As we close another school year, I want to take a moment to sincerely honor and thank our retiring staff members at Orrville City Schools.

Retirement is more than the end of a career. It is the celebration of years of service, countless lives touched, and a lasting impact that will continue long after the final day in the classroom, office, cafeteria, bus, hallway, or school building. Each of our retirees has given a part of themselves to Orrville: their time, their talents, their patience, their wisdom, and most importantly, their heart.

In education, the work is often challenging and not fully captured by numbers, schedules, or job descriptions. The true impact is found in the student who felt seen, the colleague who felt supported, the family who felt cared for, and the school community that is better because you were part of it.

To our retiring staff: Thank you for the years you have devoted to our students, families, and community. Thank you for helping shape generations of Red Riders. Thank you for the steady example you have set and for the pride you have brought to Orrville City Schools.

While we will miss your daily presence, your legacy will remain woven into the story of our district. On behalf of our Board of Education, administrative team, staff, students, and the entire Orrville community, congratulations on your retirement. We are grateful for you, proud of you, and wish you joy, health, and fulfillment in this next chapter.

Once a Red Rider, always a Red Rider.

2026 Retirees

Leann Deibel – 1st Grade Teacher, 34 years
Heidi Caskey – 1st Grade Teacher, 32 years
Dave Sovacool - OMS Principal, 20 years
Tammi Booth – 4th Grade Teacher, 29 years
Rhonda Martin – OMS Food Service, 24 years
Loretta Riley – 8th Grade Teacher, 37 years
Joan Carlozzo – Aide, 3 years

Barbara Schelcher – Spanish Teacher, 30 years
Frances Marks – OES Food Service, 10 years
Elizabeth Lyon – OES Food Service, 12 years
Tim Vierheller, OHS Physics, 28 years
Michael Hostetler – Maintenance, 43 years
Linda Yungen – OMS Secretary, 30 years

The annual Hearts for Heartland Fundraiser returns to Orrville on Friday, August 7, at 5:00 p.m. at Jarrett headquarters, 1347 N. Main St. This year’s event features the Yacht Rock Gold Experience, along with live music, silent and live auctions, food, and family fun. Proceeds benefit Heartland Education Community, Inc., which supports Orrville students through programs such as mentorship, Character Education, English Language Learners, wellness initiatives, and lifelong learning opportunities. Last year’s event raised more than $100,000 to support this important work for our students

We know property taxes are a real concern for families, seniors, homeowners, farmers, and local businesses.

That is precisely why Ohio’s school funding system needs to be part of the conversation.

When the state pays a smaller share of school funding, more of the responsibility shifts to local taxpayers. This is not about ignoring property tax concerns—it is about understanding why the burden has grown and why balanced reform is needed.

Strong schools matter. Fairness for taxpayers matters too.

This graphic helps explain the issue more simply.

Dr. Toth