Community
Update

F	E	B	R	U	A	R	Y

2020

Table of Contents

Sylvania Schools............................ . 2

Mission, Vision & Values ..................... . 2

Superintendent’s Message .................. . 3

Our Schools ............................... .4

Division of Academic Affairs ................. . 6

Faculty & Staff .............................. . 7

Division of Operations ...................... . 8

District Financial Update .................... . 9

Department of Development and

Alumni Relations ........................... .10

Board of Education ......................... 11

2019-20 Academic Calendar ....... Back Cover

2020-21 Academic Calendar ....... Back Cover

Sylvania Schools

As a public school district educating students since 1841, Sylvania Schools has a long tradition of providing a quality education in our community. Families seek out and move
to Sylvania for the many opportunities our district provides. Sylvania Schools is a comprehensive K-12 program serving students through seven elementary, three junior high, and two high schools. Our rigorous course of study exceeds state and national standards. Beginning with preschool and

all-day kindergarten programs and culminating with college- level AP and on-campus career technical programs, our learning environment provides students with a broad set of experiences and opportunities. Throughout Sylvania Schools, students with unique needs, including physical and learning challenges as well as advanced cognitive gifts, enjoy a support system tailored to their needs.

Mission, Vision & Values

Our mission is
Preparing students to be life-long learners and engaged citizens.

Our mission is accomplished through prioritizing our core values of
Innovation, Diversity, Achievement,
Collaboration, Leadership, and Integrity.

Our values also support the district’s vision
To be an exceptional public school district that teaches and inspires students to contribute to society in meaningful
and compassionate ways.

2	COMMUNITY REPORT 2020

Superintendent’s Message

I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the district
as Superintendent for the 2019-2020 school year. Sylvania is an exceptional school district with
caring, dedicated, and talented staff members. As our students enter the hallways each morning, they are met with teachers and support staff who genuinely care about their well-being and ability to achieve their best.

The goals of the district continue to focus on student achievement, safety, security and mental health support.

Increase Academic Achievement for ALL Students Beyond daily instruction of the curriculum, we strive to pinpoint and focus on what is most necessary to increase each student’s potential for higher achievement. Student assessment data is used to target instructional strengths and weaknesses. Our Teaching & Learning Department continues to bring innovative learning materials and teaching approaches to the classroom. Specialized Professional Development for our staff creates a culture
that encourages creative ways to increase achievement and collaboration of those best practices.
All buildings, department and grade-level continuously review progress on their academic achievement goals.

Each works to implement intervention & enrichment plans to best support students at all levels.

Strengthening District-Wide Safety, Security & Mental
Health Support

Safety is always a top priority in our district. The district’s Safety and Security Committee has been meeting regularly for nine years. This group, comprised of educators, parents, community leaders, and representatives from our local fire department and law enforcement, meets each month. They review safety-related matters and make recommendations. In the last year, this committee secured grants for items
such as bus cameras, building entryway cameras, and professional development related to mental health. One key initiative that came from this group is the Raptor electronic visitor management system that is now in use at all twelve of our schools.

Thank you to our Sylvania Schools families and community. Our district is undoubtedly a wonderful environment for the young people in this community to be educated. We enjoy a tremendous amount of support from classroom
volunteers, parent clubs, community organizations, and our residents and businesses who support us financially.

Thank you,

Jane Spurgeon
Superintendent

COMMUNITY REPORT 2020	3

4 	COMMUNITY REPORT 2018

District Overview

• Over 7,800 students grades Preschool through grade 12

• 2nd largest school district in NW Ohio and 2nd largest employer in Sylvania
• Diverse Student Body - Sylvania Schools celebrates that every student brings a unique perspective, set of skills and background into the learning environment.
- Gifted 16% (over 1,200 students)
- EL (English Learners) 2%, (over 200 students)
- Students with Disabilities 12.9% (over 950 students)

• Sylvania Schools
- 12 School buildings - 2 high schools, 3 junior high schools, & 7 elementary schools, along with a preschool in 2 locations
• A combined high school enrollment at Northview and
Southview of over 2,400 students

Student Achievement

• 561 graduates of the Class of 2019
-  112 Summa Cum Laude
-  73 Magna Cum Laude
-  65 Cum Laude
-  149 National Honor Society Members
-  2 National Merit Finalists
-  3 National Merit Commended Scholars
-  28.7% earned Ohio Honors Diplomas
-  75% Students taking AP exam earned 3 or higher
-  94 President’s Education Award Recipients
-  Over 300 graduated with a concentration in a career technical pathway
-  68 AP Scholars
-  39 AP Scholars with Honor
-  55 AP Scholars with Distinction
-  7 National AP Scholars

