What's the Buzz?
Winter 2024-25
Dear families and community members,
As we begin our second semester, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and engagement in our schools. In particular, I want to thank you for your overwhelming support in passing the bond issue this past November. This investment in our schools demonstrates the deep commitment our community has to providing the best possible education and environment for our children.
Thanks to the bond issue, we have started on an exciting journey to build a new Monroe High School. This new facility will provide much-needed space for our students and staff and will be a source of pride for our entire community for generations to come. Your support has made this possible, and we are eager to get started.
I am pleased to share that we recently held our kickoff meeting with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). This meeting marked the official start of the planning phase for our new high school. In the coming weeks, our initial steps will focus on selecting an architect and an engineering design team to bring this vision to life. Once the design team is in place, the next step will be partnering with a construction company that will collaborate with the architects throughout the design and building process. With the OFCC contributing funds and serving as a partner in this project, we are confident that this will be a thoughtfully planned and expertly executed endeavor.
These are busy yet exhilarating times for Monroe Local School District. We are thrilled about the possibilities ahead and the positive impact this project will have on our students, staff and community.
Warm regards,
— J. Robert Buskirk
Thank you for your support in November to allow the district to embark on building a new high school!
Monroe's five-year forecast was presented at the November board meeting, which included estimates of the support needed until 2029 to uphold our promise to keep the debt millage at 3.50 mills. This forecast is available on our website and the presentation can be viewed on YouTube from the Nov. 25, 2024 board meeting.
The five-year forecast presents general fund activity. The general fund is the only unrestricted fund.
All other funds are tied to restrictions based on the source, for example, grant funds must only be used for purposes allowed in the grant agreements.
Where does our money come from?
Local taxes are the primary funding source in the general fund, with state funding a close second. As our district wealth grows (through property valuations and median income), the state's formula will reduce the amount of support we receive from the state. We expect to see a reduction in state funding in 2029.
Where does our money go?
Personnel costs are the largest expenditure for the district. Purchased services include things like contracted bussing and maintenance services, utilities, and a variety of specialized student services.
Over the next five years, the general fund will also support the gym infill project, debt support to maintain the current debt millage until 2029, and the proposed second driveway project.
Monroe Schools places a strong emphasis on its culture, which is central to both its education system and its work environment. Created by staff members in 2019, Monroe's Culture Playbook outlines three core beliefs that define our district's approach: Better Together, Relentless Effort and Stand Up and Own It. These principles promote collaboration, perseverance and accountability, which are vital for building and maintaining Monroe's culture. This school year, each edition of What's The Buzz will offer deeper insights into the behaviors and outcomes we aim to achieve through our beliefs.
The second core belief is Relentless Effort.
We encourage students to approach challenges with the mindset of “How can I get this done?” recognizing that a positive outlook is essential for a fulfilling life. Embracing struggle is a key part of our philosophy, as we believe that perseverance in the face of adversity defines our character. Inspired by the Navy SEAL motto, “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday,” we teach students to remain focused and committed to finishing what they start, understanding that worthwhile achievements often require effort and resilience.
Our community is dedicated to continuous improvement, striving to exceed our current limits every day. We challenge ourselves to push beyond our abilities, fostering an environment where growth is not just encouraged but expected. By cultivating a spirit of resilience, we equip students to face change and challenges as opportunities for growth. Those who adopt this mindset are not only able to overcome obstacles but also flourish, embodying the unbeatable spirit that defines our school community.
High schoolers host brunch for Mount Pleasant neighbors
Students went above and beyond by making placemats, preparing and serving a delicious meal, sharing conversations, and putting on musical performances for our special guests.
Elementary students learn the value of money
We all know money doesn't grow on trees, and now, so do Mrs. Lawson's fourth graders! Students learned what it's like to budget for groceries by shopping for Thanksgiving dinner for their entire family (cranberry sauce and all).
Neighborhood Bridges, a 501(c)(3) charity that champions direct local giving in partnership with school district leaders to serve our most at-risk students, launched its 56th “Gateway for Kindness” in November to begin serving the Monroe Local Schools community.
As a community resource, neighborhood bridges Monroe Local Schools will aid school counselors, teachers, social workers and administrators in meeting the essential needs of at-risk and underprivileged students and families throughout the 2,900-student district.
neighborhood bridges drives direct support and care by inviting professionals at schools, mental health agencies, churches and other service organizations to advocate for those in need. Advocates post needs via a secure website that maintains recipient anonymity. neighborhood bridges then shares those needs with subscribers and followers through daily emails and social media posts—engaging community members to fulfill them. Typical needs include food, clothing, shoes, coats, eye exams, school supplies, school fees, furniture, household items and monetary donations for household expenses.
Community members and businesses can follow needs in the community by subscribing to neighborhood bridges Monroe Local at neighborhoodbridges.org/community/monroelocal-oh and following on social media:
- Facebook: Neighborhood bridges Monroe Local
- Instagram: @nbmonroelocal
For more information about neighborhood bridges Monroe Local Schools, or information on Kindness Council sponsorship opportunities, email us at monroelocal@neighborhoodbridges.org.
