Superintendent Dr. Howard told the Marysville Board of Education at its August meeting that district enrollment increased and transportation operations have started the year more smoothly than the previous fall.

Why it matters: Enrollment and staffing numbers guide budget forecasting, routing decisions, and special-education services the district must provide.

Dr. Howard reported total district enrollment of 5,700 students at the start of the school year, an increase of 139 students compared with the same point last year. He said 607 new students in grades K–12 were in the enrollment process as the year opened. Preschool enrollment at the Mini Monarch Academy increased to 206 students; last year 79 pre-K students were served at Naven Elementary.

On staffing, Dr. Howard said the district had 140 positions to fill leading into the school year and that eight remained open: one custodian, three school psychologists, one part-time physical therapist, one speech-language pathologist and two aide positions. He said HR Director Scott Fillabaugh will deliver a fuller organizational and hiring-status presentation next month.

Transportation: Dr. Howard said the district planned routes to serve 3,700 students but only 3,100 students are currently riding buses; the lower number will allow the transportation team to dial in routes for greater efficiency. He recognized lead mechanic Aaron Thompson, assistant mechanic Carrie (last name not specified), Todd Amos and the transportation office for preparation and daily vehicle inspections. He described building-level procedures — for example, Creekview dismisses buses in waves because of limited lot space — and said most buses were loaded and departed within 15 minutes on a recent day.

Board members and the superintendent noted the district is a 1-to-1 Chromebook district, and several board members cautioned that Chromebooks can also become sources of distraction even as phones are restricted under the newly adopted policy.

Dr. Howard also thanked custodians and maintenance staff for summer work readying buildings, and he acknowledged Jonathan Langhouse for his interim-superintendent work and noted he has started as Northwood Elementary principal. Assistant superintendent Dr. Kara Jackson and HR Director Scott Fillabaugh were introduced as new administrators.

Ending: The superintendent closed by inviting questions; board members praised convocation events and outreach efforts noting positive community engagement at the start of the school year.