Category: News

Bernadette John, a 2017 graduate of Darby High School, said she owes where she is today to Hilliard City Schools. 

After earning a bachelor’s in music performance and a bachelor’s in business administration from Bowling Green State University, she attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She graduated in May of 2023 with her master’s in clarinet performance.

Starting in September, she is studying contemporary clarinet performance in Dublin, Ireland, as a Fulbright scholarship recipient. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. John said the process wasn’t an easy one. Only around one in five Fulbright applicants are accepted. When she returns from her 10-month stint in Ireland, she hopes to attend The Ohio State University for her doctorate of musical arts, then teach and play music.

“Without Hilliard Schools, I don’t think I would have chosen music as a career path,” she said. “I still remember my very first day of band and Mr. John Montgomery teaching me my very first notes on the clarinet.” 

Others who influenced her and encouraged her passion for music while at Hilliard include Nicole Brocke, Joe Burke, Jeremy Kozman, Nick James, Kristin Hodgson, Michael Martin, and Hannah Sterman-Wilson. 

If you have alumni you would like to see spotlighted, click here to send us an email!

Program Details:

The Back-to-School Senior Volunteer program pairs volunteers like you with elementary school students to help improve reading, social, and classroom skills. This program is an organized partnership with the City of Hilliard Social Center and the Hilliard City School District.

Volunteers must have reliable transportation and be available during the preferred volunteer hours of 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. weekdays.

Steps to volunteer success:

• Volunteer completes the Back-to-School Volunteer form.
• The City of Hilliard confirms the volunteer is registered with all the necessary details and notifies the volunteer to complete the next step.
• Volunteer completes a background check with Hilliard City School District.
• Hilliard City Schools reconnects with the volunteer once the background check is complete & proper school ID is created.

Please submit this application form at least three weeks prior to any scheduled volunteer date to allow proper time for review and background checks.

Volunteer Process:

1. Volunteer is interested in the Program
2. Volunteer submits Volunteer Form to HRPD
3. HRPD receives the Interest Form & updates Interest Form Spreadsheet
4. HRPD connects with the HCSD to confirm availability
5. HCSD confirms volunteer space available
6. HRPD connects with Volunteer to submit for Background Check
7. HCSD confirms Background Check, Updates Interest Form Spreadsheet
8. HCSD then reconnects with Volunteer to set up preferred days/times
9. Volunteer starts with schools upon Volunteer Badge creation
10. Volunteer SignUp spreadsheet Updated w/ Volunteer Hours & Dates of Service

HRPD: Hilliard Rec & Parks Depart. | HCSD: Hilliard City School District

Volunteer Sign-up form: https://forms.office.com/r/LQqSU7vzcV

Congratulations to this month’s Embrace, Empower & Inspire Award winners, Chris Robinson (Innovation & Discovery Assistant at Darby Creek), and Cathie Maple (Social Studies Teacher at Tharp).

“It is my pleasure to recommend Chris Robinson for this month’s Embrace, Empower and Inspire Award. As an Innovation & Discovery Assistant in our district, Chris] has shown overwhelming dedication and love in her work with elementary students. Her enthusiasm for creating a welcoming, engaging, Innovation & Discovery Center environment is clear in everything she does.”

“Cathie has endured personal and family medical challenges and the loss of a loved one. Our Tharp Family is blown away by the energy, passion and intentionality she has brought every single day with her colleagues, students and families. Her hard work and spirit is contagious and overshadows the unbelievable challenges she has faced. Cathie’s outlook on life and her devotion to her craft is a testimony to her impact on the Hilliard Community. Cathie has been a bright light to anyone that has crossed her path. Cathie Maple…THE DIFFERENCE MAKER!”

These staff members go above and beyond the expectations of the Hilliard Way and truly make a difference in our district. If you know a staff member who goes above and beyond their way to make a difference, you can nominate them for next month’s award by clicking HERE!

