Spring has finally arrived, at least for now. If you've lived in Ohio long enough, you know that false spring means enjoying sunshine and warm temperatures one day and scraping ice off your windshield the next. But despite the back-and-forth weather, one thing is certain: we are in the home stretch of this school year and there is plenty to celebrate and discuss at New Philadelphia City Schools.

Let's start with a big congratulations for Isabelle Ramirez, who made history as the first female wrestler from New Philadelphia to earn a spot on the podium at the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) State Wrestling Tournament. We're also celebrating Ricky Neff as our new athletic director. Neff has called New Philadelphia home for 44 years and we can't wait to see his passion and leadership in this new role.

Looking to the future, voters will soon have the opportunity to vote on a bond issue and permanent improvement levy for New Philadelphia City Schools. The proposal on the May 6 ballot would fund a new PK-6 elementary school at South Elementary and a future middle/high school at the current high school site, as well as honor the community's request to keep the current high school gym.

The plan would also eliminate the need for modular classrooms, which pose challenges with maintaining secure facilities and expose students and staff to poor weather conditions. The levy presents an opportunity for the district to secure more than 50% of project costs through state funding while locking in today's rates and construction costs. According to an analysis by ThenDesign Architecture, constructing new facilities would be less expensive than renovating the current buildings.

As always, I would love to hear any questions, comments or concerns you may have. Please contact me directly at 330-364-0600. You're also welcome to join us for one of our building tours from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. before an upcoming board meeting to learn more and share your thoughts. Meetings will be held April 14, at York Elementary and May 12, at East Elementary.

I look forward to sharing in the excitement of this spring with you ‒ whether at an athletic event, an end-of-year celebration, or graduation ‒ as we celebrate our students' successes.

Amy Wentworth is the superintendent of New Philadelphia City Schools.