Worthington Schools May 2011 Newsletter

Spring 2011 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

News from the Treasurer State Budget debate impacts Worthington Schools The stagnate economy and state budget cuts are having a dramatic impact on school districts across the state. The latest state budget has slashed over $3 billion statewide in funding for public schools.

In Worthington, we planned for this tough road ahead as indicated in our five-year forecast from last October. We projected a 10% decrease in funding from the state foundation as well as elimination of the one-time federal stimulus funding.

Even with our thoughtful planning, it is still difficult to predict all scenarios. The Governor and legislature have proposed a significant change to the Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Tax reimbursement payments to schools and that proposal has a major impact on our revenues. The state is looking to accelerate the reductions of these direct payments to schools faster than previously planned. This means Worthington will lose almost $7 million over the next two years. Although this is problematic to our bottom line, we are making changes to our budget now to weather this latest financial challenge. The loss of the TPP tax and the shrinking local business tax base are of particular importance to Worthington. No other district in Franklin County is impacted as much as Worthington Schools with the loss of the TPP local business tax.

Despite these concerns, current legislative actions are not entirely a story of cuts and reductions. The Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 30 permitting school districts to continue to charge for all day kindergarten. This will save our district $1 million annually and we plan to continue to offer this very popular and successful program. The legislature is also considering requiring all school employees to pay more towards their pensions while reducing the payments that school districts are required to pay. If approved, this could potentially save Worthington schools a significant amount of money in payroll costs annually.

What will the financial future hold for Worthington Schools?

The state budget and pension changes are still being debated through late June and there will cer-

tainly be changes to the current scenario. Despite some unknowns, it is still important that we plan and prepare for the realities we face in the future – particularly around the loss of the tangible personal property tax and the phase-down of payments from the state to help school districts deal with this loss.

Looking to the future, Worthington Schools could potentially lose approximately $30 million in state and federal funding from now until the 2014-15 school year. The $30 million loss is due to a reduction in state foundation funding, a loss in federal stimulus dollars, and the continued phase out of the TPP reimbursement payments. The TPP reimbursements, when phased out, will result in a loss of revenue of $15 million annually for the district.

Franklin County is also undergoing a major reappraisal of its property tax value on homes and commercial property. Based on the continued slumping economy, the Ohio Department of Taxation is directing counties towards a statewide 10% decrease in property values. Based on an assumption that Worthington’s property values go down only 5%, the district would see an additional decrease in local property tax revenues of $900,000 annually.

Due to all these local factors and state policy changes, revenues to our district will continue to decline. In fact, our forecasted revenues for FY 2015 are less than what we received in FY 2006.

Here in Worthington, we have diligently planned for these tight times for years and made reductions that made sense. Although it hasn’t been easy, our goal has always been to cut costs and strive for efficiency, while protecting the great work happening in our classrooms.

Even with these challenges, Worthington still remains as a one of the top school districts in Ohio thanks to our supportive and engaged community.

Together we can ensure Worthington schools will remain an excellent school district for years to come.

— Jeff McCuen jmccuen@worthington.k12.oh.us

Financial snapshot

Actions from the state, local and federal level are constantly changing our school budget landscape at all times. Here are current highlights of activities and proposals that are impacting our finances today and into the future: All Day Kindergarten: With the recent passage of House Bill 30, school districts can charge tuition for all day kindergarten. This saves the district $1 million annually.

Pension reform: The legislature is considering requiring all school employees to pay more towards their pensions while reducing the payments that school districts are required to pay. If approved, this could potentially save Worthington schools $1.5 million in payroll costs annually.

Staff Retirements: Many staff members have announced their retirement at the end of the school year. The district will save significant funds by not replacing some staff positions and hiring some individuals at a lower salary level for the remaining positions.

TPP tax loss: Our local tax base is shrinking with the elimination of taxes paid by local businesses. State funding to help districts with the loss of the TPP tax is phasing down.

When these state payments are gone in 2019, it will result in a loss of $15 million annually for Worthington School.

Spring 2011 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

Worthington Schools Worthington City Schools Official Newsletter

R

eflections on another great year for Worthington Schools.

As we approach the end of another school year, I’d like to take this opportunity to share what a great year it’s been for our Worthington schools and students. This year is especially emotional for me as it will be my last full school year as superintendent of our Worthington Schools. Although I am departing as superintendent, I will remain a part of our schools and community.

