Scan the QR code to watch the 2025 State of the Schools Address before reading this special edition newsmagazine.
“Our story is about passion.”
Brian Sugerman, Coordinator of Experiential Learning
“Our story is about trying your best.”
Olivia Faehnle, ME Student
“Our story is about showing up for one another.”
Aimee Boettcher, Athletic Boosters Vice President
“Our story is about a legacy of learning.”Missy TeacherFields, & MHS Alumna
Thank you for reading our Special Edition Newsmagazine featuring the Mariemont City Schools’ 2025 State of the Schools.
Our story is one of hard work, vision, and community. At Mariemont City Schools, students are achieving their dreams, and staff are making a difference. The real joy of telling this story is that it has been written by all of us—parents, staff, students, community members, and alumni who believe in what we can achieve together. We couldn’t be more proud of what we have accomplished or more hopeful about all that is yet to come.
Mariemont City Schools has a strong foundation built by generations of dedicated individuals who have shaped our schools into what they are today. In this State of the Schools report, you will hear stories of triumph and perseverance from our students, parents, and community members—each playing a vital role in our journey.
Each chapter highlights a different part of our journey—our foundation, our results, our community, our stability, and our opportunities. These stories reflect our shared values, commitment, and passion for excellence.
As we look ahead, the culminating year of Destination 2026 is on the horizon. This initiative has been our guiding vision for the past decade, driving growth and success at every level.
Thank you for being part of our journey and for your continued support of Mariemont City Schools. Together, we will continue building a bright future—one chapter at a time.
Sincerely,
Steven Estepp Superintendent
“Our story is about creating opportunities for every student.”
Dave Rogers, Board of Education President
Scan the QR code to watch the 2025 State of the Schools Address before reading this special edition newsmagazine.
Mariemont City Schools stands on a foundation of dedication, vision, and community support. Generations of alumni, staff, and families have built a legacy of excellence that continues to shape our schools today. Our shared commitment ensures our students thrive, honoring the rich history that supports their future.
“Growing up here, knowing the school, and understanding the importance of its relationships has made me a better teacher. Being part of the community allows me to see the kids in a different light. I can be that educator who helps the dreamer become what they want to be.”
Missy Fields, Teacher & MHS Alumna
“The school district embodies the heart of the community. Even though my children are grown, I continue to support it because others supported the district before me. My children benefited from the hard work and efforts of many people over generations. It’s truly a blessing to give back and guide the next generation.”
Tom Gilmore, Longtime Resident
Success is more than a goal—it’s a tradition. From the classroom to graduation, our students consistently achieve at the highest levels. Whether excelling in academics, earning national recognition, or preparing for bright futures, our results reflect a commitment to excellence that sets us apart.
“I love the teachers; they’re so nice and they care for me. They just make learning fun.”
Olivia Faehnle, ME Student
“I think it’s cool to be recognized on a national scale and I think Mariemont has helped me achieve that. It’s given me the opportunity to apply for different scholarships and to be more prepared for the future.”
Julia Bohl, MHS National Merit Semifinalist
Ten Mariemont High School students have been recognized as National Merit Scholars, a prestigious academic honor. Senior Julia Bohl advances as a semifinalist in the competition, while nine other students—Laurel Black, Caroline Buck, Macy Hampton, Evelyn Metze, Parker Nichols, Miles Niemeyer, Patrick Smyth, William Stevens, and Emily Woodruff—earned Commended honors, placing them among the top five percent of 1.6 million students who qualified as high school juniors. Superintendent Estepp and Dr. Renner proudly stand alongside the students in celebration of their achievement.
MARIEMONT STUDENTS OUTPERFORM STATE AND NATIONAL ACT AVERAGES
93% of MHS students who took an AP exam in 2024 earned college credit by scoring a 3 or higher.
100% passage rate on six different AP exams
Mariemont City Schools thrives because of the support from our entire community. From dedicated Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteers and booster clubs to local businesses and mental health partners, every organization and individual plays a vital role in shaping student success. Whether through financial contributions, mentorship, or hands-on involvement, our community helps to ensure that every student has the opportunities they need to grow and achieve.
