Tuesday morning, the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center hosted a Superintendents Round Table organized by the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, where local school leaders shared updates and discussed challenges.
The meeting brought together superintendents from various districts, including Ryan Hyde from Calvary Christian School, Kraig Hissong from West Liberty, Scott Mann from Riverside, John Scheu from Benjamin Logan, Rob Underwood from Indian Lake, Brad Hall from Bellefontaine, and Rick Smith from Ohio Hi-Point.
Key discussions included enrollment changes, mental health concerns for both students and staff, and the impact of rising poverty on education.
Superintendents talked about how schools are stepping up to provide essential services like clothing and food for students in need.
They also noted an increase in children being raised by grandparents or other family members instead of their parents.
The leaders addressed the growing number of students with special needs, which has created a demand for one-on-one teacher aides.
They discussed curriculum challenges as the state imposes stricter guidelines, as well as difficulties in staffing schools.
Another important topic was the new zero cell phone policy, which has led to increased student engagement and fewer behavioral problems, despite some initial resistance from students.
Superintendents emphasized the importance of allowing children to enjoy their youth, even as society encourages them to grow up quickly.
Throughout the meeting, superintendents expressed their dedication to making a positive impact on students’ lives.
Rob Underwood remarked that their top students are achieving remarkable success, a sentiment echoed by his colleagues.
They are focused on personalizing education to meet each student’s needs and goals, whether they plan to pursue a four-year degree or enter the workforce right after high school.
The districts are also working to be transparent about spending and to use resources wisely.
It was noted that the relationships between superintendents, school resource officers, and students are beneficial. The officers are often doing more than just protecting the schools, they are counselors, friends, and mentors to students.
Despite the competitive nature of their districts, the different districts tend to collaborate and share ideas to improve education.
The superintendents highlighted the need for more community support to tackle these challenges effectively.
Dr. Rick Smith spoke about the expectations placed on school districts, emphasizing that while they play an important role, they cannot fill all the gaps:
Attendees left feeling motivated to work together to enhance educational opportunities for all students in Logan County, and with a sense that the districts are unified in helping students succeed and grow.