Ohio’s PEPPER PIKE — The Board of Education has received assurances from the two school resource officers of the Orange City School District that the district will maintain a robust police presence on campus in the upcoming school year.
As we have done in previous years, you will likely see the Moreland Hills Police Department on the school campus, Moreland Hills Patrolman Scott Bennett informed the board on Monday, August 11.
Four (police officers) may be present at any given time, particularly in the mornings and afternoons. That dedication will not change.
Bennett is the district’s school resource officer (SRO), as is his brother, Pepper Pike Police Officer Todd Bennett.
In July, the board extended their SRO contracts for an additional year.
For students in grades 1–12, the 2025–2026 academic year starts on August 20.
Karl Dietz, the police chief for Pepper Pike, told the board, “We’ve been really happy with the two-SRO program, and I hope you are as well.”
We truly like the collaboration between Dr. (Superintendent Lynn) Campbell and his team, as well as the consistently good communication.
School resource officers are assisting in the promotion of a statewide child car safety initiative called Buckle Up with Brutus, according to Scott Bennett, who is starting his third year as an SRO in the district.
According to him, it teaches second- and third-graders how to use booster seats and seatbelts correctly.
Since I work as a car seat mechanic, this is somewhat within my area of expertise.
During the summer SRO conference, they did inform us that we will be receiving funding for safety equipment (to help with this program).
The Ohio State University in Columbus, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office collaborated to create the curriculum.
According to Scott and Todd Bennett, who has been an SRO in the district since 2004, their respective police departments have backup officers who are licensed SROs who can cover for them when necessary.
A number of board members expressed their gratitude for the police officers’ everyday presence on campus.
One of the partnership’s best aspects, in my opinion, has been its stability, board member Angela Arnold stated.
On campus, we know we can rely on someone.
Todd Bennett was asked by Arnold: What is one thing you would like parents to know? What would you say to parents if you could speak with them?
He responded, “I would say this: Do not come to the campus if there is ever a crisis.”
We will be handling the matter, so that’s the last place you should go. If we have to deal with you as parents reacting on campus, that takes us away from the situation.
We’ll let the parents know what’s happening, where you need to go, and other details.
“We’re here not only for the things that are happening that are law-enforcement related, but we’re also here to build relationships with the kids,” he continued.
I can’t stress enough what I’ve always heard the officers say: “If you see something, say something,” Campbell added.
Please get in touch if parents have any concerns. Our Safe School Helpline, which allows anonymous entries, has been used effectively.
“If something does come up after school, please contact the local police department,” Todd Bennett added.
“They will all take action based on the information you call in,” he said. If necessary, they will contact the school administration.
Thus, don’t hold off till the following school day. As local law enforcement, let’s start the process of sharing that information.
An update on construction
Ted Roseberry, director of business and operations, also gave an update on district construction projects on Monday.
According to Roseberry, the Orange High School renovation project, which began in 2023, is finally nearly finished, albeit a year later than anticipated.
With the exception of the stairwells, which should be finished by Wednesday (Aug. 13), he claimed the school’s flooring is finished.
According to him, every room in the basement has been fully waxed, prepared, and is prepared for teachers to return.
I am therefore pleased to announce that we will be finished at the high school, possibly with the exception of three punch list items.
According to Roseberry, such tasks ought to be completed before the school year begins.
He added, “I think that was one of the hardest projects I’ve ever had.”
The project’s construction manager-at-risk is Cleveland’s Albert M. Higley Co.
According to Roseberry, the district turned on a new water line to the Pepper Pike Learning Center (PPLC) on Monday.
Following a water line break in front of the PPLC in February, the board authorized a project to improve the water line.
According to him, the asphalt and water line paving had just been finished.
The curbs were installed earlier this week, and on Thursday, August 14, we will complete the sidewalk sections that had to be taken out in order to dig up the water line.
Thus, the first phase of the water line project will be finished on Thursday. With that project, we’ll be prepared for the start of classes.
According to Roseberry, the district will complete re-energizing the PPLC’s rooftop air conditioning systems on Tuesday, August 12.
As we speak, the flashing (on the roof) continues, he remarked.
Due to some material delays, it won’t be finished by the start of classes, but it won’t affect the start time.
Orange Community Education and Recreation is the main beneficiary of the PPLC’s upgrades.
That project, which is also being managed by the Higley Co., started construction last fall.
In June, the district installed a new chiller at the high school, according to Campbell.
We will have air conditioning across the district because, according to Roseberry, three rooftop units at Brady Middle School were finished before the 2024–25 school year concluded.
Roseberry added that the softball field at Orange High School has its drainage finished.
He stated, “We are considering installing netting at the baseball and softball fields.” We are awaiting a quote from the contractor for that.
A new instructor was hired.
In other news, the board agreed to give Rachel Torrance, the behavioral specialist at Moreland Hills Elementary School, a one-year contract for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Accepted retirements
Larry Gemovsek, a part-time bus driver, and Audrey Cercelle, school psychologist at Orange Inclusive Preschool and Moreland Hills Elementary School, were accepted to retire on August 19 and August 15, respectively.
See the Chagrin Solon Sun for further information.
