Committed to
Excellence and Equity
We Grow Thinkers
2016
Board
Leadership
Dear Dublin City Schools
community,
Dublin City Schools works every
day to provide our students
with world class instruction,
a well-rounded education,
and to continuously improve
in everything we do. These
principles support our mission
to grow thinkers. We are about
much more than test scores.
Creativity and critical thinking
are drivers of our daily work with
students and we are focused
on helping to develop the next
generation of good leaders and good citizens.
With these factors in mind it is our pleasure to
bring you the District’s second annual Quality
Profile. This document was designed to provide
you with more information on the many facets
of District life involved in providing a wellrounded education for our students, and the
foundational priorities necessary to foster a
climate of continuous improvement.
Thank you for your ongoing
support of our District.
Sincerely,
The Dublin City Schools
Board of Education
Board President Lynn May
Superintendent
Dr. Todd Hoadley
Treasurer
Stephen Osborne
2
Right:
Redistricting
Committee
Below, Left:
Master Plan
Committee
Below, Right:
Technology
Committee
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
Back row, left to right: Superintendent Dr. Todd
Hoadley, Board Vice President Scott Melody, Board
member Chris Valentine, Treasurer Steve Osborne. Front
row, left to right: Board member Stuart Harris, Board
President Lynn May, Board member Rick Weininger.
Below: Instructional Leadership Committee
District
Vision
District Goals Set with Eyes on Continuous Improvement
Dublin City Schools
has been growing
every year since
1977, adding an
average of about
300 new students
per year during
this almost 40year time frame.
The challenges
and opportunities
presented by
enrollment growth
will be a factor in
the committee’s
deliberations.
The Dublin City Schools Board of Education has again taken a leadership role
in setting and implementing four important District goals to be achieved
during the coming school year.
K-8 Redistricting of a Master
1 The
2 Creation
culminating piece
Plan - The Board
of the Board’s decision
to build 22 additional
elementary classrooms
at six schools is some
tweaking to our K-8
attendance boundary
maps in order to best
utilize our available
space beginning with
the 2016-17 school year.
will be working
collaboratively with
Superintendent Dr.
Todd Hoadley and
members of the
Operations Department
to develop a 10-15 year
plan which will set the
course for future facility
and land needs.
Principals
3 Leading
Instruction Our Department
of Academics
and Student
Learning will be
working with
our principals to
further develop
their instructional
leadership skills.
Improvements - As part of the
4 Technology
Bridge Street Cooperative Agreement with the City
of Dublin, the District is receiving $1.5-million annually
for technology upgrades. This school year, we will
be developing a technology strategic plan designed
to provide us with a road map to best utilize these
funds, while remaining flexible enough to adjust to
emerging technologies in future years.
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
3
We Grow
Thinkers
Emphasis on
Culture of
Enrichment
Lauded as
Cutting Edge
We Grow Thinkers
K-5 School-wide Enrichment
In order to develop a culture of enrichment,
differentiation must take place every day, all day.
Students will learn the six habits of thinkers, and
be presented projects designed to connect to
their interests and readiness levels. There will
be opportunities to work on long-term projects
designed to develop project management skills,
tenacity, and perseverance.
This year, the District is implementing a continuum
of services supported by research and best
practices as recommended by the Gifted Task
Force. The curriculum includes a school-wide
enrichment model for K-5, with an emphasis on
promoting creative and divergent thinking in all
students. Services for cognitively gifted identified
4th and 5th grade students will include a pull out
service, which allows students to work with a
Gifted Intervention Specialist.
Grades 4-5 Superior Cognitive Service
Students will learn about the “Habits of the
Mind” and develop their understandings about
themselves as learners. Students will have the
opportunity to develop long-term projects that
connect to their unique skills, talents, and interests.
Staff will also nurture the social and emotional
growth of these students during this critical
developmental time in their lives.
If you’d like more information on the new services,
please visit www.dublinschools.net/gifted.aspx
Students showcase their creativity at the Cardboard Challenge.
