School board takes up new state-driven policy changes
The Westerville City Schools Board of Education held first readings on seven policy changes at its Sept. 14 meeting, part of a larger group of 22 policies the district is reviewing after summer changes in state law.
The biggest item: a Student Athlete Mobility policy required under Senate Bill 276, which would let students take part in extracurriculars at another public high school when their own school doesn’t offer the activity—and it covers more than sports, including clubs like the chess club. Participation needs approval from both superintendents and isn’t automatic. The board also reviewed rules on access for designated youth membership organizations. More policy groups will come before the board at upcoming meetings.
The board’s post-meeting email reported approval of the district’s five-year forecast, revised appropriations for fiscal year 2027, collective bargaining agreements with OAPSE Locals 719 and 138, and administrative staff guidelines. The district welcomed a slate of new building aides, secretaries and clerks across its elementary schools and the Early Learning Center, and wished a happy retirement to Deborah Rosensteel, a math teacher at Westerville North High School.
Summer graduate recognized
The board congratulated Wilfredo Medina, a summer graduate of Westerville South High School.
On the calendar
The board holds a special meeting Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. at the Early Learning Center, 936 Eastwind Dr. — a work session on academic data and the district’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, plus an executive session on employment and compensation of public employees. No action is anticipated. The next regular board meeting is Monday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Early Learning Center.
From the district’s News & Announcements
All three high schools’ Black Student Union groups host a Unity Cookout fundraiser Wednesday, Sept. 30, 5–7 p.m. at Highlands Park, with live music, food, raffle prizes, and a basketball tournament. It’s part of an effort by the three BSUs to build a stronger sense of community among Black students across the district.
Westerville South Theatre Troupe 513 presents “Lost Girl” Oct. 2–4 — Kimberly Belflower’s play asking what happened to Wendy Darling after Neverland. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Oct. 2–3 and 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the school, 303 S. Otterbein Ave.
Students now in grades 8–11 can sign up for international education trips in summer 2028 — Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand and the Dominican Republic. An informational meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Westerville South media center; RSVP is required.
Heritage Middle School’s music department is selling Soapy Joe’s laundry detergent and fabric softener through Oct. 6 — five-gallon buckets for $49, with pickup at Heritage (390 N. Spring Rd) the week of Nov. 16.
McVay Elementary’s Hope Squad kicked off Start with Hello Week by delivering cheers and thank-you gifts to every adult in the building Thursday, part of a yearlong push so every Hope Squad member knows every trusted adult in the school.
Emerson and McVay elementaries closed the week with an Olympics Day on Friday — a PTA fundraiser for field trips and classroom activities, and an established tradition at Emerson but McVay’s inaugural event.
Retired teacher Jamie Yeater is back with the district after nearly 33 years in classrooms — now driving a school van. Yeater, who taught at Walnut Springs and Genoa and retired in May, is the first retired educator to return as a driver, joining six new transportation hires since August; another 40 drivers are in the hiring and training process.
Genoa Middle School art students wrapped a two-week graphic-novel project with artist-in-residence Jerzy Drozd on Friday. Funded by the Ohio Arts Council, the workshop in Juls Rathje’s classes ended with students printing and binding five copies of their novels; their comic panels will be exhibited at the Westerville Public Library’s Wizards and Wands Festival next month.
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