Pioneer News

On Oct. 7, Elyria Schools Superintendent Ann Schloss and Treasurer Colleen Aholt presented a proposed budget reduction plan that will be implemented if the district doesn't receive new revenue.

The plan calls for eliminating all 200 extracurricular programs and clubs, as well as full-day kindergarten, honors and CCP courses at the high school, as well as staffing and services.

The district has not received new operating funds in over 16 years, and without additional revenue, the district faces $8 million more in reductions over two years. The presentation slides that were presented at the Oct. 7 board meeting have been posted on the district's website, along with additional financial information and details about Issue 4.

Letter to residents from Elyria Schools Superintendent Ann Schloss.

If Issue 4 is approved: The 8.9-mill operating levy would provide funding to help maintain the programs, services and staff we have today — including teachers and support staff, academics and co-curriculars, arts and music, athletics, student supports, safety services, honors and college courses and programs, technology and transportation. The levy funds would help sustain what the district has, it would not add new programs.

The levy would cost property owners approximately $26/month for every $100,000 of county auditor appraised value.

If Issue 4 does not pass: The district projects it will need to reduce its operating budget by an additional $8 million over the next two years. Those reductions would come on the heels of $9 million in reductions already made this school year.

Elyria Schools has not received new operating money since 2010 — more than 16 years.

We know school funding can be complicated, and this video featuring school finance consultant, Vanessa Tey Iosue of Burges & Burges, may be helpful in gaining a better understanding of school funding and what's at stake for Elyria Schools.

For more than a dozen years, Elyria High School graduate and community advocate Shirley Messaros has made it her personal mission to keep Elyria students warm in the winter.

Each November, Shirley organizes a drive-through coat collection at the American Legion on Ohio Street in Elyria, accepting new coats in all sizes, from the youngest children through adult sizes for middle and high school students.

We can’t even guess at how many coats Shirley has collected over the years, but we know for certain that thousands of our students have benefited from her generosity and the help of student volunteers who collect and organize the donations. Shirley's coat collection is set to happen again on Nov. 7 and 8 from 12-3p.m. at the American Legion on Ohio Street.

If you know Shirley, you know her dedication to Elyria Schools doesn't stop there!

For many years, she has also led the Elyria Schools Friends and Alumni Association, working with fellow Alumni Board volunteers she works to raise scholarship funds for graduating seniors. These scholarships help students purchase books, supplies and other materials as they begin their college journeys.

One of the association's newest fundraising efforts is the sale of Elyria Schools alumni sweatshirts and t-shirts, with designs that celebrate both Elyria High School and Elyria West High School. Each sweatshirt features the respective high school on the back, letting alumni show off their school pride!

If you’re interested in purchasing a sweatshirt or t-shirt, please email Shirley at wmsm@winstream.net for more information.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY! Shirley just recently celebrated her 90th birthday, and nothing keeps her from giving her time, energy and heart to her alma mater: Elyria Schools. Thank you, Shirley, and the Elyria Schools Alumni Board members for making a difference for so many Elyria students!

Coat Drive Reminder: Shirley's annual collection of new children's coats takes place November 7 and 8 from 12-3p.m. at the American Legion on Ohio Street in Elyria. New coats in all sizes are welcome!

Are you ready for a practically perfect evening and afternoon of musical theater? The talented students of the Eastern Heights Middle School Drama Club are bringing Disney's beloved Mary Poppins Jr. to the stage for two performances!

Showtimes:

• Friday, October 30, at 7p.m.
• Saturday, October 31, at 2p.m.

No worries about Halloween plans… Saturday's matinee will have you home in plenty of time for trick-or-treating. 👻

You’ll love the music, magic and amazing characters of this production, which is one of Disney's most wonderful stories of all time! And… you can meet Mary and Bert before each performance!

We hope to see you for this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show!

The talented students of the Elyria High School Drama Club will bring the beloved classic A Christmas Carol to the stage for three performances, November 13, 14 and 15, at the beautiful Elyria High School Performing Arts Center.

Ebenezer Scrooge discovers the true meaning of Christmas with a lot of help from the spirits of the past, present and future. This production is the perfect kick off the holiday season!

Showtimes:

• Friday, Nov. 13, 7p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 14, 7p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 15, 2p.m.

Tickets for both A Christmas Carol and Mary Poppins Jr. are available in advance through the Elyria Schools website or at the door. Both productions will take place at the Elyria High School Performing Arts Center.

Come enjoy the incredible talents of our drama students and the joy of live theater!

🎉The Elyria Schools Special Education Department has met the state's special education compliance standards, receiving an overall score of 3.75 out of 4 on the state rating scale!

The state's review measures numerous important areas, including early childhood transitions, timely evaluations, secondary transition planning, suspensions and expulsions and general supervision, among others. The work behind these technical measures means our students with disabilities are receiving appropriate services, support and opportunities that are helping them succeed at every stage of their education.

What a tremendous reflection of the hard work and commitment of our Special Education Department... Congratulations team, we're so proud of you! 🥳

Email: ask@elyriaschools.org
Website: www.elyriaschools.org
Location: 42101 Griswold Road, Elyria, OH, USA
Phone: 440-284-8000
Facebook: facebook.com/elyriacityschools
Twitter: @twitter_elyriaschools