An important financial update occurred during the February meeting of the New Richmond Exempted Village School District’s Board of Education.
At the meeting, the board and community members heard a presentation from Paul Rutter, a partner at the law firm Bricker Graydon. Rutter’s presentation centered around the different types of options available as the board looks to bridge a multi-million dollar operating deficit due to the early closure of the Zimmer Power Plant.
NREVSD was recently placed into fiscal caution by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The district has entered deficit spending as of this fiscal year and will run out of savings in Fiscal Year 2027 according to the most recent Five-Year Forecast from November 2024.
No decisions were made at the February board meeting. Rutter’s full presentation can be viewed online here.
Dr. Hollandsworth discusses school closure procedures, honors Jason Lynch
February’s meeting marked the first since the sudden passing of NRMS assistant principal Jason Lynch. During the superintendent’s report, Interim Superintendent Dr. Jill Hollandsworth shared a few words on his legacy and his impact.
“Jason was a special member of our school community,” Dr. Hollandsworth said. “He was deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students. He believed in them, challenged them, and celebrated their victories. His influence lives on in the lessons that he taught, the lives he touched, and the example he set for all of us. Jason will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Additionally, Dr. Hollandsworth updated the board and the community on the process behind closing the school due to weather.
“I want to thank our staff, our community and our parents for your support and patience,” Dr. Hollandsworth said. “Cancelling or delaying is a huge decision and i consider a lot of factors before we do anything like that. I know it’s an important call for parents who are trying to navigate their own decisions.”
Student safety, current road conditions, upcoming weather and staffing levels are considered in making these decisions.
“It’s a big decision and there’s a lot of discussion and communication that goes on first, but the safety of the students is the most important thing.” Dr. Hollandsworth said.
With regards to floods, the district is in communication with the Clermont County Emergency Task Force to monitor the river level. Concerns begin at 58 feet. Localized flooding can be managed by rerouting buses.
2024-2025 School Year Calendar Adjustment Given First Reading
A proposed change to the 2024-2025 school year calendar was highlighted at the meeting.
In the revised edition, which would be officially approved by the board in March, students in grades K-11 would be dismissed two hours early on Thursday, May 22, the final day of school. Seniors are already off that day. Graduation would remain on Friday, May 23. A draft version of the revised calendar can be found here.
Additionally, the 2025-2026 school year calendar was presented for first reading. Staff would return to campus with a workday on August 11. A staggered start for students would begin August 14th with grades 2, 4, 6, 9 and 10. The remaining students would return to class on August 15th. All students would be in session August 18th.
Graduation would be scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026. This calendar is also up for board approval in March and can be found online here.
Monroe staff members, students named Beth Webster Leading Lions
Two staff members and three students from Monroe Elementary received the Beth Webster Leading Lion award for February. Read more about their contributions to Monroe Elementary’s Kindness Week here.
Several new policies introduced at February meeting
A host of new policies were given a first reading at the February meeting, including updates to cell phone usage and religious expression days for students. A summary of all new policies can be found here.
Upcoming Meetings
March 10, 2025 - Board of Education Work Session (4 PM)
March 17, 2025 - Board of Education Regular Meeting (5 PM Executive Session)