Featured in this Newsletter:

Message from the Superintendent
Dates to Remember
Curriculum Department Update: Honoring Our Teachers
Student Services Update: Celebrating Our Intervention Specialists
Save the Date: Middie Olympics - May 7
By-the-Numbers Financial Update: Why Cash Balance & Carryover Matter
In Case You Missed it on Social Media

Message from Superintendent Deborah Houser:

Each and every day, behind every smiling student, successful lesson, and moment of growth, there stands a Middletown City Schools staff member — a teacher, a bus driver, a custodian, a secretary, a counselor, a cafeteria worker, a paraprofessional, a principal — working to ensure our children have a safe, nurturing, and inspiring place to learn and grow.

They are the ones who greet our students with warmth on cold mornings, who offer a reassuring word before a big test, who notice when something seems “off” and take time to check in. They stay late to plan, show up early to prepare, and carry the weight of each child’s well-being with care and commitment. They create environments where children feel safe to take risks, to dream big, and to be exactly who they are.

These dedicated professionals are the heart of our schools. They are not just educators and employees — they are mentors, role models, caregivers, cheerleaders, and champions for our kids. During Staff Appreciation Week, May 5–9, we ask our entire community to join us in celebrating our Middie staff.

We invite you — our families, neighbors, and friends — to help us make this week extra special. Here are some simple and heartfelt ways you can show your appreciation:

Say Something Kind: A thoughtful word of thanks goes a long way. Tell a staff member how they’ve made a difference.

Send a Handwritten Note: Encourage your child to write a letter to a favorite school staff member or write one yourself — your words matter!

Small Acts of Kindness: Consider dropping off a flower, snack, or thank-you treat at your school’s front office to brighten someone’s day.

Public Shout-Outs: Post a photo or a kind message on social media using the hashtag #MiddieAppreciation. Let the world know how proud we are of our Middie staff.

Get Creative: Decorate sidewalks with chalk messages, surprise a staff member with student artwork, or organize a simple class thank-you project.

No gesture is too small to make someone feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

At Middletown City Schools, we believe in the power of community, and this is a moment for us to come together and lift up those who pour their hearts into our children day after day. They are often the unsung heroes, but we know how much they matter.

Let’s make this week a chorus of kindness, a celebration of service, and a reminder that in Middletown, we take care of one another, especially those who care for our kids.

#MiddieRising

Dates to Remember:

5/5 - 5/9 - Teacher Appreciation Week

5/6 - Remote Learning Day for K-6 students

5/7 - Middie Olympics, Middletown High School, 10 a.m.

5/21 - Class of 2025 Graduation, Barnitz Stadium, 7 p.m.

5/22 - Last Day of School

Curriculum Department Update: Honoring Our Teachers - A year of Dedication and Impact

As we approach Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s the perfect time to reflect on and celebrate the incredible dedication, creativity, and resilience of our educators throughout this school year. From the very first day, our teachers have gone above and beyond to provide engaging learning experiences, foster strong relationships with students, and adapt to the ever-changing needs of their classrooms and communities.

This year, our educators have demonstrated remarkable commitment—not just to academic excellence, but to nurturing the whole child. They have embraced innovation, collaborated across departments, and created safe, inclusive spaces where every student can thrive. One standout example is the overwhelming participation in Middie IMPACT, where staff came together in record numbers to lead and support sessions focused on instructional growth, student engagement, and professional learning. Whether leading project-based learning, piloting new instructional models, or supporting one another through challenges, our teachers continue to model what it means to be lifelong learners and leaders.

Teacher Appreciation Week gives us all a chance to say thank you—but our gratitude extends far beyond one week. We see you, we value you, and we are grateful every day for the heart, energy, and professionalism you bring to our schools. The Curriculum Department is proud to support such an inspiring team of educators. Thank you for all you do—for our students, our schools, and our community.

Student Services Update: Celebrating Our Intervention Specialists - Champions of Student Success

We are proud to recognize and celebrate the unwavering dedication of our intervention specialists—unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Intervention specialists play a vital role in identifying and addressing the unique learning needs of our students. Whether through small-group instruction, individualized education plans, or close collaboration with families and teachers, these educators go above and beyond every day. Their deep commitment to personalized learning makes a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.

