As we approach the Thanksgiving season, I find myself reflecting on just how much we have to be grateful for across Jonathan Alder Local Schools. Each day, our students, teachers, coaches, and staff continue to make an incredible IMPACT through their commitment to learning, leadership, and one another. I am grateful for the outstanding academic achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and countless opportunities our students experience because of the dedication of our entire Alder Family.
This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for something that should never be taken for granted: the confidence, trust, and continued support of our Jonathan Alder community.
Across Ohio, many school districts are facing increasingly difficult financial challenges. Communities are having to make tough decisions about school funding, programs, and opportunities for their students. These challenges remind us just how fortunate we are at Jonathan Alder. Our community has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to public education through the approval of our Bond Issue in November 2025 and the renewal of our Earned Income Tax in May 2026. These decisions represent more than financial support. They represent confidence in our schools, a commitment to our students, and an investment in the future of Jonathan Alder.
Your support is making an IMPACT, and we are watching that IMPACT come to life!
Following extensive community engagement, our Community Advisory Team helped shape the vision for the future of our district, including the construction of a new school and the reconfiguration of our grade levels. In December 2024, the Board of Education approved that vision. Today, what began as conversations, planning, and a shared commitment to our future is becoming a reality.
Construction is progressing, and we are excited about what lies ahead:
Canaan 2027: The Canaan Intermediate School addition is scheduled for completion in July 2027, allowing all district fourth-grade students to attend Canaan Intermediate, which will be converted to serve grades 4-5.
JAMS 2028: Our new Jonathan Alder Middle School, serving grades 6-8, and the high school addition are scheduled to open during the 2028-29 school year.
Our Future Configuration: Plain City Elementary and Monroe Elementary will serve grades K-3, while the current junior high will be repurposed to support preschool programming and central district offices.
We recognize that these transitions bring questions for families, particularly those with students entering fourth grade next school year. In the coming months, we will communicate additional information regarding grade-level transitions, schedules, transportation, and the many details associated with these exciting changes.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our families, staff, Board of Education, community partners, and taxpayers. Your continued support allows us to focus on what matters most: providing outstanding opportunities and experiences for every student while remaining responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
The IMPACT of a strong school district extends far beyond the classroom. It strengthens families, brings communities together, and creates opportunities for generations to come.
Thank you for believing in Jonathan Alder, for supporting our students, and for helping us continue to Value the Past, Invest in Today, and Elevate the Future.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, family, and time together.
In Gratitude,
James Miller
Superintendent
Jonathan Alder Local Schools