A Beautiful Beginning
A Beautiful Beginning
As we settle into the new school year, there's an unmistakable energy coursing through the halls and classrooms of Lorain City Schools. Something beautiful is happening, and it's impossible not to notice.
We've witnessed a remarkable surge in school spirit and Titan Pride. The joy we're seeing in our classrooms and hallways is truly heartwarming. Students are engaged, teachers are inspired, and there's a genuine excitement about learning and growing together.
Our new "Away for the Day" cell phone policy has been implemented smoothly, thanks to the cooperation of our students and the support of our staff and families. This change has fostered more face-to-face interactions and increased focus in our learning environments.
Perhaps most importantly, we're seeing a strengthened sense of community and mutual care. Our students are stepping up, demonstrating responsibility by speaking up when they see something concerning. This "see something, say something" approach is crucial in maintaining the safety and well-being of our entire school community.
As your superintendent, I couldn't be more proud of how our Lorain City Schools family has started this year. The positivity, engagement, and sense of community we're experiencing sets a strong foundation for a year of growth, achievement, and continued Titan Pride.
Let's keep this momentum going! Together, we're creating an environment where every student can thrive, and where the spirit of our community shines brightly every day.
Recognizing Our Dedicated Safety Team
I'd like to take a moment to highlight a group of professionals who play a crucial role in our district: our Safety Team. Their dedication and effectiveness have been truly outstanding, and I believe they deserve our recognition and gratitude.
Our Safety Team has consistently demonstrated their ability to respond promptly and effectively to various situations that arise in our school environment. Their actions have been instrumental in maintaining a secure and positive atmosphere for learning.
They work seamlessly with building leaders, district administrators, and The Lorain Police Department to ensure a comprehensive approach to safety, combining on-the-ground knowledge with broader expertise to create effective security measures.
What stands out about our Safety Team is their commitment to following established protocols while also showing genuine care for our school community. They approach each situation with a blend of professionalism and compassion that's truly commendable.
I encourage everyone in our Lorain City Schools family to join me in thanking our Safety Team members when you see them. Their work is essential to our mission of providing a secure and positive educational experience for every student.
Thank you, Safety Team, for your ongoing commitment to keeping our buildings and students safe. Your efforts are a vital part of our success as a school district, and we are truly grateful for your service.
Titan Fridays
Last Friday, we launched our first Titan Friday of the season with a Surprise Pop-Up Pep Rally at Larkmoor and Hawthorne!
It was an incredible way to celebrate our students' excellent attendance, and bring Titan Pride energy with help from our Titan football players, cheerleaders, and Titus, making it a day to remember.
We even surprised a few lucky students with Swag Bags and Browns tickets for this weekend, thanks to our partners at the Stay In The Game Network!
Let’s be Titan strong and continue celebrating great attendance across the district.
Be on time every day and stay all day!
Who will be our next winners? Have great attendance, wear your Titan Pride, and be ready to show your school spirit – it could be you!
Important Information on ISSUE 21
Permanent Improvement Levy
As we continue to invest in the future of our students and our community, we want to inform you about an important issue that will be on the ballot this November: a Permanent Improvement (PI) Levy for Lorain City Schools. This levy is crucial for maintaining and improving our school facilities, ensuring that they remain safe, efficient, and conducive to learning.
Key Details of the PI Levy:
- Levy Rate: 4.97 Mills
- Estimated Cost to Homeowners: Approximately $14.50 per month for a home valued at $100,000, comparable to the bond issue that will end collection in 2025.
- Replacement of Expiring Bonds: Two existing bonds are rolling off – one this year and one next year. The proposed PI levy would essentially replace one of those, maintaining stable funding without significant new costs to taxpayers.
Why This Levy Is Needed:
- It has been 12 years since our schools received additional local funding. To continue providing a high-quality education and safe learning environments, we must invest in the maintenance and improvement of our facilities.
- It is estimated that maintaining and repairing our district facilities will cost $45 million over the next fifteen years. Twenty years ago, Lorain City Schools rebuilt school buildings with $41 million, with 81% of the funding covered by the State of Ohio. As these buildings age, they require ongoing maintenance and upgrades to continue providing a safe and effective learning environment and to remain valuable assets to our community.
Our Capital Plan Focuses On:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: We plan to invest in crucial infrastructure improvements, including HVAC systems, walls and masonry repairs, parking lot maintenance, and playgrounds. These upgrades are essential for maintaining optimal learning conditions and adhering to safety standards.
- Routine Maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to keep our facilities in good condition. This includes replacing ceiling tiles, upgrading lighting, repairing floors, and replacing doors.
- Safety and Security Improvements: In today's environment, ensuring the safety of our students and staff is a top priority. The levy will fund enhancements to our security systems to maintain a secure learning environment.
- Technology Improvements: To prepare our students for the future, we will invest in technology infrastructure and essential resources, ensuring access to cutting-edge educational tools.
- Sustainable Practices: We are committed to sustainability and efficiency. Our plan includes acquiring grounds equipment for efficient maintenance, renovating properties for energy efficiency, and prioritizing environmentally appropriate practices.
This PI Levy is essential to maintain the quality of our school facilities and ensure a safe, modern learning environment for all our students. We encourage you to learn more about this important issue and participate in the upcoming vote in November.
Starting This Week!
We're excited to announce the launch a new bi-weekly vodcast series, called Titan Talk With Dr. Graham, that will bring our Lorain City Schools community closer together!
What is Titan Talk?
Titan Talk is an innovative communication platform that combines the best of video and podcast formats. It's designed to give Dr. Graham a direct line of engagement with our students, staff, and community members.
What to Expect from Titan Talk:
- Bi-weekly episodes: Stay tuned for fresh content every other week.
- Student Interaction: Students will have the unique opportunity to ask Dr. Graham questions directly.
- Community Spotlight: The vodcast will feature interviews with relevant persons throughout the district, highlighting the diverse talents and perspectives within our Titan family.
Stay tuned for our inaugural episode, coming soon!