• Mariemont School Foundation
• Mariemont Alumni Association
• Mariemont Arts Association
• Mariemont Athletic Boosters
• Mariemont Kiwanis
• Warrior Club
GET INVOLVED TODAY!
• Building Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO)
• Mariemont Police Department
• Terrace Park Police Department
• Fairfax Police Department
• 1N5
ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES: Scholarships, classroom grants, tutoring programs
EXTRACURRICULAR ENHANCEMENTS: Programs, sponsorships, events, and so much more!
RESOURCES: Technology upgrades, equipment and supplies SAFETY AND SUPPORT: Mental health initiatives, security support, wellness programs ARE YOU 55+ AND NO LONGER HAVE STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT?
Dear Mariemont City Schools Community,
Mariemont City Schools stands strong today, financially secure, and ready to meet the challenges of the future. Through continued partnership with our residents and strategic financial management, we have built a foundation that allows us to endure fiscal challenges and thrive.
The passage of the November 2024 operating levy ensures stable funding for at least four years. This will allow us to continue providing the high-quality education our community expects while confidently planning ahead to meet our students’ ever-evolving needs.
We remain committed to responsible and sustainable financial stewardship. By continually analyzing costs and implementing efficiencies where possible, we maximize resources and achieve meaningful savings. Recent efforts, such as investing in energy-efficient high school facilities and streamlining operational costs, have enabled us to stretch taxpayer dollars while continuing to focus our dollars on student learning and experiences.
Our financial stability is a story we have written together. It is a reflection of our community’s trust in our schools and a shared commitment to excellence. We pride ourselves in transparent decision-making, fiscal reporting, and careful budgeting.
Our chapter on stability is ongoing, and with your continued partnership, we will keep writing this story together—one of thoughtful planning, strong stewardship, and a commitment to ensuring a bright future for our students.
Thank you for your trust and partnership.
Sincerely,
Tom Golinar Treasurer, CFO
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
COST-SAVING MEASURES
• Utility Savings
• Grants
• Healthcare Costs Managed
• Strategic Staffing
• Facility Efficiencies
TRANSPARENT REPORTING
• Monthly Budget Updates
• Bi-Annual Five Year Forecast
80% OF DISTRICT REVENUE IS LOCALLY GENERATED COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
FORWARD-PLANNING
SPENDING ALIGNED TO STUDENT NEEDS AND DESTINATION 2026 GOALS
Exceptional opportunities empower students to explore their interests and develop new skills in meaningful ways. Through hands-on learning experiences like the award-winning Warriors BEyond program, forward-thinking educational initiatives, and engaging classroom programming, students are encouraged to pursue their passions. From elementary to high school, these opportunities provide the foundation for future success.
Virtual reality is revolutionizing the classroom experience at Mariemont City Schools, allowing students to engage with their learning in dynamic new ways. Elementary students can journey through space, junior high students can visit historical landmarks, and high school students can explore potential careers—all without leaving the classroom.
This cutting-edge technology, funded by the Mariemont School Foundation, fosters deeper understanding and encourages curiosity across all grade levels. By integrating ClassVR into everyday learning, we are providing students with exciting opportunities to expand their knowledge and explore possibilities that extend beyond traditional textbooks.
Mariemont High School students are getting a firsthand look at the world of education through a new course for aspiring educators. This interactive course introduces students to the fundamentals of teaching, providing hands-on experience and insights into careers in education.
From lesson planning to classroom management, students can test out the career path and gain valuable skills that prepare them for future opportunities in the field. Whether they aspire to become educators or are exploring their career options, this course empowers students to lead, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of others.
Jonah Mikesell, a 2021 graduate of Mariemont High School, began his entrepreneurial journey long before entering Mr. Jeff Radloff ’s honors physics class or winning The Ohio State University’s Best of Student Startups (BOSS) competition. During a junior high Genius Hour project, he created a portable charger from an Altoid tin and a 9-volt battery, showcasing his inventive mindset early.
