With colder weather on the horizon, we want to explain the careful process behind deciding if Middletown City School District will delay or close schools. We shared this on our Facebook account at the beginning of December but want to share again in case it was missed.

Please be aware that deciding on a delay or closure is a lengthy, thoughtful process that begins well before the final decision is made. That includes the amount of precipitation, snow accumulation, and road conditions. Before 5:00 am, our Director of Business Operations and Maintenance Crews drive through the district to assess the conditions of main roads, side streets, school parking lots, and sidewalks. The Director of Business Operations also keeps a close eye on the National Weather Service outlook and multiple weather forecasts. Our Director of Business Operations consults with the Superintendent to make a joint decision based on the conditions and information available.

Each storm is different, and there is no exact science to predict how the weather will develop or how it will impact our buses, roads, and school operations. We always make the safest and most informed decision for our students, families, and staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate unpredictable winter conditions. A decision to delay or cancel school for snow will typically be made by 5:00 am.

To communicate a delay or school closing, we will use:

• One Call Now Automated Phone Calls
• Our Webpage (www.middletowncityschools.com)
• Official District Social Media Accounts (Facebook and Instagram)
• Local Cincinnati and Dayton News Stations (you can tune in on the tv station or download the app of the local stations)

As a reminder, a 2-hour delay means:

Middletown High School starts at 9:15 AM.

Middletown Middle School, Central Academy, Miller Ridge start at 10:05 AM.

Amanda, Creekview, Mayfield, Rosa Parks and Wildwood Elementary Schools will start at 10:50 AM.

AM Preschool classes are canceled during a two-hour delay.

If you are a parent/guardian and are not receiving the notification calls, please reach out to your school secretary with the name/grade of your student and the number you would like on file for calls. This will help get you on the correct individual school call list as well as the general call list.

Please note, this will take time to get updated in the system, but then you should receive calls. 

Christmas For All Brings Joy, Inclusion, and Community to MHS

The holiday spirit was alive and well at Middletown High School on December 16 during our annual Christmas For All celebration! Students from across the district gathered at MHS for a day filled with joy, inclusion, and community—creating memories that will last long after the season ends.

From the moment students arrived, the rooms were filled with energy and excitement. The celebration included dancing, crafts, cookie decorating, games, and a special visit and photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Students also received festive goodie bags to take home—one more way to help the magic of the day continue beyond the event.

A delicious meal added to the celebration, with students enjoying a catered lunch prepared by Chef Jerry and his team, including the crowd-favorite mac and cheese side dish. Staff in attendance were also treated to Chick-fil-A, generously donated by Berachah Church, helping everyone feel appreciated while supporting the event.

We are grateful for the support of our partners at MidPointe Library, the Middletown Division of Police, Middletown Firefighters, Berachah Church, Team Fastrax, Milton’s Donuts, and the MHS Hope Squad for their time, support, and generosity. Through your shared gifts of time, talents, and donations, this day was truly unforgettable.

We also want to recognize the incredible planning and care that made this celebration possible. Thank you to the Student Services Department and our dedicated staff members who organized, supervised, and supported students throughout the day. Seeing our students with diverse learning needs smiling, celebrating, and connecting with peers is truly priceless.

Christmas For All is a beautiful reminder of what makes Middletown special: a community that shows up, supports one another, and celebrates every student. Thank you to everyone who helped create such a meaningful day and for continuing to model the true spirit of the holidays—joy, togetherness, and community.

Property Tax Changes Could Reduce Future Funding for Middletown City Schools

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently signed two new laws — House Bill 129 and House Bill 186 — that change how school districts receive money from local property taxes.

In simple terms, these laws limit how much school districts can collect from certain property taxes when property values increase. That means even if property values rise, school funding may not rise at the same rate.

According to financial estimates prepared by the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC), the combined impact of these changes could reduce Middletown City Schools’ revenue by approximately:

• $2,777,305 in tax year 2026
• $2,882,604 in tax year 2027

That equals about 6.45% of the district’s projected state revenue each year.

These reductions are not expected to be a one-time adjustment. Instead, they represent an ongoing change in how school funding grows over time. If these projections hold, it could affect the district’s ability to keep up with rising costs and continue current staffing levels, programs, and long-term financial planning without additional local revenue.

District leadership will continue to monitor the implementation of these laws and will incorporate any changes into future financial forecasting. Middletown City Schools remains committed to transparency, responsible stewardship of public funds, and advocating for stable, predictable school funding.