Worthington is known for its schools. In coming here, I was proud to be part of a tradition of excellence. Being here did not disappoint and I am proud to have contributed to taking Worthington to higher and higher levels.

Worthington is very special and is one of the Columbus area’s flagship school systems. We have outstanding students, parents, teachers, staff and community. In fact, our own Tim Dove was selected as Ohio Teacher of the Year.

This last school year our Worthington schools made numerous academic and fiscal strides. The fiscal road this year has not been easy. Nor has it been for the last few years. Our schools face ongoing challenges due to the economy and to state budget cuts.

Despite these challenges, we sought ways of doing business better. Last fall, Worthington sought third-party input into its operations and finances with a state performance audit - a rigorous process few districts in Ohio are willing to go through. After reviewing all of our operations and practices, the audit suggested $2.6 million in reductions – for which many of them were adopted this school year. The audit also showed that with a budget over $100 million, that 98% of our budget was recognized as highly efficient. This is part of Worthington’s ongoing commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Community input throughout this process has been key. During the winter, my staff and I have had the pleasure of sitting down with residents to discuss the future of our schools. Through these community conversations, we were able to not only listen to what’s on your mind, but we were also able to share with you some of the initiatives Worthington schools has been working on as well as the challenges we face that impact us all. By sitting down with you in your living rooms, in our libraries and community centers, we were able to share ideas, ask questions and figure out ways we can work together so that our goals can be realized.

For the past six years, it is has been an honor and pleasure to serve in this position. I am gratified by the tremendous accomplishments and dedication of our teachers and staff. The commitment of our employees is reflected in the talent and success of our students. From preschool to graduating Seniors, our students are excelling and are being provided with a foundation for a bright future.

Above all, none of this would be possible without the support of the Worthington community. We all share a common goal of high quality education, efficient operations and strong community. Thank you for this opportunity to serve as your superintendent. Your commitment to excellent schools makes Worthington a premier community and great place to live and work.

Want to know the latest information on what’s happening around Worthington? Visit the daily blog Worthington Live. This community-based web site shares the latest news from around our community and our schools. From academic achievement in our classrooms, our athletic fields and everything in between, we have a lot to celebrate in our great community and Worthington Live is the place to find out. Check it out at www. worthington-live.com.

2011-2012 The first day of school for next school year is Tuesday, August 23, 2011.

Have a safe summer!

Sincerely, Melissa Conrath, Ph.D., Superintendent

Property Reappraisal: Franklin County is undergoing a major reappraisal of its property tax value on homes and commercial property and virtually all values will be reduced. Based on an assumption that Worthington’s property values go down 5%, the district would see an additional decrease in local property tax revenues of $900,000 annually.

www.worthington.k12.oh.us

Check out Worthington Live

Administrative offices Absolute Excellence | Exponential Impact

www.worthington.k12.oh.us

Worthington Education Center 200 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Worthington, Ohio 43085 614.883.3000

Spring 2011 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

Want to donate money to Worthington Schools and help the environment at the same time? Just bring your old newspapers, magazines or other unwanted paper to the Paper Retriever recycle bin located at the school nearest you. The green and yellow recycle bins are located at the following schools: • Bluffsview Elementary • Evening Street Elementary • Wilson Hill Elementary • Worthington Hills Elementary • McCord Middle School • Phoenix Middle School • Linworth Alternative High School • Thomas Worthington High School • Worthington Kilbourne High School • Worthington Education Center Joe Wasik, Max Anderson and Marino Gasbarro recycling at Worthington Hills.

- Laura Charles Secretary, Worthington Hills

Race to the Top Ohio was awarded $400 million in the national, competitive education grant program called Race to the Top. The Worthington Schools submitted an application and was approved to receive $498,881.67 over a four year period to: • Improve college and career ready academic standards • Develop longitudinal data systems for tracking progress and improving instruction • Improve teacher and principal effectiveness A project team of 18 members is leading the Worthington Schools Race to the Top initiative. Team members are working collectively on implementing the plan and making recommendations to increase the effectiveness of the plan as well as providing communication to the community. In addition, team members are working in the Assurance Area subgroups of Standards and Assessments, Using Data to Improve Instruction, and Great Teachers and Leaders.

