To Jonathan Alder Students and Families:

Friday, March 21st marks the last day of the 3rd grading period.   As Superintendent, I’m so encouraged to witness the hard work, dedication and commitment by our students, staff and teams as we navigate through the 2024-2025 school year.  Students and teachers are preparing and gearing up for the busy testing season and completing all necessary graduation requirements.  I encourage all of our students and staff to take the next week to press forward and finish strong going into spring break.  Beginning on Monday, March 24th, I hope our school community and Families will take the time for rest and JOYful family time as we all gear up for a busy and active 4th quarter.

I want to commend our incredible students and athletes for their recent achievements! Natalia Medici made history as a National Merit Finalist, ranking in the top 1% nationwide. Boys Basketball battled to the OHSAA Regional Finals after a big District Championship win, while Wrestling sent three competitors to the State Tournament.  Rayce Watson capped off an amazing season as the 2025 State Runner-Up in the 106lb weight class and Ethan Kuhns earned a 7th place medal on the podium in the 150lb weight class.  Drew Damron dominated the Bowling District Tournament, and finished 4th in the State Championship with an outstanding performance. Hannah Shop was named CBC Student-Athlete of the Month.  Lily Schneider earned CBC Athlete of the Month, holds a school swimming record, placed 8th and 6th in two events at the State Championship, was named CBC Swimmer of the Year, and received the Village of Plain City Youth Spotlight Award.  And to top it all off, Pioneer Nation’s Div. III Non-Building Cheer Team brought home the 2025 State Championship! Congratulations to all—your hard work and dedication make us proud!  

I would like to share the extensive collaboration and careful planning that resulted in our proposed facility plan to our community.   For the past 18 months, we have worked closely with engineers, the School Board, students, staff and dedicated community members to develop a thoughtful and strategic plan for our district’s future.  Through countless strategic meetings, Board meetings and evening work sessions, we have ensured every decision is informed, data-driven and involved community stakeholders.

Transparency has been at the core of our efforts throughout the strategic planning process. Through ElevateAlder.com, we have shared every presentation, PowerPoint, and data point, keeping our community informed every step of the way.  The process included three months of Educational Visioning sessions, involving 120 students, staff, parents, and stakeholders.  A four-month Master Facility Planning process engaged 60 committed community members.  Multiple enrollment studies with leading experts have provided critical data to guide the process—ensuring all decisions align with projected enrollment through 2034.

The Community Advisory Team’s (CAT) forward-thinking plan that meets our district-wide 80% enrollment capacity goal for 2034.

• Converting Plain City and Monroe Elementary Schools into K-3 buildings to increase capacity.

• Transforming Canaan into a 4-5 Intermediate school with a four-classroom addition.

• Building a new 6-8 Junior High at the High School site.

• Adding eight classrooms to JA High School.

• Repurposing the existing Junior High for preschool expansion and district offices.

• Renovating Plain City, Monroe, and Canaan to enhance educational delivery and flexibility.

This plan is more than just buildings—it’s a vision that will serve our Students and Families for decades of Teaching and Learning all while Valuing the Past, Investing in Today, and Elevating the Future.

In Gratitude,

James Miller Ed.D. 
Superintendent
Jonathan Alder Local School District