August 20, 2019
Dear West G Parents/Residents:
Students returned today for the 2019-2020 school year. We
are glad to have them back and hope that this new school year is their best
yet.
A major current topic in West Geauga is the probable
territory transfer of the Newbury Local School District to the West Geauga
Local School District. If the transfer is successful, as anticipated, the
current Newbury School District would become a part of the West Geauga School
District for the 2020-2021 school year. Several transitional activities are
being planned for the current school year to acclimate families who live in
Newbury Township to the West G school family.
A secondary issue is that of facilities master planning for
future district needs. After multiple meetings of community residents, a plan
was presented to the West Geauga Board of Education in February 2019.
Facilitated by BSHM Architects, it combines new construction with renovation.
In short, the plan calls for a new high school and middle school joined by an
auditorium and performing arts classrooms and supplemented by an athletic field
house for school and community use. The plan also involves the consolidation of
the two existing elementary buildings into the current middle school after
renovation to accommodate the educational needs of the younger children.
Curriculum-related initiatives focus on early literacy and
continued implementation of a new K-12 math curriculum. Special education and Gifted services will
also receive attention in an effort to meet more fully the needs of all
students.
We are pleased to welcome everyone back to what promises to
be a busy and rewarding school year. Thank you for your continued support of
your schools.
Sincerely,
Rich
Markwardt, PhD
Superintendent
of Schools