An upcoming initiative from the Race to the Top work will be the Next Generation Learning Leaders Academy held on June 15-16,

www.worthington.k12.oh.us

Spring 2011 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

Teachers Make a Difference

We’ll Take Your Paper

In 2010 these schools recycled 219.36 tons of paper and received a total of $1,359.03. Each building’s recycle rebate is based on its bin’s tonnage, and increases exponentially when the amount of paper dropped off increases. Help your area school reach its recycling goals… drop off that unwanted paper today!

2011. Internationally recognized 21st Century learning expert, Jason Ohler, will be the featured speaker. His current book, Digital Community, Digital Citizen, explores the issues of helping our students and ourselves blend our digital and nondigital lives into one integrated approach to living.

Teachers and administrators from each school building will be participating in strands of the Academy that include English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Response to Intervention, and Data. The structure for the Academy will include collaborative groups, building team meetings, and planning sessions.

For more information on the Worthington Schools Race to the Top initiative, please visit the Worthington Schools website at www. worthington.k12.oh.us.

— Mark Glasbrenner Assistant Superintendent

In the fall of 1989 I was a junior at Worthington High School. Up until this point I was vaguely interested in my school work and passed the time dreaming of co-curricular activities. Quite simply, school had not been my thing. However, the fall of 1989 was the time when everything changed. I was assigned to a new teacher at Worthington High School named Jan Fish. Mrs. Fish was my Etymology teacher. I had signed up for Etymology to better prepare myself for the SAT test and I wasn’t even sure what Etymology meant. That fall Mrs. Fish not only helped me to understand the Latin roots of words, she helped me understand that I could be a learner. She built a positive relationship with me and my classmates.

She showed genuine interest in our lives both inside and outside the classroom. Mrs. Fish pushed us to succeed not only in her classroom but in the classrooms of other teachers. She became a resource to go to when we needed help, she became a counselor when we needed to talk, and over the years she continued to be a mentor.

This year Mrs. Fish is one of 28 teachers who have chosen to retire from Worthington Schools. She, along with her colleagues, has indelibly made a positive difference in the lives of hundreds and hundreds of students. These teachers are difference makers. They share a positive message that they pass on to all Worthington students: 1. What we’re doing here is important.

2. You can do it!

3. I’m not going to give up on you – even if you give up on yourself!

22 years ago Mrs. Fish passed this message on to me. She did this through both her actions and her words. I will always be grateful for her guidance. I believe she literally changed my life and put me on a different path. I’m certain that each of the retiring teachers was many former students with similar stories who would express their gratitude. In Worthington we have great teachers. Every day they make a positive difference in the lives of students.

- Trent Bowers Assistant Superintendent Intern/Coordinator, Human Resources

With Gratitude: Susie Beach Nancy Beattie Anita Beck Sandra Bell Rick Bensman Karen Cellar Debra Cook Ann Davis Tim Demyan Carolyn DePalma Carol Dodge Diana Ellis Jan Fish John Frederick

Sam Furbee Glenn Gardner Karen Jones Linda Lehman Patricia Maczka Mark Maley Grace Matchett Carolyn McGrath Sue Morgan Myriam Posso Petra Putnam Judy Tabor Debra White Charlene Wilkerson

Art students and teachers shine Three Worthington students were selected as State Level Winners for the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition.

Emily Cantrell and Rachel Berg of Worthington Kilbourne High School (WKHS) and Erin Tope of Thomas Worthington High School (TWHS). The students’ work was among the 300 winners out of 12,000 statewide entries.

Their work was displayed at the Rhodes state office tower. In addition, Erin and Michael Raab from WKHS had pieces selected and displayed in the Governor’s office. Erin has received a $1,000 scholarship from the Ohio State University,

College of Art for her exceptional work which she created in the AP ceramics class at TWHS. Additionally, TWHS students Maggie Cellar and Emily Fang as well as WKHS students: Kira Keck, Naomi Barker, Erin Wolf, Jada Earl, Alio Gasbarro, Danielle Hilty, Michael Raab, Masha Zarnitsa, Caitlin Watters, Kelley Jiang, Haruka Kawakami and Rachel Berg were selected to exhibit drawings and paintings in the Region 1 Governor’s Juried High School Art Exhibition which was held earlier in May at the Catacombs Gallery in the Short North.