4
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
We Grow
Thinkers
As our commitment to a culture of
enrichment takes root in our District with
our new K-5 enrichment curriculum this year,
individuals from around our community and
our region have taken notice:
The emphasis on ‘we grow thinkers’ beginning with the
K-5 whole grade enrichment, is cutting-edge and exciting. If
this idea of developing thinking skills for all learners is shared
amongst the Ohio Gifted Community, I anticipate that many
districts will want to adopt this idea, and will be watching with
excitement as Dublin blazes the trail on this fantastic idea for
K-5 service.
– Stephanie DeBevoise, President of the
Gifted Coordinators of Central Ohio
Wow! At a time when creativity in both learning
and society is at risk, Dublin is again taking a lead.
The new enrichment website supports the district’s
vision to ‘grow thinkers’ as it models the importance
of reflection, collaboration, and creative assessment,
further contributing to a culture of innovative educators
and learners.
– Cindy Foley, Director of Learning for
the Columbus Museum of Art
I am currently working for The Boeing
Company in Seattle, WA. I graduated from
OSU with a B.S. in Business Administration with
specializations in Operations, Logistics and
Aviation Management. My “claim to fame” is my
involvement with the OSU Marching Band. Two
Dublin graduates, Charlie King (Jerome 2008)
and I, are responsible for the band’s use of iPads.
We developed a proposal and system where the
band has eliminated 100% of its paper and moved
to iPads for learning all music and formations.
Our idea generated a pretty huge amount of
media attention, including being featured in a
world-wide, Super Bowl aired Apple Inc. iPad TV
commercial.
– Ryan Barta
Jerome Class of 2010
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
5
Innovation
We have the opportunity as a community
to develop high achieving students who
are confident and capable, and who
realize that their confidence comes from
their ability to think and create solutions,
and not just from what they already
know. We grow thinkers in Dublin – not
just because we want to; we have to. Our
students need us to!
That’s why Dublin City Schools offers
a variety of innovative and unique
educational options to meet the
individual needs of students beyond the
traditional classroom through our
Career Exploration Academies.
IT Academy
The program allows juniors and seniors to take college-level
information technology and computer science courses.
The IT Academy will assist senior students in gaining
internships with local
businesses in computer
Young Professionals
technology fields.
Academy
Through lessons and two
professional internship
experiences YPA students work
to develop the critical thinking,
communication, collaboration,
creativity, and problem-solving
skills required for success in
college and careers.
Biomedical Academy
Courses include AP Biology, Body
Systems, Medical Interventions,
and Advanced Research
Engineering Academy
in Science. Additionally,
Students learn university and industry
students will earn an
standard software packages in 3D
elective credit in 3D Art
design, programming and circuitry.
with works related to
Courses include the Fundamentals of
human anatomy and
Engineering, Computers, Electronics, and
physiology.
Control Systems. The two-year program
culminates with a capstone project.
6
Dublin Teachers
Academy
A one-year, senior only
program offered for college
bound students to provide an
opportunity to get a head start
on the path to a successful
career in education.
Dublin Business
Academy
Students have a unique
opportunity to get started on
the path to a successful career
in business, graphic design, or
entrepreneurship, by operating
an existing, full-service screenprinting and design company.
Students also have the
opportunity to participate in
paid internships after school,
on weekends, or during the
summer.
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
College
Readiness
Dublin City Schools has the most
National Merit Semifinalists of
any District in Ohio this year, 32.
297 different students taking 386 total
College Credit Plus Courses and earning
1,218 College Credit Hours in the Fall Semester
of 2015.
663 different students taking 52 different
IB Courses and earning 2,453 High School
Credits in the Fall Semester of 2015.
1,046 different students taking 19 different
AP Courses and earning 4,299 High School
Credits in the Fall Semester of 2015.
The District average composite ACT score
at an all-time high of 25.5.
National Merit Semifinalists are chosen
based on PSAT scores.