• Our high schools both offer comprehensive college and career preparatory curriculum exceeding  state and national standards.
-  25 AP courses taught by Sylvania instructors
-  39 Honor courses offered
-  15 Career Technical Programs in areas as diverse as medical technology, financial management, engineering, cosmetology, computer science, visual communication  design, construction trades, theatrical performing arts, and more.
-  Distinguished Diploma Options - Global Studies Capstone Diploma, AP Capstone Diploma, Honors Diploma (Academic, Career Tech, STEM, Arts, Social Science & Civic Engagement) College Board AP Capstone Diploma
-  Newsweek Top 500 College Prep School
-  High Schools That work Platinum Award
-  US News & World Report Silver Award

Student Experiences Reach
Beyond the Classroom

75+ Extracurricular athletics, clubs, and activities some of which compete at state and national levels.
The opportunities for our high school students extends into many areas of interest.
SYLVANIA STUDENTS
-  build critical skill sets through leadership programs
-  develop hands-on career knowledge through
professional organizations
-  share their talent through artwork displays in the community
-  perform for their peers and the community through musical and theatrical performances.
-  sharpen writing, math, science and oratory skills through academic clubs
-  build perseverance through individual and team sports
-  elevate school pride through a variety of spirit clubs

-  provide assistance to peers through tutoring and mentoring
-  discover new pursuits through special interest clubs
-  provide service to the community through volunteerism
-  create their own path to a successful future

Community Focus
• Each year dozens of charitable donation drives and service projects are coordinated through our build- ings. These efforts help members in our community as well as students and families in our schools.
• Throughout the year, high school students are recognized through local service and community organizations for volunteerism and leadership.

• For the class of 2019, during their time in high school, they raised over $200,000 for local charities through initiatives such as the student-led school-wide events (Northview’s Dance Gold and Southview’s Dance for a Chance) involving hundreds of students.
• 2018-2019 high school students volunteered over

65,000 hours in our community.

COMMUNITY REPORT 2020	5

Division of
Academic Affairs

Administration

Assistant Superintendent of Academic Affairs
Tim Zieroff - tzieroff@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Teaching & Learning
Alex Clarkson - aclarkson@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Disability Services
Rose Gaiffe - rgaiffe@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Diversity
Chester Trail  - ctrail@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Student Data & Assessment
Julie Sanford - jsanford@sylvaniachools.org

Department of
Teaching & Learning

The Department of Teaching & Learning is focused on increasing achievement for all students pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Utilizing a combination of rigorous, college and career-ready standards and the integration of digital technology, we are committed to preparing students with the 21st-century skills needed to be successful in college and careers.

Our district supports a diverse program of studies that provides opportunities for students to grow and experience a wealth of topics and activities leading to college and career preparedness through exploration and concentration in the supporting disciplines of art, music, physical education/health, world language, career and technology, and special education services.

Department of Student
Data & Assessment

The Department of Student Data and Assessment provides district direction and support for the following educational areas: District Testing, Education Management Informa-
tion System (EMIS) Reporting, Federal Programming (Title
Grants), and Sylvania Virtual Academy.

Department of Diversity

The Department of Diversity provides guidance, support and information to our students and staff through classroom initiatives, diversity training for all staff, recruiting personnel, and assisting administrators at
the schools as needed. This department works closely diversity organizations at universities and across the region to increase minority interest in applying for
positions at Sylvania Schools.

Department of
Disability Services

The Department of Disability Services is committed to meeting the changing needs of students . We embrace the individual differences of our students and strive to help each student achieve academic and social success. Our department helps identify and provide services for
students with disabilities from preschool through age 22 in our Adult Transition programs.

Gifted And Talented
Education (G.A.T.E.)

Sylvania Schools provides gifted services and enrichment opportunities to students identified as gifted and talented. Students are identified for superior cognitive abilities and superior achievement in English, math, science, and social studies as well as other areas. Students at all levels grades
4-12 have the opportunity to challenge themselves with gifted opportunities provided by highly qualified teachers.

English  Learner  (EL) Program The purpose of the Sylvania English  Learner  (EL) program is to help EL students overcome linguistic and cultural
difficulties in order to assure that they receive an equitable educational opportunity.

While the services are individualized, the district follows guidelines and aligns with state standards to ensure all EL students progress toward an all-English setting.

