Martha Raffi, Northwest regional manager for the Ohio School Boards Association, presented the Ohio Department of Education’s Purple Star recognitions to Sylvania City Schools on Oct. 27, announcing that 12 district buildings met the state criteria for substantial support of military-connected students and families.

“This district has done something no other district, since I’ve had this position, has ever done,” Raffi said as she read the full list of honored schools: Arbor Hills Junior High School, Central Trail Elementary School, Highland Elementary School, Hill View Elementary School, Maple Wood Elementary School, Accord Junior High School, Northview High School, Southview High School, Straining Hand Elementary School, Sylvan Elementary School, Timberstone Junior High School and Whiteford Elementary School.

The Purple Star designation is awarded by the Ohio Department of Education to schools that demonstrate sustained commitment to military families through designated programs, staff training and family supports. Raffi described the application as detailed and said districts must document specific activities to qualify.

Superintendent Dr. Harland thanked the staff who organized the districtwide effort and singled out Melissa McDonald as a key coordinator who tracked building-level documentation to make a systemwide application possible. “I appreciate to say thank you, not only to Melissa, but the folks who are in the buildings, boots on the ground, literally and figuratively,” Harland said.

Raffi also described related OSBA opportunities for students and board members, including the Northwest Region’s Bonnie Eddy Educational and Book Grant Supply Award — five $500 scholarships for seniors going into education (applications due Dec. 1) — and regional awards and conferences that districts can use to recognize community volunteers and educators.

Board members and staff said they will follow up