After researching several school districts we
decided to move to Dublin when our daughter
started middle school. That proved to be the right
choice since she is now a junior at Harvard University.
The education she received in the Dublin schools
and the IB program at Dublin Coffman High School
played an important role in her admission to this
prestigious university and prepared her well for its
high academic standards.
– Silviu Golumbeanu
According to a recent survey, almost 72%
of the Class of 2009 has graduated from
college.
Supt. Dr. Hoadley does a mock interview with a Young
Professionals Academy student.
The International Baccalaureate program at all three of
our high schools provides a rigorous, globally recognized
curriculum.
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
7
The Whole Child
Student Activities
Test Scores are Small Parts
of the Big Picture
The Ohio Department of Education annual
report card is one rating methodology we
acknowledge, but even that rating paints a
very small portion of a much larger picture
when it comes to the success of a school. The
achievement of our students on test scores is not
the driver of our work. We grow thinkers. Our
mission is to help develop well-rounded young
people who can think critically, contribute to our
society as adults, and develop an appreciation
for the diverse society in which we live.
Music
More than 600 students participate in our
high school marching band program.
Our bands win a myriad of competition
Grand Championships and Ohio Music
Educators Association events each year.
The District offers a full range of instrumental
music experiences including strings at the
elementary level. At the secondary level, we offer
full orchestras, string quartets, jazz bands, and
competition and show choirs second
to none in the State of Ohio.
Athletics
Dublin City Schools high school students have the
opportunity to participate in more than 25 varsity
sports as well as a full-slate of intramural athletic
opportunities. Our varsity sports teams are some of
the most competitive in the Ohio Capital Conference
(OCC) and in the entire State of Ohio.
Our high schools win numerous OCC titles,
district and regional championships, and state
championships every single year.
8
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
The Whole Child
Student Activities
Clubs
Students at all three levels in our District
participate in afterschool programs and clubs.
At the elementary level, running clubs, chess
clubs, Earth clubs, jump rope clubs, and more are
available to our students.
At the middle school level, the opportunities
become more frequent as students have dozens
of clubs and activities to choose from at each of our
four middle schools including drama club, ski club,
run club, yearbook, geography bee, Junior Teen
Institute, Lego League Robotics, Mathcounts, Power
of the Pen, Fencing, and more.
Arts
Dublin City Schools has some of the
finest visual art programs in Ohio.
The theater departments at all
three of our high schools produce
professional-level productions, while
our painters, sculptors, and other
visual artists capture local and statewide awards each year. The Historic
Dublin Business District hosts a
district-wide art show each May
to showcase our students and
the power of collaboration.
Dublin City Schools High School students
have a long list of academic, athletic, art, music,
and other types of clubs available to them. Popular
high school clubs and activities include student
government, Key Club, Multicultural Club, National
Honor Society, Physics Club, Communications
Club, Robotics, Environmental Club, German Club,
Japanese Club, French Club, and more.
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
9
The Whole Child
Community Service
Creating the Dublin
Difference in Our Community
At Dublin City Schools, we believe in the
importance of not only teaching our students
to be thinkers, but to be engaged citizens in our
community. A key aspect of their well-rounded
education is learning the importance of giving
back, and making the Dublin Difference in our
community.
Dublin Free Summer Lunch
Program
At Wright Elementary, our staff offers a
free lunch four days a week for two months
in the summer. Staff and high school and
middle school students volunteer their time
to provide the lunch and spend time with
the kids.
Mentoring Younger Students
Our upperclassmen often volunteer to set an
example for younger students. High school and
middle school students volunteer to read and
spend time with younger students, and high
schoolers act as cabin leaders during middle
school Outdoor Education trips.
Toy, Food and Clothing Drives
Alex’s Lemonade Stand
Students from various schools across the
District came together to raise money for Alex’s
Lemonade Stand, a national organization that
raises money for pediatric cancer research.
10
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
There are countless toy, food and clothing
drives held throughout the year. Each winter,
the Dublin Support Association holds a toy
drive to ensure all students in our community
enjoy the holiday season. Pinney Elementary
holds a monthly food drive where they gather
different kinds of goods throughout the year.
