Milford Exempted Village Schools

History of Milford Schools

The Milford School District is very fortunate to have historians in the area who have taken the time to research and record the beginning of our public school system and follow its progress through the years. This section some of that history compiled by Joyce Snell in “Milford High School Centennial, A History of Milford Schools”. This document celebrated the history of Milford High School from 1883-1983. This section also recognizes the Milford Area Historical Society. In 2000, it published “Bridge to the Past”, the history of Milford. Included in it is a section about education and the Milford Schools. Many people put so much energy and effort into these important documents and we thank them for their willingness to share the vital information with Milford alumni. We attribute much of the following record to those publications.

In the 1800’s, Milford Schools had humble beginnings in log houses and other single room buildings. The public school went through a reorganization in 1867 when voters approved the first board of education and established Milford Union School. The community constructed an eight classroom school that included a high school. The newly organized high school graduated its first class in 1883. The Union School closed in 1913 when Milford Main School opened with a total student enrollment of 381.

In 1914, Milford High School issued its first yearbook. “The Mirror” is on file at the Promont Museum along with every other yearbook issue ever created. In 1919, the yearbook gained a new name, “DROFLIM”, which it continues to have to this day. The Milford Board declared its independence in 1917 when it passed a resolution that relieved the school of district supervision. At that point, the Milford Exempted Village School District was born.

Overcrowding was a problem for Milford Schools even in the 1920’s. The district solved the problem by housing students in temporary buildings or by reducing school to half-day sessions.

In 1923, Milford High School started a newspaper called the Hi-Letter. The name changed to the Reflector in 1933. The student publication has maintained that name all of these years.

During WWII, Milford High School students and staff did their part to contribute to the war effort. Some boys left school before graduation to join the military. The Milford Area Historical Society’s book on the history of Milford, “Bridge to the Past” recounts the following: “Students collected tin cans, scrap metal, paper and rubber, which were piled on the school ground for pickup by large tractor-trailer trucks. High school boys were released from school to help local farmers harvest their crops before frost. Girls knitted and rolled bandages. Defense stamps and bonds were sold in classrooms and ration books and stamps were distributed from the school.” The district experienced tremendous growth for the next several decades. James H. Fley became superintendent in 1952. Under his leadership, the district expanded from one K-12 school to many different buildings. The district also looked to neighboring school systems to find additional classroom space.

In the late fifties to early sixties, Ohio initiated a consolidation of school districts across the state. Milford merged with Miami Rural Schools and then Miamiville to become a larger district incorporating much of Miami Township. Before the consolidations, the district was five square miles. Today, the district covers 49 square miles and is responsible for 6,500 students.

In 1962, a new high school and Pleasant Hill Elementary, now called Seipelt Elementary, opened to provide much needed space for the growing district. Despite the new buildings, overcrowding continued to be a problem at the high school. The growth and transformation of the district continued for the next twenty years under the direction of Boyd E. Smith who served as superintendent from 1965 to 1985. The new Milford Junior High (current high school) opened in 1966. The district moved the ninth grade class to join grades 7-8 at the junior high. The high school handled grades 10-12.

For nearly twenty years, one man touched the lives of so many Milford graduates. Sidney Cutlip was principal of Milford High School from 1952 to 1971. He saw so many changes and proved to be an effective leader during a challenging time for the district.

Student shuffling continued into the 70’s as more families moved into the schools and the district struggled to find enough classroom space. In 1971, Milford Main became a middle school for sixth and seventh graders. Elementary grades were divided among the elementary schools while most kindergarten students attended classes in a variety of churches in the area.

In 1978, another bond issue was necessary for the construction of more schools. The plan called for the construction of Boyd E. Smith Elementary and renovations or additions to Main, Miami, as well as the high school and junior high. In 1980, renovation work began at the high school (current junior high). By 1987, the district needed more space at the high school level, so the decision was made to renovate the then junior high and convert it to the high school. The renovated high school on Eagles Way opened in 1989.

As you can tell from this historical perspective, growth and overcrowding has long been an issue of concern in the Milford School District. Fortunately, this community has been very supportive of the district and its mission to “provide an education of the highest quality, inspiring and empowering each student to be a life-long learner and contributing member of a diverse and ever-changing society”.

The growth has continued for this district. Four new elementary schools opened in 2003 and 2004. Enrollment increases also call for further improvements to the high school and junior high and additional space at the elementary level. Some Milford graduates chose the path of the Great Oaks Vocational system for their final years in high school. Live Oaks was completed in 1973. At the opening, the school offered a variety of agricultural, business, home economics, and industrial courses. Today, Live Oaks focuses on offering the most technologically advanced career education. The total program includes training in computer operations, employability skills, entrepeneurship, plus a solid foundation in core subjects.

The 2004 Milford High School commencement held special meaning for graduates because it marked the 15,000th graduate to earn a diploma from Milford High School. Janet Welker (‘38) and Gene Ansteatt (‘32) attended the ceremony to present a special plaque to Elena Fernandez (‘04) who was identified as the 15,000th Milford graduate.

Throughout the history of Milford High School, students have earned a quality education. Many have gone on to graduate from college; others have enjoyed successful careers right out of high school; and some raised their families in the Milford area and watched with pride as their own children and even grandchildren graduated from Milford High School. Today’s students continue to receive a challenging education from a faculty and staff that pushes each student to reach his or her fullest potential.

Milford students have achieved great success in the areas of academics, music, athletics, and performance art. Graduates also play a key role in benefiting their community by fulfilling volunteer service hours as a requirement for graduation. The Milford Board of Education recognizes the accomplishments of Milford graduates, past, present, and future. With the compilation of this alumni directory, the next logical step includes the establishment of a Milford Alumni Association. If you are interested in getting involved, call the Milford Board Office at 513-831-1314.

The Milford School District has implemented a Strategic Planning initiative which now guides the district in all aspects of operations. The District in recent years has reached the level of Effective and Excellent in the State Local Report Card which grades school districts across the state based on test scores, attendance, and graduation. Milford also is proud of the accomplishments of the Partners in Education program. It continues to build on its reputation as a “Best Practice” in the State of Ohio. More than 120 business partners contribute their time and expertise to help our students in the classroom. Students benefit by seeing how classroom lessons relate to the business world. Partners see the abilities and potential of the younger generation. Alumni are encouraged to seek out more information about this program to get involved.

One of the most successful activities through the years at Milford High School has been the band program. Student musicians achieved numerous accomplishments through marching band competitions across the country. The band took first place in Music Bowl I in 1979. That same band led the parade at Walt Disney World in Florida. Ron Levi demanded high expectations during his years as band director from 1973 to 2002. The success continued with the 2003-2004 band season when the marching band came in 2nd in the Bands of America competition in Massillon, Ohio.

Milford established itself as a baseball powerhouse with back to back seasons of reaching the State Finals in Division I baseball. The 2002 and 2003 teams thrilled the school and entire community with their competitive battles and state runner-up titles.