane and Scott Grosser Lawrence Grypp Jane Hagen Diedra Hair Eliza Kate Hallan Anita and Orville Hansell Deborah HarrisDStephanie and Jack HartyDLaurie and Tom Herman Christy HershbergerDPatricia and David Heyob Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hock Patricia Hofmann Anna Hogan and James NorrisDJanet Hollatz Janet Hovkamp Susan and James Hoy Mariani and Ellis HummelDKristy Ilg Kate and Matt Jackson

DTiffany and Phil Jensen Beverly Johnson Pamela Johnson Patricia Johnson and Michael WilsonDMace Justice Anna Dornheggen Kallaher Geraldine Kaminski Noel Kerns Sharon Kerns and Mike BirckDBarb and Jerry Kerr Kilgour Parent Teachers Assn. Ann and Ryan KilpatrickDChris King-Weber and Fred Weber Kelly Kinsey Annette KiradjieffDMarcy and Robert Klein Gail and Tom Klusmeyer Linda and Carl Koch Dennis KoenigDGeraldine and Marvin KrausDKaren and Bob Krone Allison Kropp Mary Ellen and John Kuempel Donna Lambers and Charlie SutkampDSally and George Langenderfer Kathleen and Brian LawlerDElaine LiechtyDMary Lou and Bill Linley Don LoweDFrances and Ralph Lowenstein Carol Macejko Andrew MacKayDSuellen and James Mason Courtney and Don Matarazzo Roberta Mattimiro Sara McDulin Lacy McGraw Toni and Michael McLaughlinDDonna McLay Judy and Bill McMahon Lisa and Mark Meili Kathleen and Robert Merz Kathleen and Ray Miklius Kiyoko MillerDTerri and Earl Moorhead Jim Morrison Beth Myers and Joe Palumbo Niehaus Financial Services, LLC Christopher Nieman Steve NienhausDNancy Norris Mary and Rich Nourse DNancy and Jim OllierDBev and Thom Olthaus Martha and Christopher Orabella Mary Owczarek Shirley Parsons Cindy PavekDRobin and Paul Pendery Joyce Pennington

Janice Petibone Mark PhelpsDRuth Pleatman Connie and Richard PrairieDJere and Robert PulteDLinda and Dennis Puthoff Gert and Joe Ralenkotter Katherine Rehn Jean and Frank Rieder Mary and William Ries Stephanie Riley Katie Robertshaw Karen RobinsonDJeanne Rolfes Charitable Fund* Claudia and William Sandman Erin SchinasiDTherese and Stephen Schmuelling Kelli and Adam Schoster Peggy and Rob Schramm Meg and Giles Schroeder Fran and Chris Schwartz Gayle and William Sherman Carole and Carl SiegristDCathy and Fred SlackDPatricia Slavey Lauren and David Slocum Karlee Smith Carol and Harry SparksDEleanor and Charles Steines Chrisy Stone William StrietmannDLori and Andrew Stroehlein Julie and Gerald Sullivan Nikki and Andy Sullivan Debbie and William Talbot Laura Tanno Kristin and Jamie Tatman Anne TaylorDCorrinne ThalerDPam and Robert Thomas Margaret TricoffDDianne and John Wade Walsh-Neils Charitable Fund*DJoan Carlson Walson Amy and Murray Wilson Margaret and Dennis Wohler Martha Wolf Betty Wong Andrea and Charles Woodman Ellen Zimmer

Matching gifts 84.51 LLC Autodesk Matching Gift Program Duke Energy Foundation Federated Department Stores Foundation General Electric Company Nordstrom

Patrons $600 - $1,249 AnonymousDMarla and Tony Barone Heather and Timothy Beatty Elizabeth and Mark Burgess Liz and Eldrich CarrDShauna and Richard Dammel Kirstin Eismin and Ian Henry Gina and Bill GoingsDDonna Hartman and Jim ScottDGinny and Tim Heitzman Kate and Mark Holm Kate and Craig KellerDLeon and Joy Loewenstine*DCarolyn McCabe and Joe Wiman Carmen and Steve MendozaDBetsy NewmanDMary� and James NordlundD Ruth J. and Robert A. Conway Foundation, Inc.DMargaret and James SchrimpfDBarbi and Greg ShermanDLinda and George Strietmann Kate and Michael WalkerDThe Williams FoundationDWood-Byer Foundation

Sponsors $300 - $599 Dulany and Rob Anning Anonymous (2)DMargaret and Keith Baldwin Carole Barnhart Wendy and Ray Bonomo Carrie and Robert Breech Robin and Sean CarewDRuth and Steve CoppelDAnn Cucinotta Daniel Davidson Julia Dwyer and Steven MavrolasDMargy and Bill GaleDVallie and Rodney Geier Dorothy and Jon Gockerman Emma HartkemeierDPoppy and Hugh HawkinsDMartha and Mark HelmickDMartha and John HollandDBarbara and Jim HunterDMary and John Jensen Lois McConnell JonesDBarbara and Justin KleinDSandy and Ed KohnDKaren and Robert KramigDSue and Werner Kummerle The Lankford Family Nancy and David LeNeveuDWhitney and Phillip Long

Mary Beth and Bob Lucian Megan Murray and Joe WillkeDPaul NiklasDMary Kay and Dan Nordhill Joanne and Frank Noyes Kathleen and Bob Prangley Tammy and Brant Schutte Paula and John SciannaDJohn Shepherd Paige and David Silver Mary and Dan Smith Kari and Edward Walter Kathy and Tom Werbrich Lisa and Greg Woodruff

