The Olmsted Falls City School District Board of Education convened on September 21, 2023, to discuss various administrative updates and initiatives. The meeting began with the introduction of the new PTA Council President, Meg DiFilippo, who emphasized the active involvement of the district's five PTA units. DiFilippo highlighted the mission of the PTA to engage families and communities in advocating for children, noting that membership campaigns are underway, with last year's membership reaching nearly 2,000, representing about 5% of Ohio's total PTA membership.
The PTA's welcome back events for staff were well-received, showcasing creativity and support across the district. DiFilippo expressed a goal of achieving 100% staff membership in the PTA to strengthen community ties.
Following the PTA report, Dr. DeMarco provided an update on Polaris, mentioning a recent tour of a new lab space for the pre-vet program, expected to be ready soon. He discussed potential calendar changes to align with partner districts, particularly regarding spring break and the impact of Easter falling late in the academic year. The board noted that discussions are ongoing, with no final decisions made yet.
Mrs. Pogan reported on her interactions with new teachers, highlighting a successful orientation that included presentations on student services and food services. She reiterated the importance of coordinating calendars with Polaris to avoid scheduling conflicts for students.
The board acknowledged the need to finalize the academic calendar for the upcoming years, particularly concerning spring break adjustments. They plan to address these issues in future meetings, ensuring that families are informed well in advance of any changes.
Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to community engagement, effective communication, and collaborative planning as they navigate the academic year ahead.