Berea City School District

11/4 Election Day

11/5 BMHS Memory Garden Dedication

11/11 Veterans Day

11/13-11/15 Fall Play: BMHS presents Arsenic & Old Lace

11/19 Board of Education Meeting/Be A Titan Recognition

11/26-11-28 Thanksgiving Break

Please also check your child’s school newsletter for additional important dates that pertain to your student.

2025-2026 School Year Calendar

Last week, Berea City School District shared an email with families outlining local and extended food resources in response to the end of SNAP benefits. The message emphasized our commitment to supporting students and families and included direct links to community partners offering assistance.

You can view the full message here: https://secure.smore.com/n/8kfj7-berea-city-school-district

As we continue to support families through this transition, we’ll be working closely with community partners to expand local food access. We’re also looking to collaborate with area businesses and organizations interested in serving as donation drop-off sites or helping to coordinate collection efforts. Please complete this brief form if you think you can help: https://forms.gle/tcuhPGTxAZGYaQVB9

Together, we can make sure every child in our Titan community has what they need. 🧡💙

Left to Right: Neal Postel (MHS ’80), Amy Wojnarwsky Willey (MHS ’03), Anne Cole (Staff), Jessica Smalley Babal (MHS ’04), Russell G. Hill (BHS ’72), Jim Novak (Staff), Nancy Braford (Staff), Linda Kramer (BHS ’60), Charles A. Bassett (BHS ’50, posthumous, represented by Marianna Peris, BHS Alumni Association President), Dave Purdy (Staff), Bob Cistolo (Staff)

The 2025 Berea City School District Distinguished Alumni and Staff Hall of Fame, held on October 23, celebrated an extraordinary group of individuals whose accomplishments span education, healthcare, the arts, military service, law, community leadership, and business innovation.

Neal Postel, DDS (Midpark High School, Class of 1980)
A lifelong Middleburg Heights resident, Dr. Neal Postel has served his community for decades as a dentist and civic leader. After earning his bachelor’s and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from The Ohio State University, Neal opened his dental practice in Middleburg Heights in 1988. His leadership extends far beyond his office as he has served as president of the Middleburg Heights Kiwanis Club, the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Polaris Career Center Board of Education. Neal also served on the Berea City School District Board of Education. His continued involvement in local organizations and youth programs reflects his lasting commitment to the Titan community.

Amy Wojnarwsky Willey (Midpark High School, Class of 2003)
Amy Wojnarwsky Willey’s career demonstrates her dedication to social justice and community impact. After earning degrees from Yale University, Arizona State University, and Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Amy became a leader in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) law. As partner and ESG Chair at McDonald Hopkins LLC, she guides clients in developing sustainable and responsible business practices. Amy is deeply involved in community leadership, serving with the Cleveland Play House, Starting Point, Conscious Capitalism Northeast Ohio, and the Yale Alumni Association of Cleveland. She was named to Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty Under 40 and continues to use her expertise to strengthen her community.

Jessica Smalley Babal, MD (Midpark High School, Class of 2004)
Dr. Jessica Smalley Babal has built her career on compassion, education, and service to children. A graduate of the University of Dayton and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, she is now an academic general pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Jessica trains future physicians to practice empathy-driven medicine and has published extensively on medical education. She also serves on the board of the Collective for Humanities, Arts & Storytelling in Medicine, where she combines science and the arts to improve patient care.

Russell G. Hill (Berea High School, Class of 1972)
Russell Hill has blended entrepreneurial innovation with a lifelong commitment to service. As founder and president of Ultimate Lead Systems, he was a pioneer in customer relationship management software, serving major companies such as Sherwin-Williams and Lincoln Electric. His later work as founder and chairman of Good Knights, Inc., a nonprofit that provides beds for children in need, has improved lives across Northeast Ohio. Russell has also held leadership roles with the Berea Chamber of Commerce, Berea Heritage Architectural Review Board, and Berea Rotary Club.

Linda Kramer (Berea High School, Class of 1960)
Linda Kramer’s professional and volunteer contributions reflect excellence in journalism and public service. A U.S. Air Force veteran and award-winning journalist, she became the first woman to edit an official USAF newspaper. Linda later worked as a reporter and editor for The Chronicle-Telegram, Sun Newspapers, and the Cleveland Jewish News. She has served on boards for the Berea Arts Fest, Rotary Club of Berea, and Berea High School Alumni Association. Linda’s dedication to storytelling and community engagement continues to make a meaningful difference.

Charles A. Bassett II (Berea High School, Class of 1950, posthumous)
Charles Bassett II’s legacy as an astronaut and U.S. Air Force test pilot remains an inspiration to future generations. A member of NASA’s Astronaut Group 3, he was selected as the pilot of the Gemini 9 mission in 1965. His career reflected courage, innovation, and excellence in aviation. Although his life was tragically cut short in 1966, his contributions to aerospace history live on through his recognition on the Space Mirror Memorial and the Fallen Astronaut plaque at the Kennedy Space Center.

Anne Cole (Staff)
Anne Cole devoted more than four decades to nurturing creativity and inclusion in Berea City Schools. As a visual art and adaptive art teacher, she inspired countless students and developed programs such as Big SIBS Mentoring, Builders Club, and JumpStArt Math Challenge. She also taught and mentored future educators at Baldwin Wallace University, where she shared her passion for art as a tool for learning and connection. Anne’s leadership and creativity have left a lasting mark on the district and its students.

Jim Novak (Staff)
Jim Novak dedicated 40 years to Berea City Schools through his work in custodial leadership and mentorship. Known for his professionalism and pride in maintaining school facilities, Jim worked at several buildings throughout his career, including Ford Middle School for more than two decades. His guidance and commitment to excellence earned him the Classified Employee of the Year Award and the respect of colleagues across the district.

