Spartans Advance

Hello Pleasant,

As I sit down to write this, my first end-of-year message as your Superintendent, I am overcome with pride, gratitude, and optimism. This school year has been a momentous one for us all, from the opening of our new school to the incredible progress we've made academically. I am incredibly thankful for your support throughout the year, and I am excited to update you on what we have achieved and our plans for the future.

Our motto, Spartans Advance, is more than just words. It represents our collective commitment to growth, progress, and constant evolution. As part of my three-phase entry plan, I spent this past year establishing relationships, identifying resources, and setting strategic goals. Our Board of Education, District Leadership Team, and I worked tirelessly to ensure we created the best possible environment for our students to thrive.

One of our proudest moments this year was the opening of our new 5-12 school building - a testament to our community's perseverance, dedication, and vision. The excitement and joy radiating from our students and staff as they first walked through those doors is a memory I will cherish forever.

This year also marked a significant financial milestone with the decision to move inside millage, providing us with approximately $445,000 per year in Permanent Improvement (PI) funding. This move came about after community forums, during which we engaged in open dialogue about our district facility concerns. The community's voice was clear: we needed immediate solutions that also minimized financial burden.

In light of this and the unexpected news regarding the delay in OFCC funding inaccessibility, we have developed a plan to address many of our facilities' urgent needs in the most fiscally responsible manner. The Board of Education approved a $2.6 million loan against the PI funds to tackle these high-priority projects. I look forward to updating everyone on our progress over the summer.

Looking ahead, there are many exciting projects on the horizon that we couldn't undertake without your ongoing support. This newsletter marks the first of many updates we will share to keep you informed and engaged with the exciting progress and transformation occurring in our schools.

As we close out this school year and begin to look to the next, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Our progress is a testament to our shared commitment to the future of our students. Let's continue to move forward, to advance, and to uphold the true spirit of being a Spartan.

Thank you for an incredible first year. I can't wait to see where we will go together next.

Tom McDonnell

Superintendent, Pleasant Local Schools

Pleasant Local Schools earned the Auditor of State Award for its latest financial audit. This award is given to a small and elite group of local governments that practice accurate accounting practices.

"Pleasant Local Schools has a proven and consistent record of reporting our financial information in a timely and accurate manner," said Pleasant Local Schools Treasurer James Corbeil. "We are honored to receive this recognition from the state for our financial practices."

The Auditor of State recognizes local governments and school districts with the Auditor of State Award upon completion of a financial audit. Those entities that meet the criteria of a “clean” audit report receive the award with an audit that does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, or significant deficiencies.

"James and his staff do a great job and are to be commended for their great work. Not all school districts receive this award," added Superintendent Tom McDonnell. "Taxpayers can feel confident in knowing that the district’s finances are being managed in the most responsible manner and to the highest state standards."

Attention students, parents, and staff of Pleasant Local Schools! The 2023-24 school year begins on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

For the full calendar, visit https://www.pleasantlocalschools.org/Calendars.aspx. Get ready for an incredible year ahead!

After the July 4 holiday, the preparation for the demolition of the old Middle School will begin, marking the end of an era filled with cherished memories. This project will conclude in early to mid-September. However, this change comes with a significant benefit: an annual cost savings of approximately $35,000 in inspections and utilities. Although we bid farewell to the old school, we are delighted that our students now have a modern 5-12 building to support their education. Let's embrace this progress with gratitude and optimism for the future.

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