Fostoria schools detail progress

FOSTORIA — As the 2025-26 school year enters its second half, Fostoria City Schools continues to see progress across facilities, student involvement and day-to-day operations, according to Superintendent Jason Longbrake. One of the district's most visible developments is the addition to Fostoria Elementary School. Longbrake said the project, which broke ground in July 2025, had been in the planning stages for several years. "We are on track for its completion in the summer of 2026," Longbrake said. "The addition will include eight classrooms, restrooms and a multipurpose room, as well as a teacher planning area. We are both on time and on budget." While facility improvements represent long-term planning, Longbrake said the students' daily experience remains the district's primary focus. "As always, watching our students compete and perform is always exciting," he said. Students continue to participate in athletics, band, choir, clubs and academic recognition programs. Longbrake added that the district offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities outside the regular school day and encourages staff to bring forward new ideas to expand student involvement. The district also implemented a significant policy change this year following a new state law that took effect Jan. 1 banning student cellphone use during the school day. Longbrake said the change required careful communication with students and families. "Cellphones and social media are a huge part of not only our students' lives but adults' lives as well," he said. "Removing them from use during the day seemed daunting." Fostoria City Schools now uses Yondr pouches, which allow students to secure their devices during the school day. "The rollout has gone smoothly. I'm happy to say our kids have been great with this change," Longbrake said. "I am very proud of our students and staff for the smooth rollout of this new requirement." Looking ahead, Longbrake said the district's continued progress is rooted in its people and community support. "Our caring and dedicated staff, incredible kids, involved parents, and facilities and programs that are second to none in the area make Fostoria City Schools a wonderful place to attend, grow and be involved," he said.