Dave Purdy (Staff)
Dave Purdy’s life and career are grounded in faith, compassion, and service. A Berea native and author of several books, he returned to his hometown to serve as a counselor and educator. Dave has presented hundreds of seminars nationwide on family and character development and was instrumental in launching character education initiatives in the district. He continues to serve the community as chaplain for the Berea Police Department and remains active in local service organizations.

Nancy Braford (Staff)
For 23 years, Nancy Braford led the district’s Department of Community Relations and helped shape many of its engagement initiatives. She oversaw publications, community outreach, and partnerships that connected schools with families, businesses, and local organizations. Nancy helped establish the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, BCS-TV, the Education Foundation, and several community councils. Her work set the foundation for the district’s communications and community engagement efforts that continue today.

Bob Cistolo (Staff)
Bob Cistolo’s 40-year career as a teacher, coach, administrator, and mentor reflects a deep commitment to students and teamwork. He served as a teacher at multiple schools, head football coach, department chair, and later athletic director for Berea and Berea-Midpark High Schools. His leadership extended into community service through his work with the Berea Federation of Teachers and the Berea City Club. Bob’s passion for education and athletics continues to inspire those who had the privilege of learning and working alongside him.

Special thanks to the Berea Association of School Administrators, the Berea Board of Education, the Berea Federation of Teachers, the Midpark Alumni Association, Jim Connell, Gary and Lee Croy, Andrew, Alex, and Marsha Graser, Chuck and Nancy Lewis, Dave and Cindy Millen, Don and Karen Rohde, Dave Vale, and Derran and Sue Wimer for their contributions to this special evening.

During the month of November, Berea City School District will honor veterans through various school-led initiatives. Planned activities include assemblies and breakfasts where veterans are invited to join, with student performances showcasing appreciation. Additionally, classrooms will participate in projects and lessons focused on the significance of Veterans Day, helping students gain a deeper understanding and respect for veterans' service.

As a district with all schools proudly designated as Purple Star Schools, BCSD remains committed to supporting military-connected students and families year-round.

The Portrait of a Titan is a collective vision that articulates aspirations for ALL of our students. The Portrait identifies six key competencies that every student in the Berea City School District should possess by the time they graduate. These competencies are nurtured at every grade level. They are adaptable, communicator, critical thinker, empathetic, innovative, and leader. Our educators are inspiring students to cultivate these essential skills.

Berea-Midpark High School hosted its 8th annual “Immigration: This Is My Story” panel, a meaningful tradition that celebrates the diverse experiences and backgrounds that make up our Titan community.

The event featured students and staff who immigrated to the United States or are first-generation Americans, sharing powerful stories about identity, resilience, and belonging. Through their words, we heard journeys representing El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Palestine, Ukraine, India, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, each story offering a window into a different part of the world and reminding us that every journey adds strength and richness to our school community.

This event exemplifies the Portrait of a Titan competency of communicator. Students learned how to share their voices with clarity, confidence, and purpose, while their peers practiced active listening and appreciation for perspectives different from their own. By telling their stories, participants built understanding and connection, showing that communication has the power to unite and inspire.

A heartfelt thank-you to our Lead Executives and Mrs. Fox for organizing this important event, and to each panelist who bravely shared their experiences. This assembly remains a powerful experience for students, encouraging meaningful conversations. Events like these strengthen our Titan community, celebrating our diverse backgrounds and creating connections built on understanding and kindness.

For more than 15 years, Big Creek Elementary School’s first graders have carried forward a special partnership with the Middleburg Heights Assisted Living Home. This long-standing tradition connects generations, giving students the opportunity to build friendships while bringing joy to residents through songs, crafts, and conversation.

During their most recent visit, residents enjoyed cheerful performances and heartfelt interactions that brightened their day. Students learned that even small gestures, like a smile or a kind word, can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life.

This partnership beautifully reflects the Portrait of a Titan competency of empathy. Through experiences like these, students learn to understand and appreciate the feelings of others, strengthening their ability to connect, care, and contribute to their community.

Big Creek’s first graders continue to show that learning goes far beyond classroom walls, reminding us all that kindness and compassion are powerful lessons to carry through life. 💙🧡

When Berea-Midpark High School student-athletes visit elementary classrooms through the 2nd & 7 program, they are doing more than reading a story. They are showing younger students what it looks like to be a leader.

Leadership is not about being in charge or standing at the front of the room. Sometimes it is sitting next to a second grader, turning the pages together, and showing that reading can be fun and meaningful.

The younger students see high schoolers they look up to making positive choices and giving back. For the athletes, it is a chance to connect with younger Titans and realize that their actions and words carry real impact both on and off the field.

• Weather Class at Big Creek Elementary

• Buffalo soldier rides to benefit Berea backpack program for students

BCSD uses Peachjar, an electronic flyer posting and distribution system to distribute school flyers and approved flyers from community groups and organizations that sponsor activities of an educational/enrichment nature for students and staff >> view current flyers

The Berea Board of Education holds regular community conversations to give the public access to board members outside of the formal public participation setting of a meeting. Residents will have the opportunity to meet and discuss any concerns they may have with two board members during a 30 minute time-slot set aside prior to each regular scheduled Board of Education meeting. The goal of this effort is to more effectively connect with the public and learn more about the community.

Our Treasurer’s Department Newsletters are designed to keep our families, staff, and community informed about the financial side of Berea City Schools. Each edition will provide updates on district finances, share important information about budgets and funding, and highlight how resources are being used to support student learning. Our goal is to make financial information clear, accessible, and transparent, ensuring that everyone has a better understanding of how we work together to invest in the success of our Titans.

Additional district financial information such as our annual financial reports, forecasts, budget documents, etc., can be found on the district website under the Treasurer's Department page.