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The Wyoming School Foundation (WSF) has earned the 2024 Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA) Literacy Leader Award. The OELMA Literacy Leader Award recognizes community organizations for exemplary support of literacy that reinforces student learning.

"The Wyoming School Foundation has supported many literacy events and programs," said Wyoming High School Media Specialist Amanda Bimonte. "It provides grants that support our schools in various ways. Each summer, our high school has a Summer Big Read and WSF funds the purchase of 100 books that are intended for students who may have financial difficulties in obtaining a copy."

"Additionally, when we host author visits, the WSF purchases a copy of a book for each student who attends the author visit to ensure each student receives a signed copy of the book," said Mrs. Bimonte. "Additionally, the WSF purchases books to supplement curriculum projects between our library and classroom teachers. For example, I worked with the Advanced Placement Psychology teacher to design a literature circle unit on nonfiction graphic novels that connect the content of psychology to real peoples' experiences. The WFS purchased a class set of three different titles. Without their support, our students would miss out on many opportunities that deepen their understanding and increase their awareness."

The Wyoming School Foundation will be recognized at the 2024 OELMA Conference and Awards Ceremony in October.

At the August 2024 PSA Kickoff Meeting, PSA members approved more than $135,000 in disbursements for our schools during the 2024-2025 school year!

This extraordinary level of funding provides enrichment opportunities and extensions of the Wyoming student experience inside and outside of the classroom, including field trips, club and activity support, student functions, club and classroom tangibles, and more!

Learn more about the Wyoming Parent School Association (PSA) at https://wyomingpsa.wordpress.com/

Thank you, Wyoming Parent School Association (PSA)!

With the start of the school year, we're welcoming new staff members to Wyoming City Schools! Please say hello when you see our new school community members:

Kyra Cook Kindergarten Teacher Vermont School	Kara Garrod English Long-Term Substitute Wyoming High School
Leah Graf Kindergarten & Title 1 Teacher Hilltop School	Ian Klingler Science Teacher Wyoming High School
Lauren Mahoney Counselor Wyoming Middle School	Deanna McHenry Counselor Wyoming Middle School
Sarah McMullen Assistant Principal Wyoming High School	Rachel Monahan Administrative Assistant Vermont School
Anita Nixon Educational Aide Wyoming Middle School	Sara Potts Music Teacher Wyoming Middle School
Crisa Rogers Educational Aide Wyoming Middle School	Abigail Russell Intervention Specialist Wyoming High School
Samantha Ryan Grade 4 Teacher Vermont School	Ericka Simmons Assistant Superintendent Wyoming City Schools
Theo Smith Educational Aide Hilltop School	Kaylee Steckel Interventional Specialist Wyoming Middle School
Michael Voynovich Principal Wyoming High School	Maria Zarick Speech Language Pathologist Hilltop School

Learn more at Community Forum #4 on Tuesday, September 3 at Wyoming High School

The 7.98 mill bond issue will raise $72.5 million for the new construction of three new K-4 primary schools on the sites of the current primary schools. A 7.98 mill levy would normally increase taxes by $279.21 annually for each $100,000 of market home value.

• However, through the district’s strong fiscal stewardship, the current Wyoming High School bond levy is being paid off three years early, decreasing taxes by $117.60 annually for each $100,000 of market home value at the end of 2024 and removing 3.36 mills from the community’s residential taxes.
• The overall net impact on taxes with passage of the bond levy is an increase of $161.61 annually for each $100,000 of market value (4.62 mills). For example: If your home is valued at $400,000 on the Hamilton County Auditor’s Website, passage of the bond issue will add $646.68 annually to your tax bill, or $53.90 per month.

The school district has been studying and discussing how to address building improvements and the educational needs of our primary students since 2021. These discussions brought forth a series of concepts for consideration centered on updates and improvements for the school facilities and the design of spaces to meet the program needs for students now and in the future. 

The Board has actively reached out to residents in their work to define a concept that will meet the educational needs of students and reflects the priorities the community supports. Hundreds of residents have participated in this process. Community meetings and forums have been held and a statistically-representative survey was conducted in March 2024. In data provided by the statistically-representative survey of the community, the Board saw overwhelming support for the construction of three new K-4 schools on the sites of the current primary schools.