Davis Middle School held a “Jeans and Hoodies”
fundraiser and collected vanloads of clothing
for charity. There are initiatives like these in
every building, and our students and staff
donate countless items and hours to local
charities such as the Welcome Warehouse and
the Dublin Food Pantry.
The Whole Child
Community Service
Friendship Village
Through a partnership with the local retirement
community, our students volunteer their time to
spend with the residents and help plant flowers
outside of Friendship Village each spring.
First Responders Recognition
On September 11, our students and
staff across the District thank our local
first responders and let them know
how much we appreciate their efforts.
Students design thank you signs,
dress up like firefighters and police
officers, and personally thank them
for their service to our community.
Students
participate
in an
annual
walk
against
bullying.
Each year,
our staff and
students
donate
thousands
of dollars
to various
charities.
Students
demonstrate
technology
for Senior
Council
members.
Dodgeball Tournament
Every spring, our Superintendent’s Student
Advisory Council helps put on a dodgeball
tournament that has raised nearly $100,000
in its eight year history. The tournament
has benefitted organizations such as PERC,
the Welcome Warehouse and Dublin Special
Olympics.
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
11
Staff Expertise
Dublin City School’s excellent academic
reputation has made it a destination
District for teachers and support staff. With
thousands of applications on file at any given
moment, our Human Resources department
has the ability to hire the best of the best for
your children. Our teaching staff is incredibly
accomplished with many published authors,
national presenters on a wide variety of
topics, and peer reviewed work that stacks
up with any in the United States.
Caring
Teachers
Our staff
believes in
more than
just educating
our students.
They are
committed
to helping
them become
happy and
productive
members
of our
community.
Wright Bike Program
Wright started a project to help needy students get bikes, but it has now
grown to a project that aims to enhance the safety of all Wright students.
After starting “Wright Wheels,” an initiative that collects donated bikes,
repairs them, and gives them to kids in need, Wright applied for the “Safe
Routes to School” grant. The Ohio Department of Transportation awarded
them up to $400,000 to help install safe bike paths around the school where
none existed before.
Principal Academy
This professional
development program
provides a way for
principals across the
District to collaborate
with one another and
share best practices.
Instructional Rounds
Instructional rounds allow our
administrative interns and assistant
principals to observe teachers at
schools other than their own and
have discussions with colleagues
across the District.
12
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
Literacy and
Numeracy
Coaches
These coaches
facilitate world-class
instruction in literacy
and numeracy, and this
year some secondary
coaches have been
added.
Staff Expertise
Surprise reunion
“Educating the mind
without educating the
heart is no education
at all.” - Aristotle
Thomas staff helped
plan a surprise reunion
between one of their
students and her
father, who just came
home after serving our
country in the military.
Left: Teacher of
the Month award
presentation.
The Amazing Race
Our staff hosts an annual team wellness challenge
called “The Amazing Race” which benefits the
Dublin Food Pantry and the Welcome Warehouse.
Right: Presentation of the
District’s lifetime achievement
award, the Golden Shamrock.
DCS Staff Facts
More than 75 Ohio Master Teachers
78% of staff has earned a Master’s
Degree or higher
Average years of teacher
experience: 13.7
18 National Board certified teachers
Staff Alumni: We have almost 130 staff members who
are also DCS alumni.
Dublin Leadership
Academy
This staff-led, two-day professional
development program for teachers
is unique to Dublin City Schools.
This year’s theme focused on
“What Difference Do You Make?”
and approximately 600 teachers
attended more than 60 sessions on
a wide variety of topics including
the gifted model, creativity in the
classroom, global learning, social
and emotional issues and improving
student research skills.
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
13
Finances
Commitment to
Cost Savings
JadeTrack
Because our State funding has
been continually reduced and
80% of our funding comes from
the community, the District is
more committed than ever to
providing the most value possible
to our parents, students and
taxpayers. We have stretched the
levy cycle from 3 to 4+ years. We
are constantly looking for ways
to conserve taxpayer dollars, find
alternative sources of revenue,
and ensure we maintain our
excellent schools in financially
responsible ways.
