District Newsletter: 02/26/2026

Reminders!

March 13 (Fri.) - Last Day of Classes Before Break

March 16-20 (Mon.-Fri.) - Spring Break; No Classes for Students or Teachers

March 23 (Mon.) - No Classes for Students; Teacher Workday

March 24 (Tues.) - Students Return to Classes

Jackson Monus Wins Third Straight State Diving Title

Bexley High School junior Jackson Monus went back-to-back-to-back at the state diving championships on Tuesday, winning his third straight Division II 100-meter diving state title!

Jackson scored 549.15 points during the championship, more than 101 points ahead of the 2nd-place finisher Burke Bebenroth from University High School - Hunting Valley Campus in Chagrin Falls.

He won by 41 points in 2025, and by 63 points in his first championship in 2024.

Congratulations also to Bexley sophomore Charlotte Langolf, who competed in her second state diving meet yesterday. Charlotte improved her performance this year, finishing eight spots ahead of last year.

The Bexley girls swim team will compete in state competition tomorrow.

Board Receives Formal Recommendation for Facilities Phase I Ballot Issue in November Election

Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine formally made a recommendation to the Board of Education on Monday evening to place Phase I of Bexley Schools’ facilities upgrades on the November 2026 election ballot. If approved by Board members, the funding request would total $115 million.

“The centerpiece is the building of a new middle school, which represents approximately $82 million of the total cost,” Dr. Fine told the Board. “Our current buildings were not designed for how students learn today. They were built for a different era, different instructional models, different safety codes, different accessibility standards. While our facilities are safe and well-maintained, they are not running efficiently.”

Other components of the Phase I recommendation include prioritized capital improvements to all schools, maintenance upgrades to the stadium at Carlton Smith Field, and adding turf fields at both Montrose and Maryland elementaries.

“I strongly believe the components of this recommendation are best to achieve the educational standards and opportunities expected in Bexley City Schools,” Dr. Fine said in his presentation, when he also recommended the Board of Education take action on his request at its next scheduled meeting on March 11.

Bexley Schools have a long-range, three-phase Facilities Plan designed to ensure it remains a top-performing school district for decades to come. Developed with extensive community input, the plan balances educational needs, necessary facility repairs, and fiscal responsibility by modernizing learning environments, improving aging infrastructure, and making the best possible use of Bexley’s limited footprint while continuing to deliver the high-quality education our community expects.

Why is this important to do today? Our school buildings are, on average, 85 years old. While they have been well maintained, many now require major repairs to critical systems, including HVAC, roofs, and boilers. At the same time, education has changed since our buildings were constructed and updated over the years. Today’s students need access to collaborative learning spaces, STEM environments, and technology-rich classrooms, spaces our buildings were not originally designed to support. Addressing education, structural, and operational needs at once is both mission-driven and fiscally responsible.

During his presentation, the superintendent stressed that there is “no zero-cost option” with Bexley’s school facilities. “Doing nothing is not free,” he said. “When something breaks, we have to fix it. While the general fund can cover some repairs, those costs will begin to threaten day-to-day learning operations over time. Deferred maintenance only becomes more expensive as inefficiencies compound, and every year we wait, the cost and disruption continue to grow.”

Families are encouraged to watch the video of the superintendent’s Phase I Recommendations presentation to the Board, or read the presentation transcript to learn more about what the Board is now considering. 

Presentation Video | Presentation Transcript | Presentation Slides | Facilities Phase I Feedback Form

Superintendent’s Facilities Phase I Recommendation to the Board

1. Build a New Middle School - $82 Million

Creates Modern, Collaborative and STEM-Ready Learning Spaces that are Flexible and Adaptable

Alleviates Highly Congested Space at Cassingham Complex by Increasing Capacity at the High School and Cassingham Elementary

Provides a Self-Contained Middle School with Its Own Gym and Cafeteria

Maintains Walkable, One-Campus Middle and High School Experience

Meets Modern Safety and Accessibility Standards

Positive Affects All Bexley Students

2. Essential Facility Repairs - $24 Million

Responsibly Taking Care of Our Schools’ HVAC, Roofing, Boilers, and Other Critical Systems that Exceed the District’s Normal Maintenance Budget

Keeps Operating Funds Focused on Classrooms, Not Emergency Repairs

Ensures Safe, Reliable Learning Environments

3. Add Turf at Maryland & Montrose - $5 Million

Will Provide Year-Round Student, Band, and Athlete Field Access

4. Stadium Improvements - $4 Million

Maintenance

PROJECTED PHASE I TOTAL COST - $115 Million

Treasurer Presents District’s Latest Financial Forecast

During Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Bexley Schools Treasurer Kyle Smith presented the district’s second Five-Year Forecast for the fiscal year, which by statute is now due earlier in the school year, in February rather than in May.

