The Milford Exempted Village School District Board of Education held its regular meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The evening included a Veterans Day tribute, financial updates, progress on district construction projects, important policy considerations, and significant community participation.
Veterans Day Tribute
The meeting featured a powerful presentation led by community member and veteran Gary Knepp, who honored Milford’s history of military service and shared stories of former Milford students who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. His remarks honored the courage, resilience, and legacy of local veterans.
The Board also recognized Sergeant Eynon, JROTC instructor at Live Oaks Career Campus, for his leadership in developing student cadets and helping the Raider Team achieve regional and national recognition.
Performance Audit Overview
Treasurer Doug Ackermann and Assistant Treasurer Michael Miller presented the district’s 2025 State Performance Audit, now available on the district website at https://www.milfordschools.org/page/performance-audit-2025
After the 1% Earned Income Tax levy failed in November 2024, Milford Schools requested a full performance audit from the Ohio Auditor of State.
The audit provided an independent, data-driven review of district operations.
Its purpose was to highlight strengths, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure long-term financial stability.
Findings were benchmarked against similar, financially stable peer districts using state data.
The audit began in March 2025, using data from the November 2024 and May 2025 Five-Year Forecasts.
Comparisons and recommendations were based on prior forecasts and peer district analyses.
The September 2025 Forecast now projects a $6 million deficit by FY 2029 — an improvement from the $12 million deficit projected in May 2025.
Financial Update
Treasurer Miller shared the district’s financial snapshot through October (FY26):
Year-to-date cash balance: Approximately $10 million positive, indicating stronger performance than projected.
Revenue: Local and “all other” revenue categories are trending upward; state funding remains steady.
Expenditures: Purchase services have decreased compared to previous years; other categories remain predictable.
Administrative expenditure percentage: Currently at 15.86%—expected to decline as the fiscal year progresses, staying within state thresholds.
The Board also approved monthly financial reports, contracts, and donations, including contributions benefiting athletics, DECA, and the Miranda Center.
Middle School Construction Update
The new Milford Middle School continues to move toward final completion.
Highlights:
Parking lots and sidewalks are finished.
The monument sign has been installed.
Softball field installation begins November 17th.
Landscaping work and reseeding continue.
Final “punch list” work will take place over Thanksgiving Break while school is not in session.
Project closeout is now expected by Q1 2026.
The district also discussed ongoing Wolfpen/Eagle’s Way roadway improvements, including turn lane work
Policy Updates
The Board conducted its first reading of 28 updated policies and one policy slated for rescission. Most changes reflect legislative updates and minor adjustments to existing language.
Human Resources Update
The Board recognized several educators retiring at the end of the 2025–2026 school year, representing more than 150 combined years of service to Milford Schools.
Staffing updates included the hiring of custodial and aide positions, and supplemental coaching assignments.
Curriculum & Instruction
The Board heard updates that included:
Cybersecurity preparedness: Ongoing work to strengthen data protection and security training across staff systems.
Full-day kindergarten analysis: The district continues reviewing academic benefits, enrollment impact, tuition barriers, and financial feasibility. More details are expected at the December Board meeting.
Superintendent Search Update
The Board completed first-round interviews with six candidates, supported by an 18-member stakeholder panel of teachers, students, parents, principals, and community members.
Next steps:
The Board will conduct its own interviews next week.
Two or three finalists will be selected.
A Meet the Candidates Night is scheduled for December 9.
Next Meetings
Special Board Meeting: November 19, 2025, 6 p.m., MEVSD Administrative Offices
Regular Board Meeting: December 18, 2025, MEVSD Administrative Offices
The Board then entered executive session for personnel purposes and returned only to adjourn.