Erin Tope, artist Finally, WKHS students Danielle Hilty, Michael Raab and Jacob Wood were selected in the Governor’s Top 25 winners. And WKHS teachers Erin Johnson and Julie Woodrow were named Top 25 Art Teachers.

www.worthington.k12.oh.us

Spring 2011 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

Want to donate money to Worthington Schools and help the environment at the same time? Just bring your old newspapers, magazines or other unwanted paper to the Paper Retriever recycle bin located at the school nearest you. The green and yellow recycle bins are located at the following schools: • Bluffsview Elementary • Evening Street Elementary • Wilson Hill Elementary • Worthington Hills Elementary • McCord Middle School • Phoenix Middle School • Linworth Alternative High School • Thomas Worthington High School • Worthington Kilbourne High School • Worthington Education Center Joe Wasik, Max Anderson and Marino Gasbarro recycling at Worthington Hills.

- Laura Charles Secretary, Worthington Hills

Race to the Top Ohio was awarded $400 million in the national, competitive education grant program called Race to the Top. The Worthington Schools submitted an application and was approved to receive $498,881.67 over a four year period to: • Improve college and career ready academic standards • Develop longitudinal data systems for tracking progress and improving instruction • Improve teacher and principal effectiveness A project team of 18 members is leading the Worthington Schools Race to the Top initiative. Team members are working collectively on implementing the plan and making recommendations to increase the effectiveness of the plan as well as providing communication to the community. In addition, team members are working in the Assurance Area subgroups of Standards and Assessments, Using Data to Improve Instruction, and Great Teachers and Leaders.

An upcoming initiative from the Race to the Top work will be the Next Generation Learning Leaders Academy held on June 15-16,

www.worthington.k12.oh.us

Spring 2011 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

Teachers Make a Difference

We’ll Take Your Paper

In 2010 these schools recycled 219.36 tons of paper and received a total of $1,359.03. Each building’s recycle rebate is based on its bin’s tonnage, and increases exponentially when the amount of paper dropped off increases. Help your area school reach its recycling goals… drop off that unwanted paper today!

2011. Internationally recognized 21st Century learning expert, Jason Ohler, will be the featured speaker. His current book, Digital Community, Digital Citizen, explores the issues of helping our students and ourselves blend our digital and nondigital lives into one integrated approach to living.

Teachers and administrators from each school building will be participating in strands of the Academy that include English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Response to Intervention, and Data. The structure for the Academy will include collaborative groups, building team meetings, and planning sessions.

For more information on the Worthington Schools Race to the Top initiative, please visit the Worthington Schools website at www. worthington.k12.oh.us.

— Mark Glasbrenner Assistant Superintendent

In the fall of 1989 I was a junior at Worthington High School. Up until this point I was vaguely interested in my school work and passed the time dreaming of co-curricular activities. Quite simply, school had not been my thing. However, the fall of 1989 was the time when everything changed. I was assigned to a new teacher at Worthington High School named Jan Fish. Mrs. Fish was my Etymology teacher. I had signed up for Etymology to better prepare myself for the SAT test and I wasn’t even sure what Etymology meant. That fall Mrs. Fish not only helped me to understand the Latin roots of words, she helped me understand that I could be a learner. She built a positive relationship with me and my classmates.

She showed genuine interest in our lives both inside and outside the classroom. Mrs. Fish pushed us to succeed not only in her classroom but in the classrooms of other teachers. She became a resource to go to when we needed help, she became a counselor when we needed to talk, and over the years she continued to be a mentor.

This year Mrs. Fish is one of 28 teachers who have chosen to retire from Worthington Schools. She, along with her colleagues, has indelibly made a positive difference in the lives of hundreds and hundreds of students. These teachers are difference makers. They share a positive message that they pass on to all Worthington students: 1. What we’re doing here is important.

2. You can do it!

3. I’m not going to give up on you – even if you give up on yourself!

22 years ago Mrs. Fish passed this message on to me. She did this through both her actions and her words. I will always be grateful for her guidance. I believe she literally changed my life and put me on a different path. I’m certain that each of the retiring teachers was many former students with similar stories who would express their gratitude. In Worthington we have great teachers. Every day they make a positive difference in the lives of students.

- Trent Bowers Assistant Superintendent Intern/Coordinator, Human Resources

With Gratitude: Susie Beach Nancy Beattie Anita Beck Sandra Bell Rick Bensman Karen Cellar Debra Cook Ann Davis Tim Demyan Carolyn DePalma Carol Dodge Diana Ellis Jan Fish John Frederick

Sam Furbee Glenn Gardner Karen Jones Linda Lehman Patricia Maczka Mark Maley Grace Matchett Carolyn McGrath Sue Morgan Myriam Posso Petra Putnam Judy Tabor Debra White Charlene Wilkerson

Art students and teachers shine Three Worthington students were selected as State Level Winners for the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition.

