Superintendent Information

TALAWANDA SCHOOL DISTRICT

131 W. Chestnut Street, Oxford, Ohio  45056

www.talawanda.org

Talawanda School District EMPOWERS Every Learner Every Day!

WELCOME BACK LETTER 2025-2026

Dear Talawanda Families, Staff, Students, and Community Members:

It is with great pride, humility, and honor that I welcome you back to the 2025–2026 school year in the Talawanda School District! As Superintendent, I am continually inspired by the strength of our community, the talent and commitment of our educators, and the remarkable potential of our students. I am proud to serve in a district that exemplifies excellence, innovation, and inclusivity while empowering all stakeholders..

Talawanda continues to thrive, and our collective efforts are reflected in several significant accomplishments:

• 🎓A 98% graduation rate that stands as a testament to the dedication of our students, families, and staff.
  
  
• 📈Seven consecutive years of academic growth on Ohio's State Achievement Assessments.
  
  
• ⭐A 4.5 out of 5-star rating on the Ohio State Report Card, underscoring the high-quality education provided across our schools.
  
  
• 🏆THS Students were the Battle of Belt Winners for the 3rd straight year!
  
  
• 📜THS has had SIX National Merit recognized students each of the last two years, including FOUR Finalists! 

Our focus remains steadfast on supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. We continue to implement and refine our ✅Multi-Tiered Support Systems (MTSS) to ensure that each student receives the personalized support they need to succeed. In addition, 🧠Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Restorative Practices are embedded into our schools to foster respectful, inclusive, and nurturing learning environments. We have counselors, psychologists, social workers, and SROs at each building. We also have a Wellness Coordinator who not only works with our community partners, but with our students, families, and staff.  These excellent professionals support the ongoing mission, vision, and core values of the entire Talawanda team to provide a world class education!

Talawanda offers a wide variety of 🎭extracurricular activities that help students explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and grow beyond the classroom. Whether in athletics, the arts, music, leadership, clubs, or service organizations, these opportunities are essential to cultivating well-rounded individuals. Consider joining one of our many activities by checking out each school’s website.

Our dedicated and highly skilled staff work diligently to prepare students for life beyond high school—whether that path leads to employment, college, the military, or vocational education. Every graduate leaves Talawanda equipped not only with academic knowledge but with the necessary critical thinking skills, good character, and resilience needed to thrive in a modern world.  Our team goes the extra mile to help students learn and prepare for their next endeavor whether it is graduating to the next grade level, post secondary education, or the work world.

We continue the successful implementation of our Strategic Plan (https://www.talawanda.org/departments/superintendent/strategic-plan/ ), which guides our progress in academics, student well-being, community engagement, and operational excellence. A cornerstone of our success is the strength of our community partnerships, which remain vital to meeting the diverse needs of our students and families. We deeply value our collaboration with organizations such as:

• Primary Health Solutions
  
  
• Best Point Behavioral Health and Butler Behavioral
  
  
• Miami University
  
  
• McCullough-Hyde/TriHealth
  
  
• Oxford Police Department
  
  
• Butler County Sheriff's Department
  
  
• Butler County ESC
  
  
• Butler Tech
  
  
• Oxford Fire Department
  
  
• Township and City Administrations
  
  
• Butler County Mental Health
  
  
• Coalition for a Healthy Community
  
  
• Hope Cooperative
  
  
• Township and City Administrations
  
  

• • Chamber of Commerce
    
    

• • Kiwanis
    
    

• • Rotary
    
    

• • Lions
    
    

• • Masons

• • Parents, Guardians, and Family Members
    • AND… many other valued partners too numerous to recognize in this short letter.

Ohio Senate Bill 158 was passed by our Ohio legislators.  It requires all Ohio districts to pass cell phone/phone/communications policies by January 1, 2026.  Cell phones including smart watches and other electronic communications are to be limited/eliminated during school hours and activities. Each of our buildings will send out notifications that cell phones/smart watches/ electronic communications are strongly encouraged to be kept at home or stored in the student’s locker/backpack.  Students will not be able to use cell phones during the school day and at school activities except if there is a medical or other condition that requires the use of the device (i.e. insulin pump, diabetes, etc.).  Medical documentation would be needed in these cases.  Students will have access to school phones if a student needs to communicate with a parent/guardian.  Parents/Guardians may also call the school if they need to get in touch with their child.  

Many may have concerns about safety.  Our number one priority during a safety issue is to ensure all students are safe first.  Once students and staff are safe, we will allow students and parents/guardians to communicate with each other.  

We know many of our students use their phones/smart watches/electronic communications throughout the day.  The new legal requirement will be a challenge for our families, students, and staff. The primary goals of the ban (SB158) are to reduce distractions, improve student focus and engagement in learning, and potentially address issues related to cyberbullying and mental health. 

There will be consequences for cell phone/smart watches/ electronic communication violations.  Those consequences will look slightly different at each level.  The buildings will send more information on this requirement as well as have the information posted in the student handbook/Code of Conduct.

Starting the cell phone/smart watches/electronic communications at the beginning of the school year vs. January 2026 will maintain consistency and adhere to the new legal requirement we need to follow.

This year, we are also proud to launch the Project Reboot Initiative, a timely and proactive effort designed to help students, staff, and families reflect on and reset their relationships with technology. Project Reboot focuses on:

• Reducing excessive screen time
  
  
• Encouraging healthier tech habits
  
  
• Promoting thoughtful content consumption
  
  
• Supporting balanced, mindful lifestyles

We believe Project Reboot will also assist families with the new cell phone/smart watches/electronic communications procedures and home conversations regarding the use of these devices.

The initiative will feature digital detox challenges, in-class activities, and individual coaching to support our students in reclaiming control over their technology use and reinforcing face-to-face connections. Kramer staff started this work in the 2024-25 school year. We will have middle and high school presentations as well as a community presentation in November.  Stay tuned for more information.

Our five year forecast is strong based upon what we know.  There is a concerted effort by our legislators to make changes to property taxes.  While we cannot guess at what those actions may be, we know there can be an effect on school districts and their bottom lines.  We continue to analyze our programs, services, and curriculum to ensure the best education possible. We also want to be transparent regarding our finances.  Go to https://www.talawanda.org/departments/treasurer-finance/ to find a plethora of resources and information related to our taxpayer stewardship.  While we have not had a levy in 20 years, we need to remain vigilant to any state or federal changes that may compromise our services, programs, 5 year forecast, and student needs.  We continue to need our community to reach out to our legislators to expand upon the Talawanda BRAVE education.  Our results demonstrate we are making a positive impact.

As we work through the 2025-26 school year, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Talawanda community for your continued support, trust, and partnership. Together, we will ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and find their path.   The Talawanda BRAVE School District is a place to live, work, thrive, and grow.  Come learn more about us at www.talawanda.org. 

It is a privilege to serve and lead in such a meritorious district, and I look forward to another year of shared success, innovation, and positive impact.

In Education,

Dr. Edward Theroux
Superintendent
Talawanda School District