[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6229450,"mediaKeyId","3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804","parentId",3461814,"title","Worthington announces SAT administration change and reports PSAT participation","audioSeconds",57,"startMs",3275000,"endMs",3332000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804&start=3275&end=3332","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804/thumbnail_3275000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6229450/Worthington-City/School-Districts/Ohio/Worthington-announces-SAT-administration-change-and-reports-PSAT-participation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229450-5bccbb326759a2fda18874760707f954/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434793&Signature=HfePUojAaEP9zSzzKQqKXpNaez-HrNrOZE3ZXiEVOY9O7oiFOKQ2MgIpikYDqMxX5yQw9Ew7MJDPN062afcJhUJ2kqcqwVI0Lhdpn6rSWLDlV0gyWhCu1FaeoVXkNYbSkK5NKRNWZzUDE1hhSj-xkl4jl4ysiHotR33WDnZFD5D3xHNh8S4vG7x2kwTzkFXC6L8wQ~~9ChpHVnqPQdcSXY9n2ntTbeWlPQZxVUcei9LWU1VO40LZGzYFR0eI3K4aacn2xTplnyeW94FzWRbjLids-nlPwh50exdUYrn5CboQXlmmHuq3RPCT4oZ8vGhFjKNLGq5eVa6v6GEuMC4J7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Worthington City Schools","date","2025-05-23T09:44:40.963Z","article","The Worthington Schools superintendent updated trustees that the district has moved from the ACT to the SAT for district‑administered exams and that all juniors will take the SAT at school in the spring at no cost to families.

Why it matters: The change affects college‑readiness testing logistics for all juniors and removes cost barriers for students. The superintendent also reported strong participation in a voluntary PSAT opportunity this fall and reminded families about an upcoming professional‑development day.

Key facts

• Testing: The superintendent said 372 students at Thomas Worthington and 408 students at Worthington Kilbourne signed up for the PSAT administration held Oct. 8. The district plans to administer the SAT to all juniors in the spring at no charge to families.

• Calendar and professional development: The district noted a Worthington Educational Support Professional Development Day on Friday, Oct. 18, during which students and certified staff do not report to school; support staff attend a full day of training.

• Other reports: The superintendent summarized ongoing work on social‑emotional learning, safety drills and communication efforts; the board received the update as part of the superintendent’s regular report.

Next steps

The district will administer the SAT to all juniors in spring; staff will continue to communicate testing details and logistics to families.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Worthington Schools Board of Education Meeting 10-14-24","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent reported that juniors will take the SAT in school this spring and that voluntary PSAT participation at the two traditional high schools had strong turnout; district also noted an upcoming professional‑development day.","taxTitle","Worthington City, School Districts, Ohio","taxId",14539,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229455,"Worthington board schedules substantive review of release‑time religious‑instruction policy; requests Lifewise curriculum",149,4580000,4729000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804&start=4580&end=4729","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804/thumbnail_4580000.jpg","/articles/6229455/Worthington-City/School-Districts/Ohio/Worthington-board-schedules-substantive-review-of-releasetime-religiousinstruction-policy-requests-Lifewise-curriculum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229455-29bf81164c96bc1c1d0debe0ed070f29/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434793&Signature=EkZkySF~YLlLftAsjDJu67fpTRnPst3NU4Iik5yeFxK1ondDLQnoeipDkedOEE~JVqBUVdPCZaPcVB1uZNLv7YMjtYM16ay0dwd68o4ar8qEWzol93HOZZY9hOZL0hDZSqWqDnUBaKix6A7i-O55FxZ8w-9FRBglv67RheqZuQtLoNWU6nBiVBrQf3jaxVLEvi8FwLX7dj0N6kz~5sqY~sDZTc724QLiZ3lO4s6og8qTxOq3318C95rq5MYl5qI3EU5QBjGPIe3oUlkMD5hSijEd0gBTKiFxkuvho7Cch-7OlNn5wfyyc78tSFYVvAoSUPYNMO5gFrzHSSrqvFBKMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Worthington Schools board’s policy committee told trustees on Oct. 20 that it will bring a substantive discussion about Policy 05/2023 (release time for religious instruction) to the full board, and requested curriculum materials and legal review in advance.

