Board Meeting Recap - June 19

Recognition & Awards

  • Junior High Athletics featured special recognitions for standout track and field athletes:

    • Lilah Cosgrove: ECC Champion in both the long jump and 200m hurdles; placed 21st at the state meet.

    • 4x400 Relay Team (Camden Barbro, Liam Kegley, Luke Morgan, Logan Wiesner): State Champions with a record-setting time of 3:41.7—the first athletic state title in Milford Junior High School history.

  • Misty Goetz, Junior High Principal, was named the OASSA Zone 2 Middle School Principal of the Year and is a finalist for the Ohio Middle School Principal of the Year. She was also recognized during the meeting’s Mission Moment.

Personnel & Administrative Updates

The Board of Education approved the hiring of two new Assistant Principals at Milford High School:

  • John Mason – Assistant Principal for Grade 10

  • Joseph Solis – Assistant Principal for Grade 11

Kindergarten Tuition Update

  • The Milford Board of Education confirmed that tuition for the 2025–2026 school year will remain at $5,000, with the transition to tuition-free All-Day Kindergarten postponed pending the outcome of the state performance audit and final state budget.

  • In response to community feedback regarding affordability, the Board has asked district leadership to develop a Kindergarten Flex Payment Program.

  • This program will allow families to apply for a modified monthly payment plan that better aligns with their household budget.

    • While this option will not reduce the total cost of tuition, it is intended to provide families with greater flexibility and financial stability.

Treasurer Update & Moody’s Credit Rating

  • Local and state revenues have increased, while expenditures on purchased services and other areas have decreased, resulting in overall cost savings.

  • Appropriations have been amended to ensure expenditures are aligned with total revenue,

  • Funds have been transferred from the General Fund primarily to cover state and federal grants, as required by law.

  • Year-to-date, the district has earned over $5 million in interest, distributed across various accounts.

  • As of May 31, 2025, the district holds a $4 million fund balance, a substantial improvement from the previously projected $3.5 million deficit.

  • In addition, Milford Schools retained a Moody’s credit rating of Aa2—classified as high quality—with only 30 Ohio districts rated higher. This independent validation of fiscal responsibility will result in an estimated $1.7 million in taxpayer savings through bond refinancing and lower interest rates.

Policy Changes

  • First Readings Introduced:

    • JECE – Student Withdrawal From School

    • JED – Student Absences and Excuses

    • JEDA – Truancy

  • Approved (Waived First Reading):

    • IGBLA – Promoting Parental Involvement

  • Rescinded:

    • JEDR, as part of routine policy updates.

Curriculum Highlights

English Learner outcomes exceeded goals:

  • Of the 75 students assessed, 73% of returning students showed measurable growth.

Milford Middle School Construction Update

  • Progress continues for an August 1 temporary occupancy, including gym floor installation, courtyard completion, media center setup, and external signage.

  • Demolition of the old Junior High begins imminently, with final fiber network rerouting underway.