The Elwood UFSD Board of Education meeting on August 29, 2024, highlighted the district's commitment to safety and academic support as the new school year approaches. A key focus was the adoption of a comprehensive safety plan to ensure a secure environment for students and staff as schools prepare to open for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Superintendent Dr. Steele expressed gratitude to the facilities team for their hard work in making schools ready for the return of students. He emphasized the importance of safety measures in place, stating, "A plan is implemented in order to make sure that we have everything available to them to keep the school safe and secure."

The meeting also celebrated the successful orientation events for new staff and students, including welcoming seven new teachers and hosting various grade-level orientations. Dr. Steele noted the positive feedback from a series of summer workshops aimed at assisting seniors with college applications, which involved collaboration with college admissions representatives from several universities.

In athletics, John Glenn High School was recognized as a "School of Distinction" for the eighth consecutive year, with all varsity teams qualifying for the scholar athlete team award. The district reported 293 student athletes registered for fall sports, showcasing a vibrant athletic program.

Board members discussed the potential for additional college counseling sessions before application deadlines, reflecting a strong interest in further supporting students through the college application process. The meeting concluded with an optimistic outlook for the upcoming school year, as the district gears up for a successful opening day on September 3.