District Newsletter: 01/08/2026

Hiring of New Director of Safety, Facilities & Operations

District Seeks Input and Volunteers for Hiring Process

With the pending retirement of Dr. Harley Williams this coming summer, Bexley Schools posted the position of Director of Safety, Facilities & Operations yesterday and the district invites community participation in finding the schools’ next facilities administrator.

We welcome input from families, faculty, and staff on the characteristics, questions, and priorities for this position. We also need volunteers to help review candidate materials (resume review) and/or participate during in-person interviews.

Please use our online form to share your thoughts on the director of safety, facilities & operations’ position, as well as your interest in participating in the review and/or interview processes. We will close this input form on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at 4 p.m. Please respond before then.

Input & Volunteer Form

Middle School Cast to Perform One-Act Play Tomorrow Evening and on Feb. 25

Don’t miss tomorrow evening’s Middle School performance of The Day Aliens Attacked Fairfield, a one-act play! The play begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Cassingham Theatre. Tickets are available online and at the door.

A second performance, on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Cassingham Theatre, will prepare the cast for their two-day performances of the play during the Ohio Junior Thespian Conference at the Seven Hills School in Cincinnati, on Feb. 27 and 28.

The Story: Fairfield’s a place where nothing ever happens, at least not since Billy Myers got that nasty papercut a decade ago. With the exception of a pair of vain newscasters, a few fringe skywatchers, and a kooky grandfather living in a galactically fantastic past, most townsfolk are okay with their humdrum ways. Like it or not, though, the winds of change are about to descend on Fairfield faster than a delivery from the town’s famous Flying Saucer Pizza. 

A couple of love-struck teens report an alien sighting, and Fairfield finds itself in a frenzy. Luckily, the members of SAWPE (that’s the Society of Alien Watchers to Protect Earth) are selling tinfoil hats to help protect everyone. Even the president comes to this sleepy burg, but not everyone in town agrees with his plan to attack the space-traveling Zordonians. 

It’ll be up to a brave little girl and her unwavering grandpa to stop a war of the worlds in this ridiculously silly one-act comedy that’s out of this world! 

Radon Testing Will Be Completed in All Bexley Schools This Winter

A local engineering firm will begin testing for radon in all Bexley Schools soon, likely around the end of January or the beginning of February. Signage will be posted in each building indicating when radon testing is underway.

Ohio Department of Health guidelines require radon testing to be completed between October and March when facilities are being heated.

A determination was made last summer to conduct testing this school year. While not a state requirement, Bexley Schools has tested for radon in the past.

The final report from the engineers is expected this Spring.

DIGITAL SKILLS HUB: Eligible Bexley School Families Can Receive Free Computer Classes and a Free Laptop Computer

By Brad Pettit, Director of Technology

We have exciting news about an opportunity for Bexley families called the Digital Skills Hub. Beginning Jan. 26, Bexley City Schools will partner with Smart Columbus and the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio to provide free in-person computer classes to eligible families. Those who attend all sessions will get a free, new laptop computer for their family to keep.

The teachers will cover:

• How the computer works
• Using email
• Creating documents
• How to protect your privacy online
• Help with accessing student grades and information
• Access to research and social media
• Digital wellness for you and your child

Who Is Eligible?

Families who are eligible must reside in Franklin County, with annual income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Please check the online federal guidelines table for reference.

How Do I Attend?

There will be four 2.5 hour sessions held at Montrose Elementary on consecutive weeks, from 8:30-11:00 a.m. The dates are Monday, Jan. 26; Monday, Feb. 2; Monday, Feb. 9; and Monday, Feb. 23.

Want More Info?

Please complete our online form by next Thursday, Jan. 15, or you may call or text (614)-489-9030 to request more information. We will follow up with your message.

News & Notes

Don’t Miss Bexley Athletics’ New Website

Bexley athletics has a new website and you can find it now at bexleylions.com!

Take a look at the new website and bookmark the new site. The site is still under construction and new content will be added soon. 

The Bexley athletics website is managed by the athletic department. You may send feedback or suggestions to Athletic Director Eli Goldberger or Athletic Coordinator Carleton McGrady.

Key Club Seeks Warm Clothing Donations in Annual Drive

The high school Key Club is kicking off its annual Warm Clothing Drive on Monday, Jan. 12, to support families in our community.

As you sort through closets and drawers, it is a great time to set aside gently used items that are still in good condition. The Key Club is requesting:

• Coats, jackets, hoodies, and sweaters
• Hats, scarves, and gloves
• Sweatpants and other warm clothing
• New socks.

Please ensure donated items are clean and appropriate for school-aged children and adults. Donations can be taken to the high school and put in the collection boxes located throughout the school.

Thank you for helping our community stay warm and supported this Winter.

Future Health Professionals Club to Host Blood Drive in February

The Bexley High School Future Health Professionals Club will host a blood drive on Saturday, Feb. 21st through the American Red Cross. The drive, which is open to the public, will be from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. All are welcome!

Anyone who is age 17 and older can donate, and those who are 16 years old can donate with parent/guardian permission.

You can sign up for the blood drive online (enter code bexley43209 to select the school blood drive) and select a time to make your donation. Call (866) 236-3276 if you have questions.

BE A CHAMPION

Montrose Staff Members Honored as ’Champions’ for Students

This week, we recognize Montrose Elementary staff members for their incredible work to keep students safe and calm during an unexpected and lengthy field trip during the Fall.

The situation occurred when buses carrying nearly 60 Montrose 4th-grade students were on their way back to Bexley when the highway was shut down by police. After several hours of sitting on the buses, students and their teachers returned to the school at around 5 p.m.

Pictured, from left: Nyesha Clayton; Christy Ayers; Sherry Baugh; Cindy Tyson; Linda Hodge; and Nate Maier.

Many thanks to the bus drivers and 4th-grade teachers Christy Ayers, Sherry Baugh, and Linda Hodge, as well as Nate Maier, teacher of English Language Learners, and Intervention Specialist Kasey Hohlbein for caring for the students so well throughout the day. The teachers led the students in a sing-along to pass the time and keep them entertained and calm on the buses.

Back at school, Principal Nyesha Clayton kept parents informed of the situation and she and Nurse Supervisor Cindy Tyson were on hand to greet the students with snacks and water when they returned after their long day.

The staff members were recognized for Well-being, one of the district’s seven core values. Way to BE everyone!

Important Dates

TOMORROW EVENING! Jan. 9 (Fri.) – Middle School One-Act Play, The Day Aliens Attacked Fairfield, 7:30 p.m., Cassingham Theatre; Tickets are available at the door or online

Jan. 12-14 (Mon.-Wed.) – Middle School Musical Auditions, Footloose Youth Edition, 3:30 p.m., Cassingham Theatre

Jan. 13 (Tues.) – Montrose PTO Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m., School Library

Jan. 14 (Wed.) – Board of Education Regular Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Bexley City Hall (Organizational Meeting Begins at 6 p.m.)

Jan. 15 (Thurs.) – College Information Night for Juniors, 6 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

Jan. 15 (Thurs.) – Diverse Learning PTO Meeting, 6:30 p.m., High School Library and by Zoom

Jan. 16 (Fri.) – Montrose Family Dance, 6:30 p.m., School Gymnasium

Jan. 19 (Mon.) – Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No Classes; District Closed

Jan. 20 (Tues.) – Middle School Musical Crew Interviews, Footloose Youth Edition, 3:30 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

Jan. 23 (Fri.) – Cassingham PTO Meeting, 8:35 a.m.; check in at office

Jan. 26 (Mon.) – Maryland Family Library Night, 6-8 p.m., Bexley Public Library

Jan. 27 (Tues.) – High School Band/Jazz Band Dinner Concert, 6:30 p.m., Valleydale Ballroom

Jan. 27 (Tues.) – Maryland PTO Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m., School Library

Jan. 29 (Thur.) – Montrose Family Library Night, 5-7 p.m., Bexley Public Library