We see their impact not just in academic progress, but in the confidence and resilience they help cultivate in students. Our intervention specialists are passionate advocates, creative problem-solvers, and caring mentors who enrich our school communities in countless ways.

As we celebrate their contributions, let’s extend our heartfelt gratitude to these exceptional educators. Their work reminds us that with the right support, every student can succeed.

Thank you, intervention specialists, for your compassion, perseverance, and transformative impact!

Save the Date: Middie Olympics – May 7, 2025!

Rain Date: May 13 | Location: Middletown High School

Opening Ceremonies begin at 10:00 AM

Join us for a day of celebration, inclusion, and inspiration at the annual Middie Olympics! This event honors the strength, spirit, and abilities of every student-athlete, reminding us that determination and heart are what truly define a champion.

From the festive Opening Ceremonies to the unforgettable moments on the field, the Middie Olympics showcases the power of community and the joy of participation.

All are welcome—family, friends, and community members—to cheer on our amazing students and be part of this uplifting day!

Mark your calendars and come be inspired!

By-the-Numbers Financial Update: Why Cash Balance & Carryover Matter for Middletown City Schools

The Ohio House recently passed House Bill 96, which includes a provision that could significantly affect school districts, including Middletown City Schools. It proposes limiting cash balances (also known as “carryovers”) to 30%, with penalties for exceeding that threshold. This could reduce funding for student programs or force early levy requests.

What is a Carryover?

A carryover is the money the district has on hand at the end of the fiscal year, used for daily expenses like staff salaries, utilities, bus fuel, and educational materials. It’s not surplus or savings—it’s the working cash needed to keep schools running.

Where Our Money Comes From

Middletown City Schools receives most of its funding from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, followed by local property taxes, and grants. Smaller amounts come from student fees.

How It’s Used

About 80% of our budget covers staff salaries and benefits. The rest funds operations like transportation, instructional supplies, and technology.

Why We Maintain a Carryover

Currently, Middletown City Schools holds a 138-day (38%) reserve, expected to drop to 110 days (31%) over five years. These funds are essential for:

Covering costs while waiting for semiannual tax revenue
Paying upfront for $15+ million in grants (which are reimbursed later)
Handling emergencies or spikes in costs without borrowing

This approach ensures financial stability and reduces the need for frequent levies.

The Risk of HB96

Capping carryovers at 30% could lead to funding cuts, levy pressure, or borrowing to cover basic operations. The district responsibly aims to maintain no more than 150 days (40%), and creates a plan to reduce the balance if it exceeds this target.

How You Can Help

We’re working with lawmakers to prevent this cap from becoming law on July 1, 2025. Your voice matters.

Contact Senator George Lang and ask him to protect public schools by opposing the carryover cap:

Contact Form
https://ohiosenate.gov/members/george-f-lang/contact
Phone: (614) 466-8072

Bottom Line:

A healthy carryover isn’t excess, it’s a tool to manage funding responsibly and keep Middletown City Schools strong. Help us protect our students and community by advocating for smart policy in Columbus.

In Case You Missed It on Social Media:

Dr. Donetrus G. Hill has been named the next principal of Middletown High School.

Dr. Hill brings over 15 years of experience as a high school administrator and most recently served as the Community Superintendent for Jeffco Public Schools in Golden, Colorado.

As principal, Dr. Hill will spearhead MHS’s ambitious redesign initiative—an integral component of the district’s broader effort to transform the high school experience.

Read about his excitement to join the Middie Family here.

Two Middletown Middle School students are advancing to the State Finals of the annual National Civics Bee.

Alyssa Miller earned a 3rd-place finish, while Melchizedek "Moosh" Thomas came in 5th place at the local competition in Lima, Ohio.

We look forward to cheering them on as they prepare to compete at the state level. Their success is a testament to the hard work of our students, the support of our educators, and the importance of civic education in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.