Emily Cantrell and Rachel Berg of Worthington Kilbourne High School (WKHS) and Erin Tope of Thomas Worthington High School (TWHS). The students’ work was among the 300 winners out of 12,000 statewide entries.

Their work was displayed at the Rhodes state office tower. In addition, Erin and Michael Raab from WKHS had pieces selected and displayed in the Governor’s office. Erin has received a $1,000 scholarship from the Ohio State University,

College of Art for her exceptional work which she created in the AP ceramics class at TWHS. Additionally, TWHS students Maggie Cellar and Emily Fang as well as WKHS students: Kira Keck, Naomi Barker, Erin Wolf, Jada Earl, Alio Gasbarro, Danielle Hilty, Michael Raab, Masha Zarnitsa, Caitlin Watters, Kelley Jiang, Haruka Kawakami and Rachel Berg were selected to exhibit drawings and paintings in the Region 1 Governor’s Juried High School Art Exhibition which was held earlier in May at the Catacombs Gallery in the Short North.

Erin Tope, artist Finally, WKHS students Danielle Hilty, Michael Raab and Jacob Wood were selected in the Governor’s Top 25 winners. And WKHS teachers Erin Johnson and Julie Woodrow were named Top 25 Art Teachers.

www.worthington.k12.oh.us

Spring 2011 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

News from the Treasurer State Budget debate impacts Worthington Schools The stagnate economy and state budget cuts are having a dramatic impact on school districts across the state. The latest state budget has slashed over $3 billion statewide in funding for public schools.

In Worthington, we planned for this tough road ahead as indicated in our five-year forecast from last October. We projected a 10% decrease in funding from the state foundation as well as elimination of the one-time federal stimulus funding.

Even with our thoughtful planning, it is still difficult to predict all scenarios. The Governor and legislature have proposed a significant change to the Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Tax reimbursement payments to schools and that proposal has a major impact on our revenues. The state is looking to accelerate the reductions of these direct payments to schools faster than previously planned. This means Worthington will lose almost $7 million over the next two years. Although this is problematic to our bottom line, we are making changes to our budget now to weather this latest financial challenge. The loss of the TPP tax and the shrinking local business tax base are of particular importance to Worthington. No other district in Franklin County is impacted as much as Worthington Schools with the loss of the TPP local business tax.

Despite these concerns, current legislative actions are not entirely a story of cuts and reductions. The Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 30 permitting school districts to continue to charge for all day kindergarten. This will save our district $1 million annually and we plan to continue to offer this very popular and successful program. The legislature is also considering requiring all school employees to pay more towards their pensions while reducing the payments that school districts are required to pay. If approved, this could potentially save Worthington schools a significant amount of money in payroll costs annually.

What will the financial future hold for Worthington Schools?

The state budget and pension changes are still being debated through late June and there will cer-

tainly be changes to the current scenario. Despite some unknowns, it is still important that we plan and prepare for the realities we face in the future – particularly around the loss of the tangible personal property tax and the phase-down of payments from the state to help school districts deal with this loss.

Looking to the future, Worthington Schools could potentially lose approximately $30 million in state and federal funding from now until the 2014-15 school year. The $30 million loss is due to a reduction in state foundation funding, a loss in federal stimulus dollars, and the continued phase out of the TPP reimbursement payments. The TPP reimbursements, when phased out, will result in a loss of revenue of $15 million annually for the district.

Franklin County is also undergoing a major reappraisal of its property tax value on homes and commercial property. Based on the continued slumping economy, the Ohio Department of Taxation is directing counties towards a statewide 10% decrease in property values. Based on an assumption that Worthington’s property values go down only 5%, the district would see an additional decrease in local property tax revenues of $900,000 annually.

Due to all these local factors and state policy changes, revenues to our district will continue to decline. In fact, our forecasted revenues for FY 2015 are less than what we received in FY 2006.

Here in Worthington, we have diligently planned for these tight times for years and made reductions that made sense. Although it hasn’t been easy, our goal has always been to cut costs and strive for efficiency, while protecting the great work happening in our classrooms.

Even with these challenges, Worthington still remains as a one of the top school districts in Ohio thanks to our supportive and engaged community.

