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By Jim Uphoff, Ed. D.
At the end of 2007, I will end my 18 years as a member of the Oakwood City Schools Board of Education. It is time to reflect back over this time span and to account for some of the significant changes that have taken place. I have been just one small voice—only 20 percent of the Board membership, but I like to think that I have played a part along with countless teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and, of course, students to make our school system one of excellence!
When I was appointed to the Board in August 1989, our official fall enrollment for K-12 was 1,362. This current fall, our unofficial enrollment has risen to 2132—a growth of 770 students for a 56.5 percent increase. Oakwood’s boundaries have not changed so this growth can only be due to two factors. 1. The number of births has increased. And 2. People with families have chosen to move to Oakwood versus elsewhere in the Miami Valley. When a house sells, the seller is often like myself with no more children at home and the buyer is often a family with children in or soon to be in our schools.
What has led these families to choose Oakwood as the place to raise and educate their children? My reflections on the answers to this question will follow in this and several subsequent columns in the O.R. My answers will not be in any order of importance or chronology however. I will also appreciate hearing from readers as to their own reflections of the significant school system milestones over these past two decades. ( jkuphoff@aol.com )
Special Needs Program was re-evaluated in the early 1990s through a strong policy commitment to make it an in-district program that was dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our students by working closely with their parents to make it a real partnership. This has happened and there are a number of Oakwood children whose lives have been impacted in positive ways as a result. Our voters have enabled us to do this!
Alumni Association was created with strong support from loyal alums living locally and far away. This organization has provided our school system with a strong foundation of support and input. We have relied on our graduates in so many ways since the organizations “birth” that it would take many columns just to mention them all.
Elementary Spanish for 1-6 was added to our school curriculum in the fall of 2002. This became a reality only after a two-year study by a citizens/educators special committee. They reviewed much research, visited other districts, and talked with other educators prior to sending their well-written and documented report to the Board of Education. The Board then studied all of these data and the committee’s recommendations before voting to add the program with a full-time teacher for each elementary building, but only after voters approved an operating levy in 2002. TEAMWORK!
The next column will have many more as my own list has over 20 items on it.
You can add even more!
 Eric Reed, son of John and Marilyn Reed of Oakwood, has been selected as the recipient of the 2007 Oakwood Rotary College Scholarship. Reed, who is now attending Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., was the 2007 Salutatorian for The Miami Valley School. His other academic achievements include being named a David A. Saidel Scholar, National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist, Bausch & Lomb/University of Rochester Honorary Science Award Scholarship winner, and second place award winner in the American Chemical Society Patterson Chemistry Competition.
While living in the area, Reed played varsity tennis, served as an Outstanding Delegate for Model United Nations, and was the political columnist for The Miami Valley School newspaper Phloem and Xylem. Additionally, he performed hours of community service work for Habitat for Humanity, Club Lacrosse, St. Vincent DePaul, Youth Tennis Ralleyball, and the Oakwood Community Center Youth Sports Programs.
Each year, the Oakwood Rotary selects a high school senior to receive its College Scholarship Award. The award is $1,000 a year and is renewable for four years. The primary factor for consideration is service to the community and continued community service throughout the recipient’s college career.
Let’s all make a point of walking to school during International Walk to School Week for so many wonderful reasons:
* To get daily physical activity
* To protect the environment
* To teach safe walking skills
* To reduce traffic, pollution, and speed near schools
* To share time with parents and children
* To take back the neighborhood for people on foot
* To raise awareness of how “walkable” the community is and where improvements can be made
* To join millions of walkers around the world who will celebrate International Walk to School Day!
Sturgill Roofing - Allen Sturgill, Mike Dempsey, Bruce Gohmann, Mike Sullivan were the first place finishers.
The Oakwood Schools Education Foundation hosted its Third Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser at the Dayton Country Club last Monday, September 24, 2007. Seventy golfers enjoyed themselves in a classic scramble, thanks to a beautiful day and a well organized event, chaired by Foundation member Chris Wallace.
$23,000 was raised to directly benefit the students of the Oakwood Schools. Special thanks to the generous sponsors: Gold sponsor - Fites Family Foundation and Blue sponsors – The Berry Network; Danis Building Construction; Henny Penny Corporation; Susan Kettering and the Kettering Family Foundation; and Sturgill Roofing. Many area companies provided additional support as hole sponsors and contributors of raffle items.
Honorary Chair Kevin Payne hosted the reception following the blistering hot round of golf. Congratulations to the winning team from Sturgill Roofing –Allen Sturgill, Mike Dempsey, Bruce Gohmann, Mike Sullivan - repeat first place winners from 2005 and setting the event record this year at 15 under. Ken Hemmelgarn and Dee Dee Huffer won longest drive prizes.
The reception closed with a live auction of a personalized tour of Hawthorn Hill. In fast, furious and exceedingly generous bidding, Bill Butt outlasted the competition and won the prize. We extend thanks to Bill for his tremendous support.
The Oakwood Schools Education Foundation exists to provide students with diverse and distinctive opportunities that go above and beyond the reach of the districts’ public funding budget. One of the ways the Foundation enhances an Oakwood education is by funding teacher and administrative grants. Examples of past grants include: Lange School playground challenge grant, Smith School gazebo challenge grant, Destination Imagination travel assistance, science labs and materials, smart boards, accelerated reader books, publications lab, master teacher expenses, Lego League robots and kits and other items. The net proceeds from the golf outing will be used to fund grant requests and other Foundation activities.
Thanks to all who support the Oakwood Schools Education Foundation’s events and fundraising. You truly make a difference in the lives of Oakwood students.
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