At the heart of every great public school is a teacher who believes in their students, a staff member who makes a child feel seen, and a community that wraps around its schools to help them thrive. Every day, I see firsthand the dedication, passion, and hard work that make Middletown City Schools so special. I see teachers sparking curiosity, encouraging children to think big, and never giving up on a student who needs extra support. I see staff members creating safe, welcoming spaces where ALL students can learn and grow. And, I see students rising to meet challenges, discovering their strengths, and preparing to take on the world.

Public Schools Week (February 24-28) is a time to celebrate everything that makes our schools such a powerful force in the lives of our children. This week, I invite you—our teachers, families, staff, and community partners—to help tell the story of public education. Share a moment that made you proud, a story of a student’s success, or a teacher who changed the course of a child’s life. Whether it’s a social media post, a conversation with a friend, or a simple “thank you” to an educator, your words matter. They remind the world of the incredible work happening in our schools every day.

Education isn’t just about lessons and test scores—it’s about the relationships we build, the confidence we instill, and the futures we help shape. Public education is worth celebrating, not just this week, but always. So let’s lift up our schools, our students, and the people who make a difference. I can’t wait to see the stories you share!

#MiddieRising

Middletown City Schools is searching for a visionary leader to serve as the next Middletown High School Principal—someone who will lead innovation and drive our High School Redesign Project forward.

This is a unique opportunity to redefine and reshape the high school experience for a new era while continuing to focus on student success and academic achievement.



We value your input! Please take a few moments to share your thoughts on the qualities, skills, and priorities you believe are most important in our next principal.

Ohio’s Biennium Operating Budget HB96: Key Funding Provisions & Impact on Middletown City Schools:

The FY26-FY27 Ohio Biennium Operating Budget, House Bill 96 (HB96), outlines significant changes to state education funding. As introduced, HB96 continues implementing the final phase of the “Fair Funding” Model, with 83% funding in FY26 and full implementation by FY27. The budget utilizes updated local capacity data, including property values and household incomes, but does not adjust base cost inputs, keeping them at FY22 levels.

Key Funding Provisions in HB96:

• Maintains the three guarantees: Temporary Transitional Aid (FY20), Formula Transitional Supplement (FY21), and Transportation (FY20).
• Begins a phased reduction of the guarantee by 5% per year starting in FY26.
• Incorporates updated local capacity measures without adjusting base cost inputs.

First Budget Simulation for Middletown City Schools

The initial simulation of HB96 funding for Middletown City Schools reveals both challenges and opportunities:

• Traditional Public Schools face a funding decline due to updated capacity and enrollment figures, stagnant base costs despite inflation, and annual reductions in guarantees.
• State Share Base Cost funding is projected to decline from $4.62 billion in FY25 to $3.81 billion in FY27, a 17.5% decrease.
• Special Education Additional Aid declines by 9.4% in FY26 and 8.5% in FY27.
• Funding for Gifted, English Learners, and Career-Technical Education is also set to decrease.
• Transportation Aid increases, but the transportation guarantee is being phased out.
• Community and STEM School Funding sees an increase of 11.81%.
• Joint Vocational School District (JVSD) Funding grows by 14.48%.
• Scholarship (Voucher) programs receive a funding boost of 8.2% in FY26 and 7.6% in FY27.

Additional Budget Impacts:

• Preschool Special Education Funding sees a modest increase of 1.46% from FY25 to FY27.
• Special Education Transportation receives a significant boost, with funding rising by 28.1% in FY26 and 10.1% in FY27.
• Total State Spending for PreK-12 Education increases slightly by 1.9% in FY26 and 1.4% in FY27.

What This Means Moving Forward

While the preliminary simulation suggests that HB96 may offer some financial benefits, it is important to exercise caution. The figures presented in this initial projection are subject to change as the budget undergoes further revisions. The final biennium budget will likely be adjusted multiple times before reaching its final version.

As we continue monitoring HB96’s progression, we remain committed to advocating for funding that supports the needs of all students within Middletown City Schools. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

After more than three decades of service to Middletown City Schools, Middletown High School Principal Carmela Cotter will retire at the end of the school year.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Ms. Cotter for her years of service, leadership, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Middletown.

Read more about her incredible journey here.

Chef Lester Gates, Middie alum, and owner of Invoke in Dayton made a special visit to Ms. Baker's class at Mayfield Elementary - and brought his signature Car-Dawg with him.

Chef Gates is competing on season 2 of Top Vegan, an all-vegan competitive cooking reality series filmed in Columbus, where he's battling for the title of "Top Vegan" and a $20,000 grand prize.

See more photos here.