As we wrap up this school year, we are also looking ahead to the 2026-2027 school year. It will be a year of change for Bethel-Tate Schools. Families will see several changes in facilities, leadership, transportation, and operations designed to improve efficiency, make better use of district resources, and support long-term stability while continuing to provide strong educational opportunities for students.
Building Realignment for 2026-2027
Beginning next school year:
Bick Primary School: Serving Preschool through Grade 1
Hill Intermediate School: Serving Grades 2-4
Bethel-Tate Middle School: Serving Grades 5-8
Bethel-Tate High School: Serving Grades 9-12 (no change)
This model is operationally more cost-effective. Plus, for our students in Grade 5 it provides stronger alignment with middle school academic expectations and improves access to subject-area resources and support.
Leadership Changes
To support the updated elementary structure:
Greg Chandler will oversee elementary operations at both Bick Primary School and Hill Intermediate School as the Principal
Kevin Thomas will transition from Bethel-Tate Middle School to serve as Assistant Principal supporting both elementary buildings
These adjustments, along with staffing changes achieved primarily through attrition, will help the district operate more efficiently while preserving classroom resources.
Transportation Updates
As a result of savings realized primarily through the aforementioned staffing changes, the district plans to restore some transportation services next school year.
Full transportation services will again be provided for students in Preschool through Grade 4. Transportation for students in Grades 5-12 will remain similar to the current school year and continue following state minimum transportation requirements.
Estimated school hours for Bick and Hill are expected to be around 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with approximately a 10-minute stagger between buildings to support transportation efficiency. Final times and routes will be shared once transportation planning is complete.
Middle School hours next school year will be 7:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
High School hours next school year will be 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Facility and Operational Changes
Last year, the Board of Education requested the Ohio Auditor of State to conduct a Performance Audit of the district. The audit, provided at no cost to the district, was designed to identify opportunities for improved operational efficiency and long-term cost savings.
The audit is now serving as a blueprint as the Board of Education continues evaluating ways to better align district operations, staffing, transportation, and facilities with current enrollment and financial realities.
To that end, the Board of Education recently approved a contract with Towler’s Auction Services to proceed with the sale of the current Central Office and Transportation property. Central Office operations will relocate to Bick Primary School, while Transportation operations will return to the garage behind Bethel-Tate Middle School.
Auction information via Ring Reality will be posted to the district website and Facebook page when available.
Looking Ahead
Bethel-Tate students continue to perform well academically, with the district earning above-average results on the Ohio School Report Card.
As a district, we remain committed to keeping families informed as additional details regarding transportation, schedules, and operational transitions are finalized throughout the summer.
Please monitor your email over the summer months for updates from the district and/or your child’s school, especially in the latter part of July and early August.