JadeTrack monitors Dublin City School’s water, gas and electric
bills, as well as electricity, gas and HVAC systems in real-time.
This information is displayed on electronic boards in some of
the buildings, which increase engagement and visibility of the
District’s sustainability and energy efficiency efforts. In addition
to tracking data, JadeTrack also audits all District buildings and
proposes energy saving and cost-effective solutions.
Grants
The District constantly searches for alternative forms of revenue
through grants. Last year, the District received a $50,000 grant
for post-secondary job training and employment for students
with development disabilities. Dublin City Schools also received
a nearly $1-million grant for a STEM program that prepares
students for a future career in these fields.
Commitment to Fiscal Accountability
Dublin City Schools prides itself on operating in a fiscally
conservative manner while making transparent decisions.
We Work Hard to Reduce Expenditures
saved on
substitute
teacher costs
during 2014-15
saved in diesel
fuel costs
during 2014-15
saved annually
with more energy
efficient HVAC
and lighting
systems
saved in 201415 due to STRS
changes and more
efficient hiring
procedures
saved in electricity
costs since 2012
We Believe in Accountability
75% of funds
are spent on
classroom
instruction
14
4th lowest
administrative
costs per pupil in
Franklin County
Maintained the
highest possible
credit rating from
Standard and
Poor’s
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
Received Auditor
of State Award
of Distinction for
accurate financial
reporting
Received
Certificate for
Excellence
in Financial
Reporting from
the GFOA
Finances
Process Efficiency
Award Winning
Financial
Reporting
A group of Ohio State University Lean Six Sigma
students studied the District’s food service
inventory process in an effort to increase efficiencies
and save dollars.
The District received the
Auditor of State Award
of Distinction for clean and
accurate financial reporting and
recordkeeping.
Every year since 1995, the District has
earned the Certificate for Excellence in
Financial Reporting by the Government
Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of
the United States and Canada for its
comprehensive annual financial report
(CAFR).
Lean Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma
is a data-driven
problem solving
methodology
resulting in an
improved process
or outcome when
deployed correctly. Some of our major
initiatives, like the Green Copier Project,
were influenced by these principles.
Green Copier Project
Dublin City Schools is trying to reduce paper usage in
the District. This project is “green” in many ways. It
not only reduces environmental impact by decreasing
paper usage, but it also saves money on printing
costs. The goal is to utilize our technology to deliver
materials and move away from worksheets, preparing
students for a 21st century education.
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
15
A Global
Experience
Our student diversity provides
the opportunity to learn about
different cultures and people,
preparing our students for a future
in a globally interconnected world.
Bilingual Aides
Dublin City Schools has
more than 1,420 English
Language Learners who
speak over 60 different
languages. The District is
fortunate to have a team of
highly qualified aides who
work with our students to
ensure they are receiving
the education they deserve.
16
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
A Global
Experience
Multicultural Days
From elementary to high school, many of our schools celebrate
their students’ diversity through multicultural days. These
events can feature food from other countries, presentations by
students and musical performances. Multicultural Days are great
opportunities for our students to celebrate their own culture
while learning more about their peers.
Global Experience Facts:
Dublin City Schools has the 5th highest number
of English Language Learners in Ohio.
Of the 11 largest districts in the state,
Dublin City School District’s minority population
of 33.4% trails only the large urban communities
of Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron and
Toledo.
Since January 1, 2015, the District has
enrolled students born in 93 different countries.
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
17
Community
Partnerships
A big part of the Dublin Difference
is partnering with local businesses
and organizations to help ensure
our students are receiving a worldclass, well-rounded education.
Business Advisory Council
Bicycle Safety
OSU Players visit DCS Classroom
The Columbus Zoo
The Zoo staff provides educational
opportunities for our schools and even
brings animal visitors for the students to
see up close.
