CASSTOWN — Miami East Local School District had an amazingly successful 2023 and looks forward to another strong year in 2024.

The Miami East Local School District experienced a change in leadership, continued athletic and academic success, said information provided by the Miami East Local School District. It also saw the completion of capital improvement projects throughout 2023, which has positioned the district for an even stronger year in 2024.

The report continued highlighting events from last year:

Miami East Welcomes New Superintendent:

Following the retirement of Dr. Todd Rappold after 19 years serving the Miami East Local School District as Superintendent, the Board of Education conducted an extensive search to find the next leader of one of the best school districts in the Miami Valley. Mr. Eric Hughes is an experienced teacher and educational leader and began serving as the new Superintendent on August 1, 2023. A native of southern Ohio, Hughes moved to Kentucky and started his career as an elementary teacher for Boone County Schools. Following his return to Ohio, he became the principal of Franklin Monroe Elementary in Arcanum, followed by an assistant principal position at Northmont City Schools and the principal of Washington Primary School in Piqua before he arrived at Miami East.

The Vikings Continued Their Strong Athletic Success in 2023:

In 2023, the Vikings saw the boys’ and girls’ softball teams win district titles and reach the state regional tournament. The district title for Boys’ basketball was the first for the district since 2009, while the tournament win for softball gave them back-to-back titles. The teams at Miami East combined for numerous league titles and won the All-Sport Trophy for both Boys and Girls. The football team qualified for the State Playoffs under first-year head coach Hunter Folkertsma.

Ohio School Report Card:

The Miami East Local School District received a 5 Star Overall Rating, significantly exceeding state standards. Districts and schools receive an overall rating of 1 to 5 stars in half-star increments. The overall rating is comprised of five rated components. The district received five stars in Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, and Graduation and 4 out of 5 stars in Early Literacy. The district was one of seventy-five throughout the state to receive a 5-star rating and one of two in the county to be awarded all five stars, along with Tipp City Exempted Village School District.

Capital Improvement:

Each year, the district evaluates the need for capital improvement. A classroom addition project for four classrooms began in the summer of 2022 and was completed at the beginning of 2023, giving the district additional space for the 2023-2024 school year. During the summer of 2023, the district completed a field turf project, a flooring replacement project, and an additional phase of LED lighting replacement. To complete the projects, the district utilized general fund dollars, permanent improvement funds, and a Premier Health Community Foundation grant. The district, through its facilities committee, has taken a proactive approach to preparing for the future and potential growth of the district.