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Superintendent outlines staffing, safety and transportation items ahead of Aug. 14 start
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Bowers updated the Worthington Schools board on staffing, safety preparations and a transportation funding measure being pursued by COTA that could affect families; the report was informational and no board action was required.
Dr. Matthew Bowers, superintendent of Worthington Schools, told the board the district is "t minus 9 days" from students returning and provided updates on staffing, safety and communication ahead of the school year.
"Our mission in Worthington Schools is to empower a community of learners who will change the world," Dr. Bowers said, then reviewed four vision statements and updates tied to each. He reported the district welcomed 50 new certified staff members, two mental health specialists, one psychology intern and four administrators who began work July 29. He also cited 20 retirements and 12 newly authorized positions for the 2024-25 school year.
Why it matters: Staffing and safety both affect daily operations and the district's ability to deliver instruction as school starts. Dr. Bowers described recent outreach efforts, including a first-time riders event that helped hundreds of elementary students practice bus safety.
Transportation funding note: Dr. Bowers said the district met in late July with a representative of a management advisory group working with the Central Ohio Transit Authority on a proposed half-cent sales tax on the November ballot to fund rapid transit. He said the district believes the initiative "could benefit our students and families" and noted the sales tax would not compete with school funding sources.
Communications: Dr. Bowers reminded families to check the Worthington Schools back-to-school webpage and cited the district newsletter titled "Worth Knowing" as a source of details for the upcoming start date of Aug. 14 for most students.
Board response: President Nikki Hudson opened the floor for questions after the report; no board action followed. The superintendent characterized the meetings and outreach as preparation for the start of classes and for continuing district priorities.