Associates $150 - $299DDavid Adams AnonymousDTerri and Mark BabeyDEileen and John Barrett Lynwood Battle Jamelle Bowers and Eric BrouwerDTheresa and Patrick Brophy Pat and Jim BruggerDMarian and Michael BurlinghamDLinda and Kevin Chaney Class Bundle LLCDCaroline and Bill Cox Robert Dimling Elizabeth and Scott Estes Maureen and Chris Geiger Anne and Joe Gibbons Jessica and Allie Goins E. J. Griffith Kelly and Joe Haverkamp Lindsey and Mike Himmler Collene HolcombDDeborah and David Horn Katherine and Al Humbert Lin and Wayne IsaacsDSally and Edward Kamphake Jennifer Keelor Cari and Ron Kelly The Kroger Company Georganne Kuehn, Shawn LaPean and Lis LaPean Beth and Gene KuehneDDiane and Allen KuhnDKim and Dan LaChance Catherine and Matt LeopardDJudith and David Lococo Linda and Bill LovettDMary and Dale Magoteaux Carol and Douglas MarshDAmy and Sean McGroryDKathy McMillin Joyce McWilliams

DPepper Family Fund* Mary and Ranjit RathDJoAnne Rouse-Clark and Jim ClarkDSharon and Steve Schinasi Carime and David Schofield Julie and William Schuler Kathy and Michael Schwartz Carol and Terry Shumrick Jenny and Chris SmithDLinda and Nicholas Spadaccini Amy SutherlandDBarbara and Larry ValeriusDAnne Vertuca and Lou George Jenni Wallen Michael WallenDJoyce and Paul Wenker Jackie and Andy WilsonDPatricia and Ronald Yates Barb and Dick Zimmer

Friends $1 - $149DDeeDee and Rick Abraham Tracy and Don Adams Nancy and Larry Allen Becky Anderson Dora Anim and Eric DensonDJan and Larry Annett Anonymous (16)DEarline and John Armor Mary and Arnold Austin Cindy Bambauer Betty and Dan Barhorst Jill BarlionDSusan Belanger Lois and William BelbotDMary BesanceneyDJoyce and Paul Betz Bilz InsuranceDCynthia and John BismayerDRandal and Peter Bloch Emily Boehmler Margaret Boland Lawre Bonekemper Patty and Steve Bonem JoAnn Bradford Reid Bradford Bressler & Co., Inc. Patricia and Frederick BryanDAngie and Robert Buechner Edda CamardoDKaren and Stephen Carr Kathie and Edward Clarke Jan and James CnotaDMitchell CohenDLinda and Robert Collier Mary Ann and Ralph Conaway Pamela and Michael Coppage Trudy and Robert Craig

Than

k

You!

Board of TrusteesMatthew C. Blickensderfer, PRESIDENT

Casey M. Boland, VICE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER

Lynwood L. Battle, Jr. SECRETARY

Dora Anim, MPARichard J. BlumRyan L. BrownRandy CooperMatthew F. GockermanGina GoingsAnna HoganKate KellerThomas C. LeugersJohn J. Schiff IIIAnn Munson SteinesMargaret L. TondowKim M. VincentPatty H. Wolff

Springer’s Faculty and Staff Rebecca AndersonCarole BarnhartTony BaroneEmily BoehmlerEldrich CarrKathie ClarkeRuth CoppelLiz CrellinKristen DabbeltDenise DanielsonMeg DukeStephanie DunneKirstin EisminDebbie ElbertKristina ErnstLindsey EstesJulie FlowerdewAmanda ForbesSharon FrostKathleen GatesJessica GoinsBarbara GourzisEliza Kate HallanKelly HaverkampGinny HeitzmanCollene HolcombBarbara HunterKristy IlgKate JacksonPhilip JensenBrad JohnsonCari KellyBarb KerrJerry KerrAnn Kilpatrick

Kelly KinseyKim LankfordAnne LeemanNancy LeNeveuSara McDulinLacy McGrawJudy McMahonKathy McMillinCarmen MendozaKathleen MikliusTerri MoorheadJason MottMary Ann MulcaheySarah MurphyWendy NewNancy NorrisMark PhelpsKaren RobinsonJoAnne Rouse-ClarkAnna RuhmkorffErin SchinasiSharon SchinasiMolly ShumateCarol ShumrickJenny SmithKarlee SmithNicole SullivanAmy SutherlandSiobhan TaylorCorrinne ThalerHannah WagnerJenni WallenShelly WeisbacherJill Wieging

Thank You!Springer celebrates outstanding participation from trustees, faculty and staff in the Annual Fund!

At a Glance SCHOOL 180 students enrolled / 38% received financial aid / $827,002 financial aid awarded / 58 Zip Codes served

CENTER 585 attended professional development programs / 747 participated in parent programs / 80 enrolled in the stu-dent summer programs

Fiscal Year2016 – 2017

The operating budget of the school and center closed the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, with $6.6 million in revenues, which exceed expenses by a modest amount. The accompanying charts indicate the percentage of revenue and expenses by major category.

The Development Off ice of Spr inger School and Center prepared the Annual Repor t . Every effor t has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. I f you discover an error, p lease contact the Development Off ice at (513) 871-6080 ext . 213. Thank you.

Program Revenue 83.02%

Fundraising 13.18%

Other Sources 3.80%

Salaries and Benefits 69.11%

Financial Aid 13.37%

Operating Expenses 13.08%

Fixed Costs 4.45%

2121 Madison RoadCincinnati , Ohio 45208513.871.6080www.springer-ld.org

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDCincinnati, OH

Permit No. 16702 0 1 6 / 2 0 1 7 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Transforming Lives