Oakwood Schools celebrates mission statement and academic decathlon championship success

Under the warm glow of the Oakwood City Hall, city officials gathered to discuss the future of their community during the State of the City address on May 7, 2025. The meeting highlighted significant achievements and ongoing initiatives that shape the vibrant fabric of Oakwood, Ohio.

One of the standout moments was the unveiling of Oakwood Schools' new mission statement: "Together we learn. Together we achieve. Together we prepare students for tomorrow." This commitment to education was further underscored by the school's recent recognition as a Purple Star institution, honoring its dedication to serving military-connected students and their families. Currently, Oakwood Schools supports approximately 260 military students, showcasing the community's commitment to inclusivity.

In a remarkable display of academic excellence, the Oakwood High School academic decathlon team celebrated their twelfth consecutive national championship in Division 3. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of students and their coach, Lori Morris, who has guided the team for nineteen years. The council expressed pride in the cooperative relationship with Oakwood City Schools, emphasizing the importance of education in the community.

The meeting also celebrated the Wright Memorial Public Library's 85th anniversary, recognizing its role as one of the most heavily used libraries in the nation. Under the leadership of Director Christy Hale, the library continues to provide diverse opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth.

Public safety was a key focus, with the city council highlighting the efficiency of Oakwood's public safety department, the second oldest consolidated department in the United States. With an impressive emergency response time of just two minutes, the department has earned a reputation for excellence, boasting the lowest crime rate and fire loss in Montgomery County. Chief Allen Hill emphasized the importance of community engagement through programs like the Citizens Police Academy, which fosters understanding between residents and public safety personnel.

The council also acknowledged the often-overlooked contributions of the public works department, which manages essential services such as waste collection, recycling, and infrastructure maintenance. Their dedication ensures that Oakwood remains a clean and safe environment for its residents.

As the meeting progressed, the council shared updates on significant infrastructure projects, including the Far Hills Storm Sewer Reconstruction and resurfacing projects, funded in part by federal and state support. These improvements are vital for addressing stormwater management and maintaining the city's aging infrastructure.

In a show of community support, Oakwood voters passed a property tax levy in February 2024, ensuring continued funding for city services. Despite recent increases, Oakwood's water rates remain among the lowest in the region, reflecting the city's commitment to affordability.

As the meeting concluded, city officials reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining and enhancing Oakwood's infrastructure and community services. With a focus on collaboration and progress, the future looks bright for this close-knit community, where residents can take pride in their shared achievements and the promise of continued growth.