Category: News

Hilliard City Schools has been awarded $175,000 through the Ohio Energy Efficiency Program (OEEP) to support energy efficiency improvements at Hilliard Davidson High School.

These dollars will be used to upgrade all lighting at Davidson to energy-efficient LED fixtures, helping reduce energy usage while improving lighting quality throughout the building.

The project is projected to result in an annual utility energy savings of 15 percent, equating to approximately $52,219 in cost savings each year. These savings will allow the district to reinvest resources into classrooms and student-focused initiatives.

The grant is provided by the Ohio Department of Development as part of its ongoing efforts to help school districts modernize facilities, lower operational costs, and promote long-term sustainability.

Hilliard City Schools remains committed to responsible stewardship of public funds while creating efficient, high-quality learning environments for students and staff.

Hilliard City Schools is excited to welcome back Josh Courtney, a Darby High School graduate, for a special visit to Hilliard Crossing Elementary—a school that holds meaningful memories for him.

Josh once walked the halls of Hilliard Crossing as a kindergartener in Kate Walker’s class, where his early fascination with birds first began. That childhood curiosity has grown into a lifelong passion. Today, Josh travels throughout Ohio as a nature and wildlife photographer, capturing and sharing the beauty of the natural world.

During his visit, Josh worked with fourth-grade students to teach them about native birds of Ohio, connecting real-world experiences to their science and social studies learning. His visit offers students a unique opportunity to see how early interests can grow into meaningful work—and how learning truly comes full circle.

We are proud to see our alumni return to our schools to inspire students and share their journeys. Moments like these highlight the lasting impact of our classrooms.

Hilliard City Schools proudly celebrated the Beacon Groundbreaking Ceremony on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Beacon Elementary, marking an exciting milestone made possible by the strong support of our community.

This new space will enhance teaching and learning while creating greater opportunities for connection, collaboration, and student growth. We are grateful to Ruscilli Construction, Fanning Howey Architects, the Beacon community, and the many community members, partners, staff, and leaders who joined us to commemorate this important step forward.

As construction begins, we look forward to watching Beacon take shape and become a place where learning continues to thrive for years to come.

Hilliard Davidson junior Cassandra Lisko recently competed in the Ohio High School Team Figure Skating Championships, earning impressive results while representing Davidson as part of a combined high school team.

Because Davidson currently has one figure skater, Cassandra joined the Columbus Composite team alongside students from Upper Arlington, New Albany, and Bishop Watterson. Each skater competed in individual events while also working together in team events that required collaboration, creativity, and trust.

Cassandra placed 3rd in her individual event, while the Columbus Composite team earned 2nd place in the Mini Production and finished 2nd overall in the Small Teams category. Considering many of the skaters had not worked together before this competition, their success is a testament to teamwork and dedication.

We’re proud of Cassandra for representing Hilliard Davidson and for her commitment to excellence both on and off the ice.

Congratulations to this month’s Embrace, Empower & Inspire Award winners, Rick Sherburn, Bus Driver at Alton Darby, and Kayla Zelina, Language Arts Teacher at Davidson High School.

Here is what those who nominated them had to say:

“Our family is so thankful for Mr. Rick! He has been so helpful on mornings when our son is having a hard time or doesn’t want to go to school. Days like the first day back from a break can make kids feel more anxious than usual, but Mr. Rick is always excited to see our son, and his positive energy helps him get on the bus successfully. He deserves some major praise!”

“I think Mrs. Zelina is the best example of embrace, empower, and inspire because she cares so deeply for every student who walks into her classroom. She treats everyone with kindness, patience, and genuine understanding. No matter the situation, she stays positive and uplifting, bringing bright energy that makes everyone feel valued and supported. Even students who don’t have her as a teacher know they can go to her for support. She truly puts students first and inspires all of us every single day.”

These staff members go above and beyond the expectations of The Hilliard Way and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. If you know a staff member who goes above and beyond to make a difference, consider nominating them for next month’s award by clicking HERE.

Winter weather in Central Ohio brings its fair share of challenges, and deciding whether to delay or cancel school is one of the most difficult responsibilities our team faces. We know these decisions impact families, staff, and our entire community, and take this responsibility very seriously. 

