Fostoria back to school date changed for 2025-26

FOSTORIA—The Fostoria Board of Education met for a regularly scheduled work session on Monday, to discuss proposed changes to the FJSHS Course Selection Guide for the 2025-26 school year and proposed changes to the 2026-2027 school calendar. The main topic of discussion for the session was proposed changes to the 2026-27 school year calendar, with members of the board discussing and agreeing with the proposed changes. Longbrake noted that by having an earlier start date for students, both students and staff will benefit in a multitude of ways. "When considering this change we had two main two goals in mind, firstly was to be able to finish the first semester prior to winter break," said Longbrake. He continued, explaining that this will allow both teachers more time for grades and students less time for interruptions between lessons. "The second is so graduation will no longer fall on Memorial Day weekend," added Longbrake. On another matter, Longbrake presented a recommendation to certify the resignation of School Psychologist Montana Zaborowski. Board Member Betsy Bringman asked whether she was the only school psychologist the district has, to which Longbrake noted there is still a school psychologist at Fostoria Elementary School. Bringman asked whether or not there were any candidates lined up to fill her position, to which Director of Student Services Beth Utz responded "Not currently– but we are working to have a job listing posted as soon as possible." The next item of discussion was proposed updates to the 2025-26 FJSHS Course Selection Guide, explained by Curriculum Director Tera Matz. Matz began by sharing several proposed additional courses that were selected specifically with students' interests in mind. To name a few, Matz discussed: Renaming the school's Intro to Guitar course into just Guitar I, and then adding Guitar II to allow previous students to continue with the course.Renaming the FHS Chamber Choir to Una Voce, or "One Voice".Removing the school's Journalism course, and combining elements of it with the yearbook course.Adding a Weight Training II CourseAdding a two-part Algebra I course, split into Algebra A and Algebra B over two semesters Matz also noted she is currently working on a Fostoria Middle School (FMS) Course Selection Guide. "Previously, we had a sheet of paper that served the same purpose. By adding something like this it further ensures transparency between students, staff, and parents," said Matz. In other news, discussed at the work session was an update from Lila Wolfe, choir director, who shared updates regarding the 2024-25 musical and theatre program. "This year, we will be performing 'Once Upon a Mattress' as our musical, and 'Game of Tiaras' as our play," shared Wolfe. Members of the board inquired as to whether the musical or play would be happening in the coming spring, to which Wolfe responded the musical. "'Once Upon a Mattress' is a show based on the fairytale the 'Princess and the Pea,'" explained Wolfe. She continued, saying that the show is bright, entertaining, and moderately funny. 'Game of Tiaras,' however, sets a different tone. The organization All About Theatre describes "Game of Tiaras" as a combination of William Shakespeare's "King Lear" and "Game of Thrones," with the plot of the show officially described by the author as follows: When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. "The set is very similar to that of 'Game of Tiaras,' so in an effort to keep costs low I felt it was a perfect fit," said Wolfe. Treasurer Dan Russomanno noted that the budget for the musical has been approved and he will look at the budget for the play soon as well. Members of the Board motioned to enter into an executive session for the consideration of the employment or compensation of an employee. The next regularly scheduled work session will take place April 7.