Orrville City Schools usher in new year
The Back to School Bash at Orrville was a chance to introduce the fall sports teams to the community and to hear the Orrville High School band.
The Orrville City School District is kicking off the school year with new leadership and a fresh perspective, and the district hosted open houses for all three schools and a Back to School Bash. The events were opportunities for students and parents to tour the schools and meet classroom teachers, and the event also was a chance to introduce the fall sports teams to the community and to hear the Orrville High School band.
The district’s new leadership includes Dr. David Toth, who was hired by the school board last spring after longtime Superintendent Jon Ritchie resigned. Toth comes to the district from Crestwood Local School District, where he served as a superintendent.
In addition to Toth, Jay Bishop, previously an administrator with the Streetsboro City Schools, was hired as the new assistant superintendent, and Andrew Brenner, who was previously assistant principal at Medina High School, is the new principal at Orrville High.
New leadership has brought changes in approach and a new perspective to the district. Toth has an active Instagram account for the district that highlights different aspects of the schools, from the fine arts and sports to other programs within the district. He also sends out an email information page each week.
The new superintendent also has been communicative about trying to tackle the bullying issues with which every school has to contend.
“With the start of the new school year upon us, I want to take this opportunity to restate the fundamental principles that govern our school community: safety, respect and kindness,” Toth said.
He elaborated on each of these values. “Small acts of kindness can foster and support an inviting atmosphere. Our schools will not tolerate bullying in any form. Every student deserves to feel safe, cherished and respected: This is our goal,” Toth said.
The district also is encouraging both parents and students to help the schools limit cellphone usage during school time, which is part of compliance with the new Ohio law that requires districts to adopt a cellphone policy by July 1, 2025. The goal of the statewide policy is to eliminate phone usage during the school day. Students should be prepared to put phones away while at school this year.
The district also is embarking on a campaign for passage of a 3.25 mill, 10-year emergency renewal levy that will be on the ballot on Nov. 5. The renewal levy is not a new tax.
“The levy will not increase the tax bill as your home and business appraisal increases; it is a set amount,” Toth said, “meaning it will not increase your taxes now or ever.”
The money for the levy will be used for the continued operation of the school. Toth said the term emergency renewal can create the impression there is an emergency, but the term means the levy amount never changes. The millage drops as the appraised value increases, therefore keeping the levy amount steady.
For more information about the levy or the district, follow Toth (@orrvillesupt) on Instagram. The district also has a Facebook page and can be found at Orrville City School District. Additional information about the district can be found at www.orrville.k12.oh.us.