Why it matters: The policy governs whether and how students can be released during the school day for off‑site religious instruction. The committee said it wants to reconcile the district’s written policy language with local practice and to review curriculum content cited by community members before any decision or formal vote.

What the board asked for and timeline

• Materials requested: The policy committee asked Lifewise (an outside provider mentioned by commenters) to share its curriculum with the board in advance of the full discussion so trustees can review content that community members raised as potentially problematic.

• Legal and policy review: The board requested copies of the district’s current policy and Neola’s template language so trustees can compare adopted language to template guidance and confirm whether local practice conflicts with policy text (committee members noted a sentence in the current policy that prohibits solicitation for attendance on district premises). The board said it will consult its attorneys to clarify whether policy language or practice needs revision.

• Scheduling and process: The committee recommended the matter be discussed at the board’s Nov. 13 meeting as a substantive discussion only; the board agreed no vote will be taken at that meeting and any policy change would follow the standard first‑ and second‑reading process at subsequent meetings.

Community concerns and board context

Committee members said some community comments described Lifewise materials as conveying messages perceived by some as hostile to LGBTQ+ families or divorced parents. Committee members emphasized that if students are pulled from instruction during the school day and exposed to material at odds with district values of inclusion, the board should evaluate whether policy language, practice, or curricular content needs modification.

Next steps

Lifewise will be asked to share the curriculum; the district will provide the existing policy language and Neola template to trustees in advance of the Nov. 13 discussion. The board will not vote on policy changes at that meeting; any proposed revisions will follow the board’s regular policy adoption timeline.","Board’s policy committee flagged Policy 05/2023 (release time for religious instruction) for full board discussion; members asked for Lifewise’s curriculum and legal guidance before a Nov. 13 discussion and pledged no vote at that meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229460,"Board hears overview of pending state property‑tax proposals and potential local effects",167,3671000,3838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804&start=3671&end=3838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804/thumbnail_3671000.jpg","/articles/6229460/Worthington-City/School-Districts/Ohio/Board-hears-overview-of-pending-state-propertytax-proposals-and-potential-local-effects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229460-0eb50e06fb14d6ae76526ced7f36c126/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434793&Signature=QhkYBRxWhGHAgkWB6hvF4NN6SLBUsbN5rF2ugdurcHVKtoW8OTfiTGfn6xNZUbWJofii-gUR8GZPMGfrXrAC~HNFfNr0nIX8SdaVEuwuooK~nA6YyW0S~~V~3PSjWeOfYehrcPgcCmTlyz0RZ964yfJaCUCcEomv~-fudyvKtfSVjUXtvBY-erp3h0wrK9vnt6A5DPpsgY99FI3tsg8Y8AuEfjGT65t9JKQ5VbbIkiyhtiQyfryK8tROwuhrv7lTaSydi3KlhyrnrAdQNbKEm6n4TH1RGbuWLg2XyVfDklUfUbum5O3mJ1vyBHYvIoqXXphDyxJ~C94T8pIq0~JPHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members received an overview of several proposed state bills that could change property‑tax rules and potentially affect Worthington Schools’ revenue after the Nov. 2024 election period.

Why it matters: Worthington is a property‑tax‑dependent district; changes to the so‑called 20‑mill floor or new caps on annual increases could affect local revenue streams. Board members said they will monitor post‑election activity because legislation often moves quickly between the election and the end of the calendar year.

Key points

• 20‑mill floor and bill activity: Several bills in subcommittee seek to change the 20‑mill floor that affects many Ohio districts when reappraisal increases valuations. Worthington itself is not at the 20‑mill floor but the changes would affect about two‑thirds of districts statewide.

• Circuit‑breaker approach (bill referenced as “271”): One measure cited would create a circuit‑breaker credit for lower‑income homeowners using the state income‑tax return to provide credits rather than shifting costs to districts; presenters described this approach as preferable if it holds districts harmless.

• Timing and risk: The district noted a likely legislative push after Nov. 5 and said staff will be prepared to act quickly if bills emerge or pass late in the year because property‑tax bills for calendar 2025 are issued in December.

Board direction and context

The treasurer urged vigilance and preparation for rapid legislative developments; board members asked for prompt updates following the election. No formal action or position was adopted at the meeting.

What’s next

District officials said they will continue to track bills and brief the board if text is filed or a committee advances measures that would materially affect district revenue.","Board treasurer briefed members on multiple bills under consideration at the Ohio Statehouse that could alter the 20‑mill floor and introduce circuit‑breaker credits; board members were urged to monitor post‑election activity.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229464,"Worthington completes full‑scale safety drills; district, local responders said to collaborate on improvements",225,3333000,3558000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804&start=3333&end=3558","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804/thumbnail_3333000.jpg","/articles/6229464/Worthington-City/School-Districts/Ohio/Worthington-completes-fullscale-safety-drills-district-local-responders-said-to-collaborate-on-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229464-a5b78afa6763ceca184cd4a431c48c87/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434793&Signature=P4ySqRz7NB~C9IT3arUBElnJX-dwmb7O-uVg76iSHCUsk4RA4FAEOVHqSo64sa0SDbMavTjdd8bvBe4oQ9qQhd~tbgqUAOOKARXjM3nqmVfmwM1Krc85FSL2~nXkoho4JYxuj5GiRNYUHMPXhyHgCyo5kPewhIwkxekigAm0RumSlDdn~GganqP0S9SDhtrHlSWoGPExBFlPibJhQBOBxUIB0nf7eWi2josOA1SLP58ldOd61fkHNKovUSWsdaDSdQS5B5DObSXAGaV42gQOUAqozmexiGj8et1swJ4GsVxip1JqjcOYUhSbdFv9PFXnCLqDOLYY0gVhCQmxNTQP8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worthington Schools reported ongoing full‑scale safety drills across district buildings on Oct. 20 and described coordination with local police, fire and EMS agencies to test evacuations and real‑time response.

The superintendent said the drills, required under Ohio law on a three‑year cycle, involve designated rally points, outside evacuation and agency review. The district said it is midway through a two‑week schedule of drills and has shared schedules and guidance with building staff and parents.

Why it matters: Board members praised the logistics and local emergency coordination for exercises involving thousands of students. Several board members asked whether student‑friendly language used in drills is shared directly with families; the district said parent communications are drafted by the safety office and would be reviewed for content shared with families.

Key facts

• Scope: The district said full‑scale drills include evacuation to rally points and participation by Columbus, Perry Township, Sharon Township and the City of Worthington law‑enforcement and emergency services.

• Frequency and law: Presenters said full‑scale evacuation drills are required by Ohio law once every three years; emergency plans are reviewed by local law enforcement annually.

• Logistics: The district noted today’s drill at Worthington Kilbourne High School involved approximately 1,800 students and required coordination for traffic control and on‑site agency review.

Board questions and community context

Board members asked whether the district shares the student‑age‑appropriate language used in drills with families; staff said they would check and, if needed, expand parent communications. One board member and several parents in the audience described the drills as calm and well‑organized, and the district emphasized staff training to minimize student anxiety while ensuring safety objectives are met.

What’s next

The district will continue scheduled drills through the set window and said it will confirm what parent communications are distributed, with a plan to circulate the student‑friendly language if that was not already included.","Worthington Schools reported full‑scale evacuation drills across district buildings with local police, fire and EMS participation and described parent communication and student‑friendly messaging during exercises.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229469,"Worthington board reviews large student, parent survey as it readies cell-phone policy",401,1527000,1928000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804&start=1527&end=1928","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3461814-c6d2a2baa86ffa985c6f283663b23804/thumbnail_1527000.jpg","/articles/6229469/Worthington-City/School-Districts/Ohio/Worthington-board-reviews-large-student-parent-survey-as-it-readies-cell-phone-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229469-7e23e9f4c3ba77fe4bc3476cf5f0c2b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434793&Signature=CyvbpGwzCP4UGT49MG9~BuLrPijcozOOc-sgb72H0FMLU756WPcyn4JpBeStQ927McBRxTGSt79Z5N-G~LVntDjKBK3hWikRD4J-zT80U8Gae7jGdRklyn3YoVxqb8-3DUXTx1kb1Hv5fSWy3YnFsob3fkWHqbxXaUwdf0ctV3Ac6MjnozYmF9i5A06NFPxoPtwX7HcZNUvHl4yv8NqSBmphdn6gYKaQF-bfgdcdcaN1jtm90~HJTLmq~OBe7QqpxK~0TSxE0ZeDipXA2v5ZDkXkf7CmsYkyaUt-RrlRYn1fxdaMdNvGnMgO7dvRhKFO3S5NoEvsnJQIhC47KosdKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worthington Schools board members on Oct. 20 reviewed the results of district surveys about student cell‑phone use and discussed next steps for district policy ahead of a state implementation deadline in mid‑2025.

The district collected feedback from three groups — high‑school students, families and staff — to inform a local policy after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed statewide legislation requiring districts to adopt rules on cell‑phone use during the school day. The presentation showed roughly two‑thirds participation from the district’s 9–12 population in the student survey and indicated most students bring phones to school daily.

Why it matters: board members said they want a consistent policy that reduces classroom distraction while preserving emergency access and recognizing varied family needs. The state law sets a timeline for local policy adoption; Worthington leaders said they prefer to ground any change in the district’s own survey data and instructional practice.

Most important facts

• Participation and main findings: The district reported about 2,000 students (roughly two‑thirds of high‑school enrollment) completed the student survey; 94% of respondents said they bring phones to school daily and 84% cited communication with family as the most common reason for having a phone. Approximately 2,500 parents responded; about 1,000 were high‑school parents. About 462 staff members answered, including roughly 150 high‑school staff.

• Shared themes across groups: Emergency access, educational use at teacher discretion, concerns about distraction from learning, calls for consistent enforcement and interest in education about responsible use. Families expressed stronger concern about mental‑health impacts, with 69% reporting negative or very negative impressions of phone impacts on student mental health at school; 82% of families cited distraction as a primary concern. Among staff, about 89% flagged distraction and 87% said phone use had a negative impact on students during the day.

• Current practice and differences by level: Middle schools currently require phones and smartwatches to be stowed; high schools revised practice this year to ban phones during class time (bell‑to‑bell) while allowing access between classes, at lunch and during academic prep periods. The district said high‑school principals report the change tightened expectations and reduced classroom distraction compared with a prior “stoplight” approach of red/yellow/green.

Board response and next steps

Board members and staff agreed the district should pair any policy wording with education on responsible digital use. The board directed the policy committee to review survey results and the current practice over the winter so it can be prepared to propose policy language by summer 2025 if needed. Board members also asked staff to consider a midyear follow‑up survey to check implementation and compliance, and to report back on smart‑watch practice at the elementary level (the district said elementary principals will ask families to keep smart watches stowed during the school day, with exceptions for IEPs or other documented needs).

Context and constraints

District presenters noted that student phone activity in school can often be completed on district‑issued laptops, and that some student requests reflect wanting phone access during downtime (academic prep or lunch). The district emphasized there will always be exceptions for medical or individualized‑education reasons, and that final policy language must reflect both legal requirements and local implementation realities.

What’s next

The policy committee will review practices and survey findings this winter; the board requested that staff consider a midyear survey to measure compliance and student adjustment. Any formal policy change would follow the board’s standard two‑meeting approval process.","Worthington Schools presented survey results showing strong phone access among high school students and broad concern from staff and families about classroom distraction; board directed further review and possible midyear survey before policy committee work this winter.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Worthington announces SAT administration change and reports PSAT participation

Worthington board schedules substantive review of release‑time religious‑instruction policy; requests Lifewise curriculum

Board hears overview of pending state property‑tax proposals and potential local effects

Worthington completes full‑scale safety drills; district, local responders said to collaborate on improvements

Worthington board reviews large student, parent survey as it readies cell-phone policy