The Milford Board of Education met Thursday, March 12, recognizing student achievements, reviewing district operations, and discussing important trends impacting enrollment and funding.
Seipelt Spotlight
The Board first recognized several featured student artists from Seipelt Elementary, highlighting creative work from students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The Board also heard from Seipelt’s SOAR (Safety, Ownership, Attitude, Respect) Ambassadors, a group of fifth-grade student leaders who help strengthen school culture and support younger students throughout the building.
During the presentation, students shared how ambassadors visit classrooms, lead lessons on topics like leadership, kindness, friendship, and conflict resolution, assist with school events, read with younger students, and help with daily responsibilities around the building. Their presentation gave the Board a strong look at how student leadership is helping create a positive and welcoming environment at Seipelt.
Celebrating the Arts
Director of Fine Arts, Josh Kauffman, highlighted a few major happenings for Milford’s arts programs.
The Milford Band Program recently celebrated 100 years with a special performance at Cincinnati Music Hall featuring nearly 200 student musicians.
The Board also highlighted the upcoming high school production of “Water for Elephants,” which opens next weekend in the Zamudio Theater. Tickets are on sale for the performance on beginning March 19 at: https://www.milfordschools.org/article/1819087
Mission Moment: Honoring a Milford Veteran
Board Member Mary Anne Will recognized Milford High School graduate Captain Lewis John Speidel, a West Point graduate and Vietnam War helicopter pilot who died after injuries sustained during a rescue mission.
Recently, a portion of State Route 28 near his childhood home was officially renamed the Captain Lewis John Spidel Memorial Highway in recognition of his service and sacrifice.
Treasurer’s Financial Update
Treasurer Doug Ackermann reported that district finances are tracking as expected eight months into the fiscal year.
Highlights included:
More than $2 million in investment earnings year to date
District cash reserves remaining above the 90-day policy requirement
Administrative spending at 13.75%, below the state’s 15% threshold
Operations and Facilities Update
Buildings and Operations Director Jeff Johnson shared a snapshot of the size and scope of district operations. That “By the Numbers” flyer can be found here.
Johnson also noted that Milford continues to operate below peer averages in several facilities staffing categories while maintaining clean, well-kept buildings across the district.
Work continues on the Eagles Way and State Route 131 traffic signal project, with final paving expected once asphalt plants reopen this spring. Additional work to widen Eagles Way is also being planned, with some construction potentially taking place over spring break to reduce disruption.
Enrollment Trends and Planning
Superintendent Dr. Bobbie Fiori presented data on district enrollment trends and where students are going when they leave Milford.
Among the findings:
District enrollment has declined by about 1,080 students since the 2021-22 school year
Open enrollment out of the district has remained relatively stable
Community school enrollment has increased with the appearance of virtual learning options.
The most significant shift has been to non-public schools, with 853 Milford students currently using the EdChoice expansion scholarship
District leaders shared that they hope to continue learning more from families about what drives those decisions and how Milford can better meet community needs moving forward.
The Enrollment Presentation can be found here.
2026-27 Calendar Updates
The Board approved a few updates to the 2026-27 school calendar, including adjustments to former remote learning days that are now being converted to either professional development days or regular school days for students. The new calendar can be found here.
Additional Updates & What’s Next
The Milford Board of Education was also recognized by the Ohio School Boards Association as a Gold Level Effective School Board, honoring the Board's work in governance, collaboration, planning, and continuous improvement.
The Milford Board of Education will hold its next Board Retreat on March 28 and have its next Regular Board Meeting on April 16 at 6 p.m.