The Raider Review
Back-to-School edition of the Raider Review, 2026-2027!
A message from Dr. Jarred Zapolnik, Superintendent of South Range Local Schools
Dear South Range Community,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! As we begin another exciting year at South Range Local Schools, I am filled with gratitude for our students, staff, families, and community. Your support made last year one of the most successful in our district’s history—from record academic achievement to outstanding student accomplishments across academics, arts, and athletics. These successes show what is possible when we work together with a shared commitment to Getting Better Every Day (GBED).
Our theme this year, “Raising the Standard: Better Every Day,” reflects our belief that excellence is a continuous pursuit. We will keep strengthening instruction, communication, and student opportunities so every Raider can learn, grow, and thrive.
The Raider Way: Our Foundation for Success
Our work continues to be guided by the four Raider Way pillars: High Expectations, Communication & Collaboration, Student Performance, and Safety & Resources. These pillars shape our 2026–2027 goals and support our mission to prepare students for success in college, careers, military service, and life.
Raising the Standard for Student Performance
Last year, South Range achieved 80% or higher on all seven Ohio ELA assessments—a first in more than a decade. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, and families. This year, we are raising expectations even further:
• 90% or higher on ELA and Social Studies • 80% or higher on Math and Science • Continued growth in ACT performance
We will continue using data, evidence‑based instruction, targeted intervention, and collaboration to support every learner.
Expanding Opportunities for Every Raider
We remain committed to expanding opportunities that connect learning to students’ futures. South Range High School continues to grow Honors coursework, College Credit Plus, career pathways, workforce development, industry credentials, and pre‑apprenticeships. Students will also have rich opportunities in athletics, music, drama, speech and debate, clubs, and service organizations—experiences that build leadership, teamwork, confidence, and belonging.
Communication, Collaboration & Community
Our partnership with families, staff, the Board of Education, and the community is one of our greatest strengths. We will continue to prioritize clear communication and meaningful engagement.
Families are encouraged to review Back‑to‑School information located on our website and throughout this newsletter, including supply lists, open house details, start times, FinalForms, transportation, Raider Care, and other resources. Keeping information current helps us provide the safest and most supportive experience for every student.
Safety & Resources
Student and staff safety remains a top priority. We continue to strengthen emergency preparedness, communication systems, and building procedures while investing responsibly in the resources needed to support learning. Our facilities and infrastructure work also continues, ensuring our buildings remain safe, functional, and supportive of the educational experience our students deserve.
A New School Year. A Higher Standard.
As we welcome students and staff back, I am reminded that South Range’s greatest strength is our people—the students who come ready to learn, the staff who give their best every day, the families who support our schools, and the community that invests in our children. This year, we will celebrate where we have been while staying focused on where we are going. Raising the Standard: Better Every Day challenges each of us to ask: How can we make South Range better today than it was yesterday? We will continue to build upon our tradition of excellence in all that we do. That is the Raider Way. That is GBED.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping make South Range the community centerpiece building on excellence. I look forward to another year of learning, growth, achievement, and Raider pride. Welcome back, Raiders—let’s make 2026–2027 our best year yet.
Get Better Every Day,
Jarred
Dr. Jarred Zapolnik
Superintendent
South Range Local Schools
📑 Keep Up to Date with All Board Policies 📑
South Range Schools works each month to revise, update, and adopt several NEOLA policies.
Community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these policies, as they play a critical role in guiding the district's operations and decision-making. All board policies are available for review on our website.
South Range Board of Education
Mrs. Terri Lally (President)
Mrs. Liz Johnson (Vice President)
Dr. Jack Dawson (member)
Mr. Tyler Bates (member)
Mrs. Laura Chismar (member)
Principal Matos
- South Range Elementary School
- I am going into my 28th year in education.
- My most influential educator was Mr. Molina, Junior High Science Teacher at Hawthorne Boone Elementary/Jr High School.
- Back-to-School Message: I would like to welcome everyone back to South Range Elementary for another great school year. I look forward to working with all of you as we strive to provide a positive learning environment for your children. With your continued support and encouragement, we will see that all of our students reach their full potential! Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have by calling the elementary school office at 330-549-5578
Principal Ware
- South Range Middle School
- Mrs. Ware is entering her 22nd year in education.
- She is always up for an adventure or activity and enjoys skiing, swimming, ice skating, roller skating, basketball, etc.
- Reading is Mrs. Ware's favorite hobby. Feel free to share suggestions with her for the next great book.
- My most influential educator was Mrs. Lisa Toy, English teacher at South Range High School
- Back-to-School Message: I’m excited to welcome students and families back for an exciting and rewarding year! I look forward to meeting you as we embark on the 2026-2027 school year. We offer numerous exciting opportunities for students to learn, grow, and flourish both as individuals and as learners. Go Raiders!
Principal Szolek
- South Range High School
- I am beginning my 33rd year in education and my 29th year with South Range.
- My most influential educator was
- Mr. Bill Elder, Social Studies teacher/coach at Mt. Pleasant (PA) Area Jr./Sr. High School.
- Back-to-School Message: I would like to welcome everyone to the 2026-2027 school year! I am looking forward to working with you, the families of South Range High School, as we navigate the upcoming academic year. Our goal is to provide a challenging and rewarding educational environment for each and every student and with your support and input, this goal will undoubtedly be realized. Let’s have a great year! Go Raiders!
Mrs. Gianna Guerrieri
Mrs. Guerrieri joins us from Liberty Local Schools
- Kindergarten Teacher
- She reads about 50 books each year.
- She attended the Daytona 500 last year.
Mrs. Anita Chen
Mrs. Chen joins us from the Youngstown City School District
- High School Math Teacher
She once was caught in the background of a paparazzi photo of Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise.
She loves swimming and taking pictures of birds because both activities give a sense of positive energy.
Dr. Emily Herman-McMillan
Dr. Herman-McMillan joins us from Kent State University
- Elementary School Counselor
- She is the floral building superintendent at the Canfield Fair.
- She has just started raising chickens.
Mrs. Katie Taylor
Mrs. Taylor returns to SR as a full-time teacher, as she served as a Title I teacher in the 2025-2026 school year
- Kindergarten Teacher
- She is a 2005 SR grad!
- A bucket list item is to visit all 50 states. She has already been to 38!
Mrs. Elizabeth Custer
Mrs. Custer joins us from St.Charles, Illinois where she taught eighth-grade Science for seven years.
- Middle School Science Teacher
- She grew up in Poland Ohio.
- She has seen Taylor Swift in concert seven times.
2024-2025 Graduates of South Range
If you are a parent of or a student who graduated in 2024-2025, please scan the QR code to complete an Exiting Student Survey so we know how you have been doing since graduation. The survey should only take about five minutes. Thank you for your feedback: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAcfL-0kHb17bCfuXeeq4ha1R9Xz2luko6zwKkIkKvicdJsg/viewform?usp=header