I am thrilled to share some outstanding news! Amanda Elementary, Creekview Elementary, and Wildwood Elementary have been recognized with the State of Ohio’s Momentum Award for their exceptional academic growth. This prestigious award highlights schools that have exceeded expectations in student progress, demonstrating significant academic improvement. Congratulations to the students, staff, and families of these schools for their dedication and hard work in making this achievement possible!

The momentum doesn’t stop there! We continue to see remarkable progress across Middletown City Schools. Our teachers and staff are committed to providing engaging and rigorous learning experiences that help all students reach their full potential. Whether it’s through our expanded career pathways, innovative instructional strategies, or strong community partnerships, MCSD is moving forward with purpose.

As we celebrate these successes, I encourage everyone to take time to relax and recharge over Spring Break. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with family and friends, enjoy the warmer weather, and return refreshed for the final stretch of the school year.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools. Together, we are building a brighter future for every child in Middletown.

Enjoy your break!

#MiddieRising

In March, House Finance Chair Rep. Stewart introduced Ohio’s biennial operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Spanning more than 4,000 pages, the bill has drawn significant attention and testimony before the House Education Committee. Why so much interest? Governor DeWine’s proposed budget includes funding simulations that reflect notable shifts across Ohio’s K–12 education landscape:

• Community and STEM schools are projected to receive an 11.8% funding increase.
• Joint Vocational Schools could see a 14.5% increase.
• Ohio’s Scholarship (Voucher) Programs are set to grow by 8.2% next school year, with an additional 7.6% increase the following year.
• Traditional public schools, which serve approximately 90% of Ohio’s students, are facing multiple funding cuts: 
• The state share of base costs is expected to drop 17.5% over the next two years.
• Special Education additional aid will decrease by 9.4% in year one and 8.5% in year two.
• Gifted education, English learner services, and career-tech programs for traditional districts are also set to receive less funding.
• While transportation aid will increase, the transportation guarantee is slated to be eliminated.

These numbers make it clear: while some student groups will benefit from increased state support, the majority of Ohio's schoolchildren—those in traditional public schools—may experience the negative effects of reduced funding under this proposal.

Understanding how Ohio’s budget is finalized helps clarify where we are in the process and what comes next. The state budget process includes four key phases:

1. Governor’s Proposal: We are currently in this first phase, where the Governor presents the initial version of the budget.
2. House Deliberations: The House of Representatives gathers testimony from citizens and stakeholders. They then revise the bill and pass their version, which is forwarded to the Senate.
3. Senate Review: The Senate holds hearings, considers public input, and makes its own revisions. If passed, the revised bill is sent back to the House.
4. Conference Committee: If the House and Senate disagree on the final version, a joint conference committee works out the differences to reach a compromise. Once both chambers approve it, the bill is sent to the Governor. The Governor has the authority to issue line-item vetoes before signing it into law.

There’s still a long road ahead in the legislative process. My hope is that our state leaders will ultimately support a budget that strengthens funding for all K–12 students across Ohio. I’ll continue to monitor developments closely and will provide updates in future newsletters—especially as we learn more about the specific impact on Middletown City Schools.

The Middletown High School Hope Squad spread kindness and encouragement with its "Hope Floats" initiative—serving up root beer floats and uplifting spirits!

Thanks to a $1,000 grant from bi3 and The Joe Burrow Foundation, our Hope Squad reminded students that hope isn’t just for today—it floats every day!

See more photos here.

Congratulations to Ava, a third grader from Wildwood Elementary, for taking home the top prize at the Future Chefs Challenge 2025 with her Bourbon Chicken with Rice recipe!

A huge round of applause to all of the incredible finalists who wowed us with their creativity and culinary skills. You are all winners in our eyes! 

Thank you to the guest judges for lending their taste buds and to everyone who came out to cheer on our young chefs.

See more photos here.

Read how Dr. Chris Urso has been at the helm of the Middletown City School District Board of Education for nearly a decade.

Read how Gary the Lion from FC Cincinnati paid a special visit to Wildwood Elementary after the school won the Orange and Blue Day social media challenge hosted by the club and Stay in the Game!