Mr. Smith explained there are currently several unknowns noted in the forecast document, including that district budgeting for next fiscal year has not begun and staff projections for next school year are unavailable, with the district likely not yet notified of all pending staff retirements at the end of the school year. In addition, it is still unclear whether pending state legislation will affect the district’s finances.

Overall, Mr. Smith told the Board that nothing has materially changed in the district’s financial health since the last forecast, which was in October 2025. The February forecast projects maintaining a 3% growth rate in school district income tax revenue and an expected 8-10% cost increase next fiscal year for insurance benefits. 

The Treasurer also shared with the Board his analysis of recent and possible new legislative changes affecting school funding. Forecast Document | Presentation Slides

BE A CHAMPION

Two Maryland Students Recognized as District ‘Champions’

This week we celebrate Maryland Elementary Champions Hilleary C. and Peyton W.!

The 5th graders were honored for Demonstrating Kindness, the second pillar of the district’s mission.

Selected to serve as hosts to a group of educators from Brazil, Hilleary and Peyton served as model students for the visitors, making them feel welcomed and supported as they toured the building and interacted with faculty, staff and students.

“Everyone commented by how well they led the group around, and how positive and helpful they were,” their nominator said. “They truly made our guests feel at home, and I’m so proud of the way they represented Maryland on a very special day.”

Way to BE Hilleary and Peyton!

Pictured from left: Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine; Maryland 5th-grade teacher Margaret Cieply; 5th-grade teacher Jon Bunker; Hilleary C.; Peyton W.; and 5th-grade teacher Cynthia Throckmorton.

Montrose Fun for All Is Next Weekend; Volunteers Still Needed

Montrose Elementary’s annual Fun for All event is next Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The fun is open to all children in the district, and a discount is available through March 2 on Fun for All wristbands allowing unlimited games. You may order your student’s Fun for All access online.

Numerous volunteers are needed for this event. Volunteers are needed to donate cakes, candy jars, and to set up the night before. Help is also needed during the event and to clean up afterward. Middle and High School students can join in the fun and receive volunteer hours! Please sign up online to volunteer.

Reminder! Bikes and Scooters Are Prohibited from Parts of School Property

We recently received a report from a Spring sports coach that students were riding their bikes and scooters on the Cassingham turf field while one team was practicing and the students ignored the coach’s request to leave the area both for safety reasons and because wheeled vehicles are not permitted on the field.

Families, please advise your students not to ride their bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, skateboards or any wheeled vehicle in areas of school property that are off limits, including on the turf or grass fields, at any of the schools. This behavior damages the turf and the grass, creating a significant cost to repair them.

Riding on sidewalks and parking lots is a safety concern for walkers and drivers. We have witnessed students riding in parking lots at speeds higher than is safe during times of the day when faculty, staff and/or visitors are frequently arriving or leaving parking lots. These situations are hazardous for students and drivers alike.

As a reminder, the following applies to all bicycles, electric bikes, scooters, e-scooters, and skateboards:

• They should NOT be ridden in any school parking lot.
• They are NOT permitted on any school turf or grass surface or on the tennis courts.
• They should NOT be ridden in any grassy area, whether on a playground or around the front or entrances of any school building.

Families, please help to stress these rules with your children.

Global Scholars Explore the Frontiers of Science at OSU’s Byrd Polar Center

By Chad Hemmelgarn, Leader of Experiential Learning

Students in the Global Scholars Diploma program recently went “on thin ice” ‒ literally ‒ during a field trip to the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at The Ohio State University. The visit offered a firsthand look at how Ohio researchers are tackling global climate and water challenges.

The experience began at the Polar Rock Repository, where Assistant Curator Rachel Koons facilitated a tour of a massive collection of more than 66,000 Antarctic samples. Students learned how these rocks and meteorites serve as a “library of Earth's history,” allowing scientists to study ancient environmental changes without leaving the lab.

The scholars also met with a hydrologist to discuss the SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) mission. Using advanced NASA satellite data, these scientists track the movement of the world’s water, providing critical data on how climate change affects everything from local snowpacks to global river levels.

The day concluded with a dynamic career panel featuring experts in the field:

• Dr. Aaron Wilson shared insights into considering personal energy usage and the importance of behavioral science in environmental solutions.
• Dr. Jim Stagge discussed his transition from being a data-focused researcher to a hydrologist, who now cherishes engaging with local communities about water impacts.
• Dr. Smitha Rao offered advice on professional growth, encouraging students to embrace “winding paths” and let their personal values guide their career decisions.

