Congratulations to this month’s Embrace, Empower & Inspire Award winners, Amanda Gasaway (Transportation), Marie Desrosiers (Transportation), and Katie Speakman (Hilliard Davidson Spanish Teacher).
These staff members go above and beyond the expectations of the Hilliard Way and truly make a difference in our district. If you know a staff member who goes above and beyond their way to make a difference, you can nominate them for next month’s award by clicking HERE!
Hilliard Davidson Theater will present Student-Directed One Acts this weekend, November 8-9, at 7pm in the Hilliard Davidson Performing Arts Center. More information about these performances can be found at www.hilliardschools.org/fine-arts/davidson/davidson-theater/
In unofficial results, voters have approved the $142 million bond issue and 6.9-mill operating levy proposed by the Hilliard City Schools Board of Education. The successful passage of the levy and bond will allow the district to address immediate and future operational and educational needs.
“We are incredibly grateful to our community for their support,” said Superintendent David Stewart. “This outcome ensures we can move forward with critical investments in our schools, staff, and programs, all of which are essential to ensuring that every student has a learning environment that supports 21st-century instruction.”
The approved funding will allow the district to preserve current programming, avoid staffing cuts, and move ahead with Phase 1 of the Master Facilities Plan. This includes a new sixth-grade school, three new elementary buildings, and additional preschool classrooms, as well as improvements to athletic and performing arts spaces, increased safety and security, and playground renovations. Superintendent Stewart added, “We’re excited to continue our mission of ensuring every student is Ready for Tomorrow, and we thank the entire community for their investment in the future of our schools. Because of this investment, the next several years will be an exciting time for our Hilliard City Schools community.”
In the coming months, the district will communicate its progress relative to these plans on a regular basis with the community.
The Hilliard City Schools Board of Education has outlined a contingency plan should Issue 39 not pass in November. While the district remains committed to delivering high-quality education, the plan addresses potential financial shortfalls and directs the Superintendent and Treasurer to make reductions of $7 million – $10 million prior to the 2025-26 school year if Issue 39 is not successful.
The contingency plan, as outlined in the chart below, includes reduction guidelines to maintain cash reserves as mandated in Board policy while continuing to prioritize the safety and educational needs of students. These reductions include staffing cuts, increases in Pay to Participate fees, reductions in programming, and the delay of certain building projects.
“Nothing on the list of reductions is something that I believe is best for our students and their families,” said Superintendent David Stewart. “Our goal remains to provide a safe, enriching learning environment for all students. However, if Issue 39 is not successful, it will mean that difficult decisions will need to be made by the Board of Education. We believe that voters deserve to know what those realities likely will be.”
While the district cannot ask residents to vote a certain way, we remain transparent about the potential effects of a failed levy and the necessary steps we will take to safeguard the district’s financial future. It is important to remember that this contingency plan will be implemented only if Issue 39 is not successful.
See the Impact of Issue #39! Here is a chart that shows what each building in the district will receive if issue 39 is successful.
