Sister, Grade Band School Update

Dear MEVSD Staff,

Before addressing the specifics, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication to our Milford students. I recognize the challenges and stress that the failure of the recent Earned Income Tax (EIT) vote on the November ballot has brought to all of us. Despite this uncertainty, you continue to show extraordinary commitment, creating a supportive and enriching environment for our students every day and I want to thank you.

To help ease some of the uncertainty surrounding the transition to sister, grade-band schools, we have prepared this newsletter with resources and updates to guide you as we begin this planning process. Within this newsletter, you will find:

• A Letter of Intent to assist leadership with planning for the 2025-2026 school year.
• An Internal FAQ Document addressing common staff questions about this change.
• A Google Form where you can submit additional questions or concerns to be addressed.
• Information about our Community FAQ, designed to keep families informed and engaged.
  
  

District leadership is working diligently to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible for both staff and students. While some may have hopes for an operating levy on the May 2024 ballot, please know that our Board has not yet committed to pursuing this option. Should they decide to proceed, we will share this information transparently with our community and keep everyone updated throughout the process.

In the coming weeks we will host Community Feedback Sessions at schools to gather further input from the community. We encourage all staff members to attend these sessions and assist us in sharing this information soon. Your presence and support will play a vital role in helping us connect with families and address their concerns during this period of change. Additionally, we will also be hosting "Mornings with Milford" meetings at each school, held after morning drop-off to provide parents with a convenient opportunity to meet, ask questions, and share feedback.

In the meantime, we must prepare for the transition to sister schools. While change can be daunting, I have no doubt in the strength and collaboration of this incredible team. Together, we will approach this challenge with creativity and determination, keeping our shared mission of providing the best for Milford students at the forefront.

With appreciation, hope and gratitude,
John Spieser
Superintendent, Milford Exempted Village Schools

Starting June 1, 2025, the minimum years of service required for an unreduced retirement benefit under the Defined Benefit Plan will temporarily drop to 33 years (from 34), and reduced retirement benefits will require 28 years (down from 29). Eligibility for reduced retirement at age 60 with 5 years of service remains unchanged. These adjustments mean some members may qualify for benefits sooner. For full details on eligibility criteria through July 2027 and beyond, visit: https://www.strsoh.org/newsroom/2024/retirement-eligibility-changes-announced-november.html

Join us for our upcoming Retirement Information Meeting on January 27, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the MEVSD Board of Education Center, located at 1099 OH-131, Milford, OH 45150. This session will cover everything you need to know about retirement eligibility, recent changes to requirements, and next steps to prepare for a smooth transition. Don’t miss this opportunity to get all your questions answered!

For additional details or questions regarding retirement, please contact Assistant Treasurer Matt Wendeln: wendeln_m@milfordschools.org

In response to the failure of the 1% EIT on the November 2024 ballot, Milford Schools will need to make difficult but necessary financial adjustments due to the current deficit spending. Among these changes, the transition to sister-grade band schools is projected to save the District approximately $2.5 million. This cost reduction comes through more efficient use of classroom space and the strategic elimination of positions and associated operational costs. These steps are essential to ensuring that Milford Schools continues to deliver high-quality education while responsibly managing its budget under the current financial constraints.

Please assist the district by providing us with your "intent" for the 2025-2026 school year.

Complete the following form and "SUBMIT" no later than Friday, December 13, 2024.

District leadership understands that the transition to sister schools brings questions, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Click the image to explore our latest internal-only FAQ, where we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions from staff members like you.

This FAQ is strictly for internal use, so please do not share it externally. We’re still gathering information and will continue updating the FAQ to address additional questions as they arise. If you have a question that isn’t covered yet, let us know by clicking the button below to submit it.

District leadership values transparency and ensuring our staff are informed first. Click the image to access our external FAQ, which will be shared with families starting tomorrow. We kindly ask that you wait for us to distribute this information to families to maintain a unified message.

This FAQ provides answers to key questions regarding the transition to sister schools. If you notice anything missing or have a question of your own, please click the button below to submit it. Your input helps us ensure clear and comprehensive communication with our community.

In light of the November 2024 Earned Income Tax results, Milford Schools is hosting Community Feedback Sessions to hear directly from you. Superintendent Spieser and Treasurer Ackermann invite community members from all perspectives to join these sessions.