His entrepreneurial spirit continued during the high school physics Impact Project, when Jonah and teammates Jonathan Cooper and Phillip Forbes addressed parallel parking. He was the only student who sought project funding, securing $250 to buy a used go-kart, electric motors, and repurposing an electric skateboard battery into an early EV prototype. “Jonah and his team truly dedicated themselves,” Mr. Radloff said. “Their work was so impressive that I still showcase it every year.”
Now a senior at Ohio State, Jonah has transformed his high school innovation into a growing business. His company, Phoenix Battery Company, repurposed his Impact Project’s power source into portable EV battery chargers, winning him $20,000 in the BOSS competition. Next, he’ll compete in the 2025 President’s Buckeye Accelerator Finale for a chance at $50,000 to expand his startup. “Mariemont set me up well,” he said. “Pitching my idea felt just like Mr. Radloff ’s class—identifying a problem, a target audience, and a solution.”
After earning his electrical engineering degree, Jonah will join Raglan Motors, a start-up, after declining offers from major companies like Hyundai to pursue his entrepreneurial passion. From a middle school project to award-winning innovation, his journey shows that big ideas can start anywhere.
For Jane (Spooner) Smith, teaching art at Mariemont High School isn’t just a career—it’s a homecoming. A 2012 graduate, Smith’s passion for art was shaped by her own experiences in Mariemont classrooms. But it was a conversation with her former teacher, Mrs. Lair, that set her on the path to becoming an educator. “During my senior year, she pulled me aside and said, ‘I think this would be a really good career for you— you should look into it,’” Smith recalls. “That moment really stuck with me.”
After earning her degree in art education from Miami University and teaching abroad, Smith spent time in elementary classrooms before the perfect opportunity opened in 2019—a chance to return to Mariemont.
“It’s great to be back,” she says. “I even babysat some of my students when they were little. Seeing them grow into young adults is such a full-circle moment.”
Though the high school building has changed, Smith says the heart of the district remains the same—engaged students, strong academics, and a deep sense of community. Now, as an educator, she hopes to inspire her students just as she was inspired.
“I want them to see art not just as a skill, but as a way of seeing the world differently,” she says. “Mariemont offers so many opportunities for students to explore their interests. Being part of that legacy—first as a student and now as a teacher—is an incredible feeling.”
The success of Mariemont City Schools lies in the people who make it extraordinary. Their stories are our story—together, we are shaping a better future.
STUDENT:
“My teachers always push me to do my best work, and my peers do the same. We strive for the best results and never settle for less than our maximum effort. Many of my peers will be super successful, and it will be cool to look back and see how we helped each other get there.”
Ben Stevens, Parent
TEACHER:
PARENT:
“It’s very personal. What makes me most proud is seeing my kids thrive and succeed. Mariemont City Schools has been so well recognized because of the entire community from the administration to the parents, students, and teachers. Everyone is all in for the schools.”
“Giving every kid a chance to succeed in their own way and timing is very important. We are all on a journey, learning at different rates and using our experiences to help ourselves and others. Not everyone is on the same curve. When I was teaching and coaching, I tried to meet the kids where they were.”
Terri RetiredThomas, MCSD Teacher
“We’re all in this together, and it’s in everyone’s best interest to provide a quality education and develop solid future citizens. You can get involved and see the difference almost immediately.”
Kieran Phelan, MHS Alumnus
Tracie SchoolWichman,Foundation President
“The education is a given the teachers here are excellent. But what’s impressive is the opportunity to partake in experiences outside the classroom. Mariemont prepares students for whatever educational adventure they follow thereafter, laying a good foundation.”
Our story isn’t just about what we’ve accomplished— it’s about what we’ve built together. Every student, parent, alumni, staff member, and community partner has played a role in shaping Mariemont City Schools into what it is today. With a strong foundation and a shared commitment to excellence, our journey continues, and the best is yet to come.