Understanding Our District’s Finances: Key Takeaways from the November Five-Year Forecast

Ohio law requires every school district to update its five-year financial forecast twice a year: once by November 30 and again by May 31. These forecasts provide a snapshot of our district’s financial health and help us plan for the future. Here’s an easy-to-understand overview of the key points from our latest update.

Where We Stand Financially

• Starting Cash Balance: On July 1, we began the fiscal year with $91 million in cash. By the end of FY25 (June 2025), we expect to have $89.6 million remaining, despite operating at a deficit.
• Deficit Spending: Although we are spending more than we take in during FY25, the passage of the 6.9-mill operating levy in November will significantly help. This levy will generate $15.8 million in new revenue this spring, reducing the majority of the operating deficit we had originally projected for FY25.

Impact of Issue 39

Under the current assumptions, the approval of Issue 39 enables us to meet the 20% cash reserve required by Board policy through FY2029. This proactive planning helps us avoid future financial challenges, like a negative cash balance or fiscal emergency.

Where Our Funding Comes From

• Local Taxes: 68% of our funding comes from local property taxes.
• State Funding: 27% of our funding is provided by the state.
• Other Revenues: The remaining 5% includes payments from businesses like Amazon and TruePointe, which will begin contributing later in this forecast period.

For FY25, total general fund revenues are projected to be $247.2 million.

Key Revenue Insights:

• Property values are expected to grow 1% annually due to new construction.
• The new operating levy will provide $31.6 million in annual real estate tax revenue.
• State funding is anticipated to remain stagnant, even if the state adjusts its base cost formula in the coming years.

How We Spend Our Funds

As a labor-intensive organization, most of our budget goes toward the people who support our students daily:

• Salaries and Benefits: These account for 84% of expenditures. Salaries are expected to increase annually, reflecting cost-of-living adjustments and step increases.
• Other Costs: Purchased services (utilities, transportation, etc.) make up 10%, while supplies and materials represent 6%.

For FY25, total general fund expenditures are projected at $248.7 million.

Key Expenditure Insights:

• Rising healthcare costs are a challenge, with a projected 18% increase in medical insurance costs for 2025. Future increases are expected to moderate to 6% annually beginning in 2027.
• Utility costs are also climbing, with natural gas expected to rise 8% and electricity costs increasing by 25% in FY25.

Why This Matters

Our district is committed to financial transparency and careful planning. By making these forecasts available, we aim to keep our community informed about how we allocate resources to provide a high-quality education for all students.

For more details, you can review the full five-year forecast here or explore archived financial reports HERE.

Kaitlin Price Bowman, a 2013 graduate of Davidson, is living her dream with not just one, but two fulfilling careers. Thanks to the education and opportunities provided by Hilliard Schools, she’s been able to blend her passions with her skills. 

After high school, Kaitlin attended The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in strategic marketing and professional writing. Her love for music, nurtured through participation in the marching and concert bands, orchestra and the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, followed her to college. She joined the student staff of The Ohio State Marching Band, a natural fit considering her parents met while playing in the band. 

During college, Kaitlin also discovered a love for jazzercise, inspired by her mom, who has enjoyed the cardio exercise for as long as she can remember. She became an instructor and has never looked back. 

Fast forward to today. Kaitlin is the Administrative Coordinator for Ohio State’s Marching and Athletic Bands, where she oversees travel and logistics for the university’s musicians. In 2021, she also purchased Hilliard Jazzercise. While she continues to teach, she acknowledges that balancing a business with a full-time job takes a village. She’s grateful for her team of instructors and her mom, who pitches in whenever needed.  

Kaitlin credits several teachers and musical directors for her success, including Mr. Mark Sholl, Mr. Dave Handshue, Mrs. Carol Handshue, Mr. Don Ley, Mr. Shawn Malone, and Mr. Corey Aumiller.

If you know an alumnus who deserves the spotlight, click here to send us an email!