6	COMMUNITY REPORT 2020

Faculty & Staff

Our outstanding faculty and staff provide an excellent education and K-12 experience for our students. Our teachers are valued as experts in education. They collaborate and innovate to meet the needs of our students and help them achieve their best. Beyond the classroom, teachers serve on committees within the buildings and across the district as well as advise student activities, service projects and lead professional development.

COMMUNITY REPORT 2020	7

Division of
Operations

Administration

Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Keith Limes - klimes@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Technology
Sheryl O’Shea - soshea@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Student Services
Bob Verhelst - bverhelst@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Transportation
Joe Beck  - joebeck@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Facilities
Alan Bacho - abacho@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Custodial Services
Dawn Watson - dwatson@sylvaniaschools.org

Director of Student Nutrition and Business Affairs
Joe Shamy – jshamy@sylvaniaschools.org

Department of Student
Services

Student Services is responsible for student registration and
the enrollment process for Pre K-12 across the district. Beyond enrollment, Student Services provides and monitors a variety
of ancillary programs for the staff, students, and parents such as the School Nurse Program, English as a Second Language (EL), court referrals for truancy and intervention/prevention with drugs/alcohol, and Homebound Instruction.

Department of Technology

The Technology Department supports technology needs across the district. Students and teachers rely on Chromebooks and the network for daily use. We continue to make great strides integrating technology district-wide and are excited to be providing our students with the tools they need to be successful in their future endeavors.

Department of Transportation Our transportation department transports over 4,200 students daily throughout our district as well as to many nonpublic schools. Our buses travel over 750,000 miles every year. The safety of our students is a top priority. The district contin-
ues improving efficiencies and standardizing processes to
increase punctuality, route accuracy, and communication.

Department of Student
Nutrition & Business Affairs

It is a priority in our district that students have nutritious meals available to them during the school day. Sylvania Schools commitment to safety is unwavering when it comes

to food allergies. Classrooms and our cafeterias are safe places for students with food allergies. In addition to
food service, this department coordinates with Facilities & Operations to implement efficiencies in many other areas such as purchasing and warehouse inventory.

Department of Custodial
Services

The mission of our custodial team is to provide a clean, orderly, safe, cost-effective, and instructionally supportive school environment that contributes to the school district’s mission of educating our children to meet the intellectual, physical, and emotional demands of a global community.

Department of Human
Resources

The Human Resources  Department manages all employment matters for the district. Sylvania Schools is the second-largest employer in Sylvania and offers a very competitive salary and benefit package. Open positions are listed on our website.

Department of Facilities

The Facilities department maintains and improves all 14 district facility buildings and grounds by providing a safe, clean, sustainable, and healthy environment. Among the staff’s responsibilities are building safety and security, indoor air quality, building design, construction, and remodeling. Permanent improvements, such as roof replacements and parking lot resurfacing, are coordinated by this department.

8 	COMMUNITY REPORT 2020

R	E	V	E	N	U	E	S

Real Estate Taxes                              60,176,443.00     63.27% Public Utility Personal Property     3,092,472.00       3.25% STATE FUNDS
Unrestricted and Restricted	19,843,844.00	20.86% Property Tax Allocation	7,216,690.00 	7.59% Other	 4,784,255.00 		5.03% Total Revenue	 95,113,704.00   100.00%

E	X	P	E	N	S	E	S

Wages                                           50,956,537.00     57.08% Benefits                                         21,736,822.00   24.35% Purchased Services                       8,884,544.00        9.91% Supplies and Materials                    3,884,417.00       4.35% Capital Outlay                                    141,822.00        0.16% Other                                                 3,711,511.00        4.16% Total Expenses                             89,275,653.00  100.00%

Beginning Balance	15,161,640.00	
Revenues	95,113,704.00	
Expenses	89,275,653.00	
Ending Balance	20,999,691.00	
Reservation for Encumbrances	330,856.00	

S	U	M	M	A	R	Y

Sylvania Schools received the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for the 2018-2019 fiscal year

Office
of the Treasurer

Treasurer / CFO Lisa Shanks – lshanks@sylvaniaschools.org

Executive Summary
Sylvania Schools is expected to maintain a balanced budget and sufficient cash reserves in fiscal year 2020. Both are es- sential components to long term fiscal health. Operating within a carefully developed fiscal spending plan is a districtwide commitment. Based on current projections, expenditures be- gin to outpace revenues in fiscal year 2022. With this in mind, it is necessary to continue proactively identifying ways to lower costs while maintaining valuable educational experiences for students. Postponing deficit spending will ultimately prolong the need to return to voters to approve a new levy.
The much anticipated state biennial budget was released in mid-July. Public schools were hopeful that key funding inequities would finally be addressed with the introduction
of a robust K-12 education budget. Unfortunately, meaningful funding reform was put on hold until greater consensus could be reached on the fairness and permanency of the funding model. The current budget provides additional funding for enrollment growth and wellness initiatives but freezes funding at 2019 levels for special education, transportation and career technical programs. Flat funding key educational components could prove costly should enrollment increase in fiscal years
2020 and 2021. The District’s financial success is contingent upon the commitment of legislatures to continue discussion in finding a fair school funding solution.

