Dear Reynoldsburg City Schools' Families,

We have been back in school for almost five weeks. I have enjoyed greeting returning staff and learning about those new to Reynoldsburg City Schools. Fall and the beginning of a new school year are my favorite times. September and the beginning of a new school is an opportunity to create new relationships and learn new things. 

There are two items I wish to elaborate further on in this message.

First, I want to remind parents and students that school safety is very important. Please review the student code of conduct with your child. RPD investigates all threatening comments or information that suggests students have contraband, such as drugs or weapons. The District will send messages via email, text and phone call if a building is placed on Limited Mobility or Lockdown, in combination with an RPD investigation. 

Additionally, if a student is found to have prohibited items or makes threats, schools will follow district policies and procedures, which may result in discipline, including suspension or expulsion.  School safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you see something, say something. 

The next item is the 6.65 mill emergency levy RCS has on the ballot. In August, Treasurer Latham explained that over 70% of our District's budget is spent on salaries and personnel benefits. She described how the District's demographics have changed in the last several years. Since 2021, there has been a 22% increase in English Learner students and a 19% increase in students identified with a disability. Additionally, our recently released State Report Card indicates the District must focus on improving student reading, writing, and mathematics skills.

Our community has asked what will happen if the levy does not pass. I take the District's fiscal responsibility seriously, and decisions will be made after careful review and discussion with the Board of Education and District Leaders and input from the community.  

Programs and services to possibly be reduced or modified include: 

• Sports, extracurricular programs, and clubs

• Elective course offerings include BalletMet, foreign languages, and Project Lead the Way. 

• Assistant principals at the elementary school level

• Professional development for teachers, principals, and support staff to improve academics 

• Safety and Security measures with existing personnel

• Continuation of radon testing and mitigation plans

• Upholding the District Facilities Preventative Maintenance Plan

• The $19M for asset replacement, such as roofing repair and replacement, parking lot repairs, HVAC replacement, and replacement/repair of playgrounds and athletic fields throughout the District

These are just a few possible areas to be impacted if the levy does not pass. I hope that we do not scare our teachers and staff with this information but that the community uses it to inform decisions. If you have additional questions, please contact my office by emailing me at [email protected] or calling us at (614) 501-1020. Finally, I invite the public to attend a special board meeting on October 2 at 5 PM. District staff will present information on the implications of the levy not passing and possible reductions in expenditures. Please also consider visiting our levy page to view FAQs, learn about upcoming discussions and more.