Big Walnut School District reports community support after local storm damage

The Big Walnut Local School District Board of Education meeting on March 18, 2024, highlighted significant community resilience and academic achievements, alongside important updates on district operations.

Superintendent McClain opened the meeting by acknowledging the community's response to recent challenges, emphasizing the collective effort to support those affected by local disasters. He expressed gratitude for the volunteers who provided essential services, showcasing the strong spirit of collaboration in Big Walnut.

In academic news, McClain congratulated the high school drama club for their successful performance of "Footloose," and recognized the achievements of the high school choirs and band for qualifying for the Ohio Music Education Association state competition. The bowling team also made headlines with a strong performance at the state level, with several individuals qualifying for further competitions.

A key operational update was provided regarding the Stopfinder app, which allows parents to track their children's bus status. Currently, 20% of families have signed up, and the district plans to continue promoting this tool to enhance communication and safety.

Looking ahead, McClain reminded attendees about the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, advising that schools would be closed and all extracurricular activities canceled that day due to expected heavy traffic in the area.

Treasurer Gooding presented a positive financial report, noting an increase in revenues and a decrease in expenses, which has led to a healthy cash balance for the district. He highlighted that the general fund is performing better than anticipated, with revenues up by 0.4% compared to estimates. Gooding also mentioned ongoing efforts to streamline financial processes and improve reporting efficiency.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various student activities and committee reports, including a recommendation to extend the timeline for potential merger talks with Westerville, allowing for more community engagement on the matter.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to academic excellence, community support, and financial responsibility, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the school year.