COMMUNITY REPORT 2020	9

Department of Development & Alumni Relations

Director of Development & Alumni Relations
James Hall - jhall@sylvaniaschools.org

Sylvania Schools Foundation

The Sylvania Schools Foundation is a growing organiza- tion that is the culmination of a merger between the former Sylvania Academic Excellence Foundation and the Sylvania Schools Athletic Association. Since the merger in the fall
of 2019, the Foundation has awarded over over $5,500 in teacher grants, $23,550 in Fitkin Memorial Staff Professional Development Scholarships, and $22,500 in student scholarships.
Sylvania Alumni Association The newly formed Sylvania Alumni Association will launch a robust website in 2020 allowing alumni to join as a member, professionally network, and reconnect with classmates. It is exciting that classes from Burhnam, Sylvania, Northview, and Southview will have this space to announce reunions and share their stories.

2019 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HALL OF FAME
Inducted March 2019

Tom R. Helberg  • Northview High School Class of 1977
Matt Kripke • Southview High School Class of 1986
Eric Kripke • Southview High School Class of 1992
Saumitra Thakur • Southview High School, Class of 2007

2019 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Inducted November 2019

Jeff Bunker - Volunteer, Southview High School, Jim
Glase Distinguished Service Award
Dan Creech - Soccer, Southview High School Class of 1990
Kara Jones Krohn - Swimming, Northview High School
Class of 1991
Joe Decker - Track, Football, Sylvania Class of 1971
Glen Gillespie - Athletic Director, Southview High
School
Tom Gillooly - Golf coach at Burnham and Sylvania
High School (Posthumously)
Dan Hartnett - Basketball, Baseball, Northview High
School class of 1984
Wilfried Hildebrandt - Wrestling, Burnham High School
Class of 1957
Rick Massie - Tennis, Sylvania High School Class of 1970
Jim Mayzes - Football Coach, Southview High School
Eric Steaple - Basketball, Northview High School Class of 1989
Donald Taylor - Wrestling, Sylvania High School Class of 1968 (Posthumously)

10    COMMUNITY REPORT 2020

Board of Education

VICKI DONOVAN-LYLE
Vicki Donovan Lyle began her first term as a Sylvania Board member in January 2004. Vicki runs her own benefits firm,
Lyle and Associates where she works with employers, Medicare beneficiaries and individuals to
secure health and ancillary insurance. She has over twenty years of experience in employee benefits and worked in the past as a paralegal in the area of labor and litigation. Ms. Lyle is a graduate of Bowling Green State University
with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She assists her husband, Denny, in coaching the Sylvania Southview Mock Trial
Team and serves on several district committees, including ACES. She was Sylvania Schools Educator of the Year for Community Volunteerism and is active within the schools. Vicki and Denny have two children, both graduates of Southview High School.

JULIE HOFFMAN
A graduate of Southview High School, Julie began her service on the Sylvania Board of Education
in 2010. She graduated from The University of Toledo with a B.A. in psychology. Later, she earned her Juris Doctorate from The University
of Toledo College of Law. Passionate about advocating for children, Julie is an attorney in private practice with a focus on family law and has spent much of her career working as a Guardian Ad Litem for abused and neglected children. She is the proud mother of two Northview graduates: Emily, who is currently attending law school at Case Western Reserve University, and Caity, who is at Capital University pursuing an
undergraduate degree in middle childhood education. Julie
is honored to serve the Sylvania community.

SHANNON SZYPERSKI
Prior to joining the Board in 2018, Shannon had a longstanding relationship with Sylvania Schools. A 1994 Northview  graduate, she also attended Maplewood and Arbor Hills. As a Sylvania Schools parent, she served seven years as
a parent organization officer, including terms as president of Sylvan Parent Organization, McCord Parent Organization, and Sylvania Schools Parent Organization. Shannon is married to Mike Szyperski, also a Northview graduate. They are currently raising three Sylvan/McCord/Southview students, Jack, Elaine, and Lucy. Professionally, Shannon is a copywriter who writes websites, brochures, scripts, and other copy for local, national, and global companies.  Personally, she is a dedicated lifelong learner with a passion for geography, technology, multimedia, social media, and community service.