Together we can ensure Worthington schools will remain an excellent school district for years to come.

— Jeff McCuen jmccuen@worthington.k12.oh.us

Financial snapshot

Actions from the state, local and federal level are constantly changing our school budget landscape at all times. Here are current highlights of activities and proposals that are impacting our finances today and into the future: All Day Kindergarten: With the recent passage of House Bill 30, school districts can charge tuition for all day kindergarten. This saves the district $1 million annually.

Pension reform: The legislature is considering requiring all school employees to pay more towards their pensions while reducing the payments that school districts are required to pay. If approved, this could potentially save Worthington schools $1.5 million in payroll costs annually.

Staff Retirements: Many staff members have announced their retirement at the end of the school year. The district will save significant funds by not replacing some staff positions and hiring some individuals at a lower salary level for the remaining positions.

TPP tax loss: Our local tax base is shrinking with the elimination of taxes paid by local businesses. State funding to help districts with the loss of the TPP tax is phasing down.

When these state payments are gone in 2019, it will result in a loss of $15 million annually for Worthington School.

Spring 2011 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

Worthington Schools Worthington City Schools Official Newsletter

R

eflections on another great year for Worthington Schools.

As we approach the end of another school year, I’d like to take this opportunity to share what a great year it’s been for our Worthington schools and students. This year is especially emotional for me as it will be my last full school year as superintendent of our Worthington Schools. Although I am departing as superintendent, I will remain a part of our schools and community.

Worthington is known for its schools. In coming here, I was proud to be part of a tradition of excellence. Being here did not disappoint and I am proud to have contributed to taking Worthington to higher and higher levels.

Worthington is very special and is one of the Columbus area’s flagship school systems. We have outstanding students, parents, teachers, staff and community. In fact, our own Tim Dove was selected as Ohio Teacher of the Year.

This last school year our Worthington schools made numerous academic and fiscal strides. The fiscal road this year has not been easy. Nor has it been for the last few years. Our schools face ongoing challenges due to the economy and to state budget cuts.

Despite these challenges, we sought ways of doing business better. Last fall, Worthington sought third-party input into its operations and finances with a state performance audit - a rigorous process few districts in Ohio are willing to go through. After reviewing all of our operations and practices, the audit suggested $2.6 million in reductions – for which many of them were adopted this school year. The audit also showed that with a budget over $100 million, that 98% of our budget was recognized as highly efficient. This is part of Worthington’s ongoing commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Community input throughout this process has been key. During the winter, my staff and I have had the pleasure of sitting down with residents to discuss the future of our schools. Through these community conversations, we were able to not only listen to what’s on your mind, but we were also able to share with you some of the initiatives Worthington schools has been working on as well as the challenges we face that impact us all. By sitting down with you in your living rooms, in our libraries and community centers, we were able to share ideas, ask questions and figure out ways we can work together so that our goals can be realized.

For the past six years, it is has been an honor and pleasure to serve in this position. I am gratified by the tremendous accomplishments and dedication of our teachers and staff. The commitment of our employees is reflected in the talent and success of our students. From preschool to graduating Seniors, our students are excelling and are being provided with a foundation for a bright future.

Above all, none of this would be possible without the support of the Worthington community. We all share a common goal of high quality education, efficient operations and strong community. Thank you for this opportunity to serve as your superintendent. Your commitment to excellent schools makes Worthington a premier community and great place to live and work.

Want to know the latest information on what’s happening around Worthington? Visit the daily blog Worthington Live. This community-based web site shares the latest news from around our community and our schools. From academic achievement in our classrooms, our athletic fields and everything in between, we have a lot to celebrate in our great community and Worthington Live is the place to find out. Check it out at www. worthington-live.com.

2011-2012 The first day of school for next school year is Tuesday, August 23, 2011.

Have a safe summer!

Sincerely, Melissa Conrath, Ph.D., Superintendent

Property Reappraisal: Franklin County is undergoing a major reappraisal of its property tax value on homes and commercial property and virtually all values will be reduced. Based on an assumption that Worthington’s property values go down 5%, the district would see an additional decrease in local property tax revenues of $900,000 annually.

www.worthington.k12.oh.us

Check out Worthington Live

Administrative offices Absolute Excellence | Exponential Impact

www.worthington.k12.oh.us

Worthington Education Center 200 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Worthington, Ohio 43085 614.883.3000