Minster Superintendent Josh Meyer joined Kevin Sandler on Spectrum to talk winter weather decisions, an upcoming levy renewal, and what’s next for the district.

Meyer said student safety is always the first priority during snow events, especially early in the season when many new drivers are getting their first real experience on slick roads. He added Minster’s maintenance team worked to clear lots and sidewalks, but worsening conditions still led to closures. Meyer noted Minster has used five calamity days so far, but under Ohio’s current hours based system the district still has a cushion remaining.

The Minster Board recently voted in a special session to place a renewal permanent improvement levy on the May ballot. Meyer said the levy has been part of the district since 1986 and supports long lasting needs such as buses, facility upgrades and major maintenance items. He said it collects about $90,000 a year and costs roughly $12 per $100,000 of appraised property value.

Meyer also detailed a land purchase and exchange involving nearly 11 and a half acres near Four Seasons Park. The district plans to swap that land for village owned park land adjacent to the elementary school, calling it a win win that helps the village plan improvements at Four Seasons while giving the school district room for long term future expansion.

Looking ahead to summer work, Meyer said the district is planning building and maintenance projects including resealing the high school parking lot, clear coating gym floors, reconditioning a chiller at the elementary, buying a new bus, upgrading classroom furniture, and purchasing new Chromebooks and technology.

On accomplishments, Meyer said Minster remains a five star district and placed 10th in the state performance index rankings. He highlighted the high school being named an AP testing honor roll school, and praised student clubs and activities that build well rounded students beyond what shows up on state tests. He also noted the elementary building was recognized as a Science of Reading Champion School by Governor DeWine’s office, calling early literacy a foundation for long term success in and out of school.