With a district of our size, there are no absolute rules for weather-related decisions—each situation requires careful judgment based on a variety of factors. Our team begins monitoring weather conditions days before a predicted storm. On mornings with winter weather concerns, multiple staff members are on the roads as early as 3 a.m., assessing real-time conditions. There isn’t a specific amount of snowfall or a set temperature that automatically triggers a closure; instead, we use all available resources to make informed, case-by-case decisions. 

We also track information provided by city, county, and regional officials to monitor snow removal and road treatment efforts. Additionally, we consult with neighboring districts to gather insights on nearby road conditions, though our final decision is made independently based on what’s best for our students and staff.  We are not obligated to make the same decision regarding school closure as any other area district. 

Advances in radar and weather forecasting give us additional tools to make informed decisions, but winter weather remains unpredictable. Our district covers 60 square miles, including Columbus, Hilliard, Dublin, Brown, and Norwich Townships. Each area may experience slightly different weather and road conditions, complicating our decision-making process. 

Typically, decisions about school closures or delays are made by 10:00 p.m. the night before or by 5:30 a.m. the morning of a potential closure. Our transportation team needs time to prepare our bus fleet, and our staff must ensure buildings are safe and accessible. 

One question we often hear is whether the district receives additional funding for staying open during inclement weather. The answer is simple: there is no financial incentive tied to either holding or canceling school. 

We do consider two-hour delays when they would meaningfully improve road conditions. For example, a delay makes sense if additional time allows road crews to clear streets or dense fog to lift. However, delays also create unique traffic patterns for our buses, and often, sticking to our regular schedule is the safest and most reliable option. 

Our commitment is always to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. At the same time, we know school closures can be disruptive, and we recognize that over 30% of our students rely on school for breakfast and lunch. We do not look for reasons to cancel school; instead, we exhaust every possibility to keep our doors open and provide a safe learning environment. 

For families with student drivers, we encourage caution during winter weather and remind parents that school buses are always an option for those in the transportation areas. Our drivers are highly trained, and our buses are well-equipped to handle winter roads. 

Winter weather is a reality in Central Ohio, and we appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as we work to make the best possible decisions for our students and staff. Together, we’ll continue to prioritize safety, communication, and the well-being of our entire school community. 

 

Understanding Snow Day Decisions in Hilliard City Schools 

Q: How does the district decide whether to delay or cancel school due to winter weather?
A: Our team begins monitoring weather conditions as early as 3:00 a.m. on mornings when winter weather is a concern. Multiple staff members are on the roads assessing conditions in real-time, and we stay in close communication with city, county, and regional officials to understand snow removal and road treatment efforts. 

Q: What tools does the district use to make these decisions?
A: Advances in radar and weather forecasting give us valuable tools for informed decision-making. However, winter weather remains unpredictable. Our district covers 60 square miles, including Columbus, Hilliard, Dublin, and Brown and Norwich Townships, and each area may experience slightly different weather and road conditions. 

Q: When are decisions about delays or closures typically made?
A: Decisions are usually made by 10:00 p.m. the night before or by 5:30 a.m. on the morning of a potential closure. Our transportation team needs time to prepare our bus fleet, and our staff must ensure buildings are safe and accessible. 

Q: Does the district receive additional funding for staying open during winter weather?
A: No, there is no financial impact from holding or canceling school. 

Q: Why doesn’t the district use two-hour delays more often?
A: We consider two-hour delays when they would meaningfully improve road conditions. For example, if additional time allows road crews to clear streets or dense fog to lift, a delay makes sense. However, delays also create unique traffic patterns for our buses, and sticking to our regular schedule is often the safest and most reliable option. 

Q: Why does the district prioritize keeping schools open whenever possible?
A: We know school closures can be disruptive, and over 30% of our students rely on school for breakfast and lunch. We do not look for reasons to cancel school; instead, we exhaust every possibility to keep our doors open and provide a safe learning environment. 

Q: What should families with student drivers keep in mind during winter weather?
A: We encourage caution and remind parents that school buses are always an option if a student lives in a bus attendance area. Our drivers are highly trained, and our buses are well-equipped to handle winter roads. 

Q: What’s the district’s overall approach to winter weather decisions?
A: Winter weather is a reality in Central Ohio, and we appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as we work to make the best possible decisions for our students and staff. Safety, communication, and well-being remain our top priorities.