Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of what happened at October 13th's Board of Education Meeting. Below are brief summaries of the most significant discussions. For those interested in the full details, we've included links to longer articles where appropriate.
Financial Forecast: No Levy Expected Until 2028
Treasurer TJ Cusick presented the district's updated financial forecast, showing Worthington Schools remains in strong financial shape through 2030, despite losing approximately $1 million per year in state funding. The state chose not to increase the "base cost inputs" in the school funding formula, and Worthington now receives just $809 per student from the state—down from $1,600 per student not long ago. Thanks to the $48 million the district set aside in a capital reserve fund, a levy discussion isn't expected until fall 2028. However, Cusick expressed concern about rising health insurance costs and noted several uncertainties ahead, including potential changes to property tax laws and federal funding.
Policy Updates: Cell Phones, Driver's Ed, and Religious Instruction
The board conducted a first reading of multiple policy updates to align with new state laws. The most discussion centered on refining the district's cell phone policy for consistency and clarity across grade levels, including removing redundant language about recording prohibitions. The board also reviewed updates to attendance policies that now allow students to miss school for driver's education courses, and updates to religious instruction release time policies that now extend through high school. These policies will return for a second reading and potential approval at an upcoming meeting.
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"Vibe Check" Student Voice Program Launches to Enthusiastic Response
A new student engagement initiative called "Vibe Check" is generating buzz among board members who attended the first sessions at both high schools. Led by Director of School Community Engagement Toya Spencer, the program brings together the same student leaders throughout the year for ongoing conversations about topics that matter to them. At Thomas, students discussed mental health and time management. At Kilbourne, the first session occurred shortly after a security incident, providing valuable student feedback. Board members were particularly impressed by students' readiness to tackle difficult conversations and their desire to hear from peers rather than just adults on challenging topics.
In Other News
Superintendent's Report: The district is focusing on improving the transition from elementary to middle school math (from Stepping Stones to CPM curriculum), with work centered on four key areas: defining rigorous instruction, aligning standards, reviewing math extensions, and examining the middle school ASSIST structure for intervention opportunities. Parent mentor Shannon Daily has been appointed to the state advisory panel for exceptional children. The district is engaging a third-party firm to conduct a comprehensive communications audit to improve internal and external communications.
Professional Development: Friday, October 17 is a no-school day for students, with all support staff participating in the annual Educational Support Professional Development Day. Additionally, a Professional Learning Day is scheduled for November 4, focusing on integrating high-impact strategies and the Portrait of a Learner framework, with multiple sessions including AI and Magic School training.
Upcoming Events: The State of the Schools event is scheduled for March 5, 2026. Ribbon cuttings are planned for 2026 at the Thomas and Kilbourne auditoriums as construction projects near completion.
Board Actions: The board approved the financial forecast, appropriations modifications, minutes from the September 22 meeting, donations, a bike pavilion agreement with Trailgators Bike Association and ODNR, and various personnel items. The board also approved continued enrollment of a Thomas Worthington senior at Thomas Worthington (a policy board members said always makes them smile).
Upcoming Board Meetings
- Monday, October 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM
- Monday, November 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Thanks for reading this summary of the Board of Education Meeting. You can watch the original full video here