Building Forward: A 4th Quarter Look at Progress and Possibility in Marysville Schools

As 2025 winds down, Superintendent Dr. Zack Howard sat down to share a wide-ranging update on Marysville Exempted Village School District — and it’s clear the district is not just closing the year strong, but building lasting momentum into the future.

From financial stewardship to the magic of middle school musicals, here are the highlights from the conversation.

🗳️ A Community That Shows Up

Earlier this year, Marysville voters approved a 5.5-mill operating levy, ensuring the district could maintain stability without cutting programs or staff. Dr. Howard reflects on the relief and gratitude that followed — and the community-wide commitment that made it possible.

“It created more stability for our district and what we can offer our students. That was a tremendous blessing.”

🏡 Coming Full Circle

Having grown up in Marysville, Dr. Howard shares how meaningful it is to lead in his hometown — seeing classmates' children in school, reconnecting with local families, and replanting roots alongside his own family.

📚 Student Success: Academic Growth on the Rise

Marysville earned a 4-star rating on the Ohio State Report Card, with notable improvements in ELA and math across grades 6–8. Dr. Howard credits teachers, students, and staff for pushing toward the ultimate goal: becoming a 5-star district.

“We saw increased student achievement almost across the board — and all of our language arts and math scores were above the state average.”

🧰 College, Career, & Beyond: Real-World Readiness

Whether it’s STEM, trades, the arts, or military pathways, Marysville continues to broaden what post-graduation readiness looks like.

• Early College High School scored exceptionally well in college and career readiness.

• Students are thriving in FFA, digital media, and robotics.

• A new game-day production initiative will give students hands-on media experience at sporting events.

🎭 Arts, Athletics & Authentic Connection

From football and cross country to Cinderella Youth Edition and show choir, the district’s commitment to well-rounded education was on full display this fall. Dr. Howard emphasizes the power of relationships — knowing students beyond the classroom and celebrating their full potential.

🏫 Facility Planning: Looking Ahead without Raising Taxes

With continued enrollment growth and aging buildings, the district is preparing a new facilities plan. Potential updates include:

• A new middle school on the current campus

• A new Edgewood Elementary

• Renovations and additions at Raymond Elementary

Importantly, the plan would not increase taxes, but would maintain the current rate through a future bond levy — helping the district stay ahead of long-term infrastructure needs.

💡 Embracing Innovation: From AI to Arts Integration

From discussing the updated STEAM (science + tech + engineering + arts + math) model to integrating AI into personalized learning, Dr. Howard highlights the district’s commitment to forward-thinking education.

“We need to prepare our students not just for college, but for the world they’re stepping into — and that includes technology like artificial intelligence.”

💬 Final Words: Open Doors & Open Conversations

As the winter concert season kicks off and sports heat up, Dr. Howard invites the community to stay engaged and stay visible.

“Come out and see us. Say hi. If we haven’t met, I’d love to connect.”

📬 Stay ConnectedFor more updates like this, sign up for the Good Stuff Newsletter — your monthly digest of leadership, education, and community insight.

📣 Social Media Teaser

🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🚨Superintendent Dr. Zack Howard is back with a full 4th quarter update on Marysville Schools — from student wins and levy news to future-ready learning, facility planning (without tax increases!), and big community pride. 💙🎓

🎧 LISTEN NOW📬 Sign up for the Good Stuff Newsletter#MarysvilleSchools #EducationMatters #GoodStuff

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