New Bremen Schools Begin Year With Leadership Changes and New District Goals

NEW BREMEN — New Bremen Local Schools has started the new academic year with leadership changes, facility improvements and continued attention to academics, safety and student development.

Superintendent Jason Schrader, incoming Treasurer Taylor Heckman and Assistant Principal and Director of Student Services Loresa Burden recently discussed the district during an appearance on WCSM’s Spectrum.

Schrader said the school year is off to a positive start. The district received an overall five-star state report card, while New Bremen Elementary was one of 14 National Blue Ribbon Schools recognized among more than 3,000 school buildings across Ohio last year. The district also ranked within the top three percent statewide for achievement.

Work is nearing completion at Cardinal Stadium. Improvements include a replacement track, updated fencing, an additional pole vault pit, work on the home bleachers, a shelter house, concrete sidewalks and new Cardinal Stadium signage.

The district has also reopened its legacy paver project, allowing residents and alumni to purchase personalized pavers at the stadium.

Additional athletic improvements are being planned. Schrader said renovations to the district’s baseball and softball fields are expected to begin in the fall of 2027.

The district is also preparing for changes within its administrative team.

Heckman will become district treasurer January 1, replacing longtime Treasurer Jill Ehlers. Heckman has served as New Bremen’s assistant treasurer for nearly four and a half years and has worked closely with Ehlers during that time.

Heckman also serves as the district’s Education Management Information System coordinator. That position involves reporting student, staffing and financial information used in determining state funding.

Heckman said serving in both roles has given her a broad understanding of district operations and helped prepare her for the treasurer’s position.

Burden is beginning her third year as assistant principal and is taking on additional responsibility for the district’s gifted and special education programs as Diane Kramer prepares to retire.

Burden is entering her 23rd year with New Bremen Schools and has spent her career working in special education. She said her goal is to support students, staff members and families while maintaining a team-oriented approach throughout the district.

School safety remains another priority. Schrader said students and staff regularly participate in fire, tornado, evacuation and lockdown drills. The district also works with local police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office and a countywide school safety task force.

Recent safety improvements include a renovated high school office with controlled access, additional cameras, electronic fob entry and new playground fencing.

District goals for the year include expanding leadership development for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Schrader said the district wants to support the whole child by addressing academic, physical, nutritional and personal leadership needs.

Administrators are also reviewing the district’s diagnostic screening tools, mathematics curriculum and technology expenses. Schrader said the cost of computers, software and subscriptions continues to increase, making it important for the district to determine which resources provide the greatest educational value.

The district’s Class of 2026 recorded a 100 percent graduation rate and received nearly $743,000 in scholarships. Approximately 83 percent of the graduates planned to continue their education.

New Bremen also offers Advanced Placement courses, College Credit Plus opportunities, robotics, coding, three-dimensional printing and other STEM programs. Approximately 46 juniors and seniors are attending programs through the Tri Star Career Compact this year.

Schrader said state funding remains a concern. District forecasts indicate New Bremen’s state share could decline from approximately 52 percent in 2024 to about 20 percent in future years, potentially shifting more of the financial burden to local taxpayers.

New Bremen welcomed approximately 10 new staff members this year, including a new elementary principal, five teachers, several aides and cafeteria manager Alyssa Stewart, who replaces Mary Williams.

Schrader said the district ultimately measures success by whether students are prepared to meet their goals after graduation. He added that New Bremen has also benefited from former students returning to serve as teachers and staff members in the community.