RUSLAN SLUTSKY
Ruslan Slutsky began his service on the Sylvania Schools Board of Education in 2019. Ruslan is a professor of early childhood education in the Judith Herb College of Education at the University of Toledo. He is a
graduate of the Ohio State University and moved with his wife, Mindy, to Sylvania in 2001 to begin his career at UT. His children Jordan and Jacob are both graduates of Sylvan Elementary
and McCord Junior High. Jordan is presently a junior at Northview, and Jacob is beginning high school as a freshman at Southview.

GREG FELLER
Greg Feller began his service on the Sylvania Schools Board of Education in 2020. He is a graduate of Purdue University and moved with his wife,
Christine, to Sylvania in 2003. His three children currently attend

Sylvania Schools. Katie attends Southview and sons Ethan and Jack attend Central Trail. Professionally, Greg is a civil engineer specializing in real estate development and is owner/president of a civil engineering firm, Feller, Finch and Associates. Greg is currently on the Toledo Home Builders Association Board, SAJRD Board, and Sylvania Rec Board and was a past board member of Habitat for Humanity.

COMMUNITY REPORT 2020	11

2020 Sylvania Schools Academic Calendar

Mar. 5 ........................... 2 Hour Late Start K-12

Mar. 13 ............................ . End of 3rd Quarter

Mar. 23- Mar. 27 ......... Spring Break - No classes K-12

Mar. 30 .............................. . Classes Resume

Apr. 10 ............. . Schools Closed - No Classes K-12

May 12........................... 2 Hour Late Start K-12

May 25 ................ .Memorial Day - No classes K-12

May 26, 27, 28 ..................... 2nd Semester Exams

May 28 ..... End of 4th Quarter/ Last Day of School K-12

May 29 .................. End of Year Teacher Work Day

May 31............................... Commencement

Do you have a child starting
in our district for the 2020-2021 school year?

Enroll early to allow the school time to make appropriate staffing decisions. Enrollment is online through our web- site followed by a registration appointment at Student Services. Call Student Services at our administration building with any questions, 419-824-8581
Summer hours may vary at our buildings due to maintenance. Call ahead if you need to go to a school office before August 3.

2020-21 Sylvania Schools Academic Calendar 	

Aug. 11, 12..................... New Teacher Orientation Aug. 14 ....................... . Teacher In-service / PD Aug. 17 ............ Teacher Work Day - No classes K-12
Aug. 18 ..... First Day Grades 1-6 & 9 (Kindergarten Conf.)

Aug. 19 ................... .First Day Grades 7 & 8, 10-12 (Kindergarten Conf.)
Aug. 20, 21, 24 .............. Kindergarten Preview Days
(K students assigned to attend 1 of these days) Aug. 25............. First Day ALL Kindergarten Students Sept. 7 ................... .Labor Day - No classes K-12
Sept. 21 ... .Teacher Collaboration Day - No classes K-12

Oct.12 .............. In-service Teacher PD / OAPSE Day
No classes K-12

Oct.15 .......................... End of 1st Quarter K-12

Oct. 28 .......................... 2 Hour Late Start K-12

Nov. 2 ........... P/T Conferences K-5 - No classes K-5

Nov. 3 ......... .P/T Conferences K-12 - No classes K-12

Nov. 25, 26, 27 ..... Thanksgiving Break - No classes K-12

Dec. 15, 16, 17 ...................... 1st Semester Exams

Dec. 17 ....................... . End of 2nd Quarter K-12

Dec. 18 ................. Records Day - No classes K-12

Dec. 21-Jan. 1 ........... Winter Break - No classes K-12

Jan. 4 ............................... . Classes Resume

Jan. 18 ..................... MLK Day - No classes K-12

Feb. 5 ........... P/T Conferences 6-8 - No classes 6-8

Feb. 12 ..... Teacher  Collaboration PD - No classes K-12

Feb. 15 ............... President’s Day - No classes K-12

Mar. 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End  of 3rd Quarter K-12

Mar. 29 - Apr. 2 .......... Spring Break - No classes K-12

May 4 ........................... 2 Hour Late Start K-12

May 25, 26, 27 ..................... 2nd Semester Exams

May 27 ..... End of 4th Quarter/ Last Day of School K-12

May 28 .................. End of Year Teacher Work Day

Visit our website www.sylvaniaschools.org to learn more about our district.