The Anthony Wayne Board of Education accepted Superintendent Kevin Herman‘s notice of retirement, congratulated award-winning art students and heard updates on the district’s state report card and enrollment during its Oct. 12 meeting.
Superintendent search
Herman announced his plan to retire, effective Aug. 9, 2027, after 35 years in public education, including 11 as assistant superintendent and more than two years as superintendent.
“Thank you for your leadership, professionalism and dedication to Anthony Wayne Local Schools,” said Board President Jeff Baden.
The advance notice allows time to conduct a thorough search for his replacement, and the board approved a $9,500 agreement with the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) to evaluate companies to aid in the goal.
“OSBA is our partner that has a network in Ohio and the nation. It’s a very economical package to help us in that process,” Baden said, explaining that, based on a timeline, candidates should be available for interviews in January or February, with a potential hiring decision by March. That will provide an overlap for Herman to work with his replacement.
“I always say that it’s important to love where you are and love what you do. For 35 years, I’ve been able to do both. I believe education is the most important career a person can have,” Herman said, pointing out the impact of education on students and communities. “It’s with great pride that I retire from Anthony Wayne.
Enrollment
Often when he’s out in the community, Herman gets asked whether Anthony Wayne is “busting at the seams” due to the new housing construction in the area. But enrollment is actually on a decline.
In the past 20 years, enrollment has fluctuated from a high of 4,631 in 2005-06 to a low of 3,900 in 2016-17. Current enrollment is 4,032. Enrollment in each of the buildings includes: 1,201 at the high school; 695 at the junior high; 633 at the middle school; 405 at Monclova; 424 at Waterville and 433 at Whitehouse. These numbers reflect 156 Penta students, 10 full time collect credit plus students and 77 in preschool.
“Nationally, a lot of schools are seeing lower enrollment,” Herman said, explaining that factors may include a lower birth rate, an uptick in home schooling, and students choosing other opportunities. But the lower birth rate since the COVID-19 pandemic is probably the biggest factor, he said, noting that most school districts have seen smaller kindergarten enrollment.
Art students honored
Several high school art students have received honors for their work during the past year, and both Herman and Assistant Superintendent Kevin Pfefferle applauded the work that art teachers Bryan DeKay, Carrie Flagg and Haily Kirchner do to allow students to flourish.
Among those honored were:
•Gracelyn Vance and Aditi Jayaraman, best use of medium in the Black Swamp Arts Festival Chalk the Walk Competition.
•Eli Hoppenjans, Eleanna Kleman and Emily McGilvery, best interpretation in the Black Swamp Arts Festival Chalk the Walk Competition.
•Ana Rodebaugh, high school division winner in the Middleton Township America 250 Art Contest.
•Charlotte Keating, a 2026 graduate, received the Principal’s Award in the 2026 FOCUS Art Show.
•Gavin Mossbarger won the Superintendent’s Award in the 2026 FOCUS Art Show.
Report card
Jim Conner, director of teaching and learning, shared insights into the 2025-26 state report card results. Overall, the district received 4.5 out of 5 stars, due to scores in six components: achievement, progress, gap closing, graduation rates, early literacy, and college, career, workforce and military readiness.
“So we’re exceeding state standards,” he said.
In addition to the overall ratings, each school received a score: 4 stars for Whitehouse and the junior high; 4.5 stars for Monclova and the high school; and 5 starts for Fallen Timbers and Waterville.
Herman noted that the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce pools similar districts together in groups of 20 for comparison – based on several factors – and that Anthony Wayne rose to the top among that group. In addition, the district ranks 28 out of 611 districts in the state, and is in the top 5 percent overall.
The state tests give insight on what the district does well and areas that can be improved, Baden said.
During the meeting, the board also:
-Agreed to a contract with the Ohio School Council to seek bids for two buses and one van on behalf of the district. Utilizing the council to seek bids will save the district money, said Treasurer Ray Greene.
-Approved several board policy updates to align with state and federal laws.
-Heard that the Transportation Department still has a need for substitute bus drivers, and will hold an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 7320 Industrial Parkway in Whitehouse. The open house will give candidates an opportunity to speak with staff, get behind the wheel of a bus and interview on the spot. To qualify, candidates should be at least 21 and have a driver’s license for two years, a clean driving record, and pass a background check, physical and drug screen.
-Listened to parent Roy Collaco share his positive experiences in volunteering during the Fallen Timbers House Reveal and assisting physical education teacher Bridget Fullerton as she taught students how to play disc golf in Sandra Park. He noted that aides helping students with special needs play an important role, and this requires funding. Collaco shared concerns about the impact of losing property tax funding, and noted that whoever gets elected to office could impact the long-term viability of the district.
