St. Bernard–Elwood Place superintendent reports on consolidation, five‑star preschool and new programs

Dr. Webb, superintendent of St. Bernard–Elwood Place Schools, addressed council with an update on the district’s consolidation and new programs.

She said the district’s preschool earned a five‑star rating from the state of Ohio, a recognition she described as the highest award for preschool programs and the result of work on social, emotional and academic preparation for young learners. Dr. Webb said consolidation into a single, modern facility has improved instructional collaboration—allowing daily grade‑level planning, easier deployment of enrichment and after‑school clubs, and shared field trips—and created new offerings such as a STEM lab and a gifted program with an on‑site gifted coordinator (Mrs. Gelman).

The superintendent described academic acceleration for sixth‑grade math (pre‑algebra), College Credit Plus opportunities available to middle and high school students and student‑run media produced in the STEM lab (Daily Titans). She said students report feeling safer under the new building design, which separates adult and student entrances and includes updated security features.

Nick Hendrick, the district’s treasurer and chief financial officer, described progress on the building project’s phase two—demolition and replacement of older buildings, two new parking lots (north and south), a fenced playground near the elementary school, and a half‑court basketball court. Hendrick said expanded parking will support community events and that the district is planning a dedication and open house in late summer or early fall.

Dr. Webb and Hendrick thanked council for ongoing support and invited members to attend the dedication event.

Next steps: district staff will continue construction work on phase two; council is scheduled to hear another school representative at a future meeting.