“We are excited about the opportunity to replace our more than 65-year-old primary school buildings with new schools that offer additional and expanded instructional spaces, improved safety and accessibility, modern technology, and so much more,” said Board of Education President Jeanie Zoller.

WYOMING PRIMARY FACILITIES MASTER PLAN

The Wyoming Primary Schools Master Plan calls for three new K-4 schools: 

• A new 35,150-square-foot Elm School on the current site with an expanded footprint.
• A new 50,000-square-foot Hilltop School on the current site with an expanded footprint.
• A new 35,150-square-foot Vermont School on the current site with an expanded footprint.

Each new school includes a secure entry vestibule; updated safety features; improved accessibility; larger classrooms; additional classrooms and space for gifted education, special education, and intervention; spaces for art and music; adequate gym space; and expanded kitchens and student dining areas. The project will incorporate sustainable design and cost effective strategies which could include such things as daylighting; rainwater management; water use reduction; high-performing building systems, construction, and demolition waste management specifying materials with high recycled content; and improved indoor air quality.

It is important to note that the actual design cannot begin until after the outcome of the November 5 election, so these are concepts/ideas of what the district would like to be included in the final design. If the bond issue passes in November, there will be a process in place for stakeholders to provide input into the design elements.

MASTER PLANNING PROCESS

Approved by the Board of Education, the plan reflects the work of the 38-member Primary Facilities Steering Committee and extensive community feedback gathered through the use of community meetings and forums, online forms, a statistically-representative community survey, and more. More information about the Wyoming Primary Facilities Master Planning Process is available at: https://wyomingcityschoolsorg.finalsite.com/wcsfor-community/wps-facilities.

DRAFT PROJECT SCHEDULE

If the ballot issue passes, the draft project schedule includes:

• January-December 2025: Hilltop School Design Phase 
• January 2026-July 2027:
  • Elm School & Vermont School Design Phase
  • Hilltop School Construction - Hilltop students in temporary school at WHS 
• August 2027: *Hilltop School opens*
• July 2027-December 2028:
  • Vermont School Construction - Vermont students in temporary school at WHS
  • Elm School Construction - Elm students in temporary school at WMS 
• January 2029: *Elm School & Vermont School open*

The Wyoming Primary Facilities Master Planning Community Forum #4 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, at Wyoming High School. The community forum will include information about:

• The Wyoming Primary Facilities Master Plan
• Conceptual building plans
• Bond levy information

At the June 7, 2024, Wyoming City Schools Board of Education meeting, Ericka Simmons was named the next Assistant Superintendent of Wyoming City Schools.

“Mrs. Simmons brings impressive experience and a track record of successful educational leadership with a focus on student development and the implementation of innovative educational strategies,” said Superintendent Tim Weber. 

Mrs. Simmons brings 32 years of education experience to Wyoming City Schools. She is currently the Principal of Mariemont Elementary School and Mariemont City Schools Director of Equity and Inclusion. Previously, she served as a Principal in the Lakota Local School District and Winton Woods City Schools and taught in Winton Woods and Sycamore Community Schools. In addition to her expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, Mrs. Simmons has a proven history of collaborative relationship building and promoting positive school climates.

“I firmly believe that prioritizing student needs in decision-making processes is fundamental to the success of both individual schools and the district as a whole,” said Mrs. Simmons. “I’m very excited to contribute to the continued success of Wyoming City Schools.”

Mrs. Simmons attended Miami University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Mathematics Education. She has a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from the University of Cincinnati and is currently in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Miami University.

Mrs. Simmons was selected from a talented candidate pool in a competitive process that included input and participation from staff and community members. Her contract will begin August 1, 2024, with up to 15 paid transition days prior to the start of the contract. 

Current Wyoming City Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ashley Whitely is leaving to become the Superintendent of Lakota Local School District. We thank her for her leadership and dedication to the students, staff, and families of Wyoming City Schools and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors!