District ranked Excellent with Distinction!

Board approves levy for Nov. 4 ballot
At a special meeting on Aug. 19, the Board of Education approved a five-year 3.17 mill levy for the Nov. 4 ballot. It is an “emergency” levy which means that the levy is for a fixed number of years (five) and a fixed dollar amount ($3 million). The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $97.08 per year, if approved by the voters.

Click here to read the Beacon Journal's reaction to the levy failure

Board hires Assistant Principals for SMFHS

The Ohio Schools Council announced that the estimate for natural gas was drastically reduced for the 2008-09 school year. Even though natural gas prices rose to unprecedented levels starting in late winter 2007, recently the New York Mercantile Exchange prices for natural gas have dropped by 20%, providing a great opportunity for the Ohio Schools Council to buy a portion of the schools’ gas supply for the next two years. Price estimates indicate that district costs will be 25% higher than in 2007-08. This is a challenging time in the natural gas and energy markets, and it is likely that this year’s 25% increase for the upcoming heating season will climb even higher in the years to follow. This reduced estimate equates to a monthly savings of $8,128 for the 2008-09 school year for the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District.

School Bus Fleet passes inspection, ready to roll!
As of July 24, all of the district's Buses have passed inspection the first time through. This will make it three years in a row that all our buses have passed inspection the first time through! Mechanics, assistant mechanics, bus washers, painters, welders and seat repairers (a total of 12 individuals) have worked for 9 weeks to get the 66 buses ready for inspection.

Board hires Susan Schur, Stow-Munroe Falls High School Principal

SMFHS had the third highest percentage (82.8%) of sophomores who passed all five sections of the Ohio Graduation Test out of 17 school districts in Summit County.

Board hires Dr. Marty E. Saternow, Director of Special Services

Lunch prices increase 25 cents for 2008-09

Nine members of the SMFHS Boys Volleyball Team were named to the Academic All-Ohio Team by the Ohio Scholastic Boys Volleyball Coaches Association for compiling a 3.5 cumulative GPA!

Athletic Director Cyle Feldman recognized as Certified Athletic Administrator.

Riverview wins Hall of Fame award

Board President resigns; new Member appointed
Kathy Armstrong, president of the Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education, resigned Thursday, May 22. She had served on the board since 2002; her current term expires Dec. 31, 2009.
The Board of Education met June 7 and appointed Karen Wright, Stow resident, to the seat vacated by Armstrong. The Board received seven applications from local residents to be considered for the appointment.

Board approves Budget Reductions for 2008-09
At the May 27 meeting, the Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education approved the following budget reductions effective with the 2008-09 school year: 16 classified staff and nine certified staff. The staffing cuts are due to the failure of the March levy and to help offset a projected future budget deficit. The board directed the administration to make specific recommendations regarding those reductions. This board action comes after many public discussions where the Five Year Forecast is projecting a deficit.
In addition, the board passed a resolution approving fees for a Pay to Participate program for the upcoming school year for students in Grades 7-12. Families that qualify for the Free and Reduced lunch program will be discounted at a rate of 50 percent (for free lunch) and 25 percent (for reduced lunch). All families will be capped at $300 for the 2008-09 school year ($225 for reduced lunch and $150 for free lunch).
The fees are as follows:

High School Activity $75 - Reduced Lunch $56.25 - Free Lunch $37.50
High School Sport $100 - Reduced Lunch $75.00 - Free Lunch $50.00
Middle School Activity $75 - Reduced Lunch $56.25 - Free Lunch $37.50
Middle School Sport $100- Reduced Lunch $75.00 - Free Lunch $50.00

A letter will be sent home to all parents detailing the Pay to Participate program.

Board hires Rick Bailey as HR Director
The Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education hired Rick Bailey as the director of Human Resources at its May 27 board meeting. Bailey has been the head principal of Stow-Munroe Falls High School since July 2006. Bailey replaces outgoing director Gary Puntel who announced his resignation in January and is effective June 30. Puntel has held the HR position for the past two years.
“ I will really miss the daily interaction with our high school students and staff, but I look forward to serving the district in this new capacity,” said Bailey.
“Mr. Bailey has an outstanding record as a school administrator and emerged as the top candidate from a large field of excellent applicants,” said Superintendent Dr. Russell Jones. “I look forward to his leadership in his new role as Human Resources Director for the Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools.”
Bailey was formerly the principal of Aurora High School. Prior to Aurora he was a unit principal at Stow-Munroe Falls High School from 2001-2003.
His two-year contract begins July 1 and his annual salary will remain at the current level, $92,655.
Jones said the search for Bailey’s replacement will begin immediately.

Board accepts retirement of Linda Klamer, Director of Curriculum & Instruction.

The Board of Education approved the retirement of Linda Klamer effective Jan. 1, 2009 at the May 27 board meeting. Mrs. Klamer has been with the SMF district for 10 years and will have 35 years in education upon her retirement.