The goal of the BAC is to help the
District learn from private sector
business practices, and to help the
business community stay informed
about the latest information
concerning their school district.
Some of these BAC members come
from businesses and agencies such
as Cardinal Health, the Columbus
Metropolitan Library, Ohio University
at Dublin, The Wendy’s Company,
Battelle, Medical Mutual of Ohio and
many more.
Business of the Month Award
Dublin City Schools aims to honor
and recognize our great partners
with this monthly award.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
COSI on Wheels
Each year, the Chamber helps the District
honor the best of volunteerism with our
Community Champions Program as well
as unique job opportunities for students
through the “Dublin Works: A Summer Job
Fair for students.”
The City of Dublin
The District is fortunate to have a great
relationship with the City of Dublin. In
2014, the District and the City formed the
Cooperative Agreement for Financing
Bridge Street Public Infrastructure
Improvements. This provides a predictable
annual income stream that is dedicated to
strategic investments in technology.
Historic Dublin Art Show
The Historic Dublin Business
District hosts a districtwide art show each May to
showcase our students and
the power of collaboration.
18
PREP/Power Plus Internships
These programs partner students with
disabilities and local businesses to
provide postsecondary job training.
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
Ohio University at Dublin was the
September 2015 Business of the Month
winner.
ROTO One of last year’s Business
of the Month winners, ROTO
provides free field trips for
students across the District to
show them firsthand what 21st
century engineering looks like
and also have supported various
afterschool programs such as
Dublin Robotics.
The Dublin
Difference
I just wanted to take a moment
to acknowledge all of the wonderful
teachers who have helped my
grandchildren over the course of
the last two years! I don’t want to
miss anyone so I am not going to list
them. Praise and thankfulness go
out to all the staff who are helping
to make a difference to each and
every student!
– Sharon J. Schleter
The kids of today
will be creating our
tomorrows. The more
we invest in them today,
the better ALL our
tomorrows will be. It
is the most important
investment we will ever
have the opportunity to
make.
– Mare Hull
Residents value and understand the
importance of offering a well-rounded
education. It’s why people choose to live in
this community and a reason businesses locate
here. It’s something we like to call “The Dublin
Difference.” We have been encouraging
Dublin residents to share their stories about
how Dublin City Schools has made an impact
on their lives and are pleased to share some of
their comments on this page.
What’s your Dublin Difference story? Please
feel free to share via Facebook or Twitter and
make sure to include #thedublindifference.
I would not be where I
am today without Dublin
staff members and I
am forever grateful for
teachers and classified
staff members (especially
a custodian) and
administrators who have
helped our family these
last five years. As a Dublin
educator and mom, my
gratitude runs deep.
– Kim DeAngelo
For years our daughter considered herself an
average math student, although an honor student
overall. She had a math teacher that truly made
a remarkable difference in her life. This particular
teacher took a special interest in our daughter and
worked with her all year. She became a mentor as well
as a teacher and opened up a new world for her in
math. Our daughter went from an average student to
a math education major in college solely due to
the influence of this teacher. My daughter and this
teacher still have a special relationship to this day.
This teacher truly changed her life.
– Frank and Susan Vetter
We Grow Thinkers: Dublin City Schools Quality Profile 2016
19
Committed to
Excellence and Equity
How does a district of 15,500 students, 1,200+ teachers, 20
school buildings, and the Department of Academics and
Student Learning work together to ensure outstanding
instruction?
Answer: Through Instructional Goals
• Dublin City Schools’ educators will establish and
communicate relevant learning goals, monitor student
progress, and celebrate success for all students.
• Dublin City Schools’ educators will use diverse, high quality
assessment practices to understand the learning progression
for each student.
• Dublin City Schools’ educators will use assessment results to
create differentiated experiences to maximize the learning for
all students.
www.dublinschools.net • 7030 Coffman Rd. • Dublin, Ohio 43017 • Phone: 614-764-5913 • Fax: 614-761-5856