By connecting with world-class researchers, our Global Scholars gained a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths available in climate science and the vital role of communication in solving global issues. Jason Cervenec, Byrd’s Education and Engagement Director, graciously hosted and served as emcee for the panel.

Board Approves Hiring of Two New Administrators

Director of Safety, Facilities & Operations | Director of Athletics

The Board of Education approved the hiring this week of two new Bexley administrators. Current Dublin Jerome High School principal Michael Aurin will replace Dr. Harley Williams as the district’s Director of Safety, Facilities and Operations. Josh DeVoll, athletic director at Granville Village Exempted Schools, will replace Eli Goldberger as Director of Athletics.

Michael Aurin

Josh DeVoll

Mr. Goldberger is retiring this week, while Dr. Williams will retire at the end of July.

MICHAEL AURIN

As principal of the high-performing Dublin Jerome High School, Mr. Aurin oversees about 2,100 students and manages 150 staff members. He has 25 years of experience in public education and is a skilled leader who has performed at a high level to ensure safe, efficient, and well-maintained learning environments in his buildings.

As a top Dublin administrator, he has experience in building operations, school safety, staff supervision, and facilities planning, where he had an enormous role in leading the $28 million, 60,000-square-foot expansion of Dublin Jerome High School, experience that will be valuable to Bexley Schools if we are able to proceed with our facilities Phase I building of a new Bexley Middle School.

He began his career in education in 2000 as a teacher and later assistant principal in Dublin Schools, and went on to serve as principal of Jonathan Alder High School. He has served as the principal of Dublin Jerome for nearly 6 years.

Bexley Schools’ Director of Safety, Facilities & Operations oversees safety and security, custodial staff, buildings and grounds, facilities management, food services, and transportation. He also will be a key community-facing leader as we work to educate our community about the need for our Phase I facilities upgrades.

JOSH DEVOLL

Mr. DeVoll joined Granville as athletic director in 2019, after serving in the same position at Westerville South High School, Buckeye Valley Schools and at Linden McKinley STEM Academy. His career began in Newark City Schools, where he coached football and basketball and taught at the high school.

While at Granville, he secured a $100,000 mental health training grant to create the Granville Athletics Mental Performance Initiative to support the well-being of student-athletes and coaches. He also developed a sponsorship program that generates more than $100,000 each year and he was instrumental in the multi-million-dollar renovation of athletic facilities. 

Mr. DeVoll, who is a certified athletic administrator, received the State Athletic Director of the Year Award in 2023, from the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the State Award of Merit in 2024, from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

The Bexley athletic department manages 27 sports and 78 sports teams at the middle and high schools.

With the Board’s approval, Mr. Aurin will join Bexley in July and Mr. DeVoll will begin Aug. 1.

Don’t Miss Saturday’s Bexley Education Foundation Premier Event

The Bexley Education Foundation’s “A Spirited Evening” auction is live ahead of next week’s big event. To view auction items and experiences, or to bid, go to auctria.events/aspiritedevening.

The live event is this Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Middle West Spirits Office located at 1165 Alum Creek Drive. Guests will enjoy building Jenga towers with the blocks personalized by students from each of the elementary schools during the event and the three Jenga games will be raffled off. It also will feature live music and a make-your-own bouquet at the Bloom Bar. The silent auction is filled with a variety of interesting items and fun experiences for adults, children and families.

Proceeds from the event support Foundation grant-funded projects and programs to elevate the educational experience for Bexley students of all ages and grade levels across the school district. 

Important Dates

Tonight! Feb. 26 (Thurs.) – Middle School/High School Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

Feb. 27 (Fri.) – Maryland’s Got Talent, 6 p.m., Maryland Elementary Gymnasium

March 1 (Sun.) – 8th Grade/High School Choir Concert, 2 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

March 4 (Wed.) – Choral Festival, Elementary & 6th and 7th Grades, 7 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

March 6 (Fri.) – Middle School Dance, 7:15 p.m., Gymnasium

March 7 (Sat.) – Montrose Fun for All, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. School Gymnasium; Volunteer Online

March 13 (Fri.) - Last Day of Classes Before Break

March 16-20 (Mon.-Fri.) - Spring Break; No Classes for Students or Teachers

March 23 (Mon.) - No Classes for Students; Teacher Workday

March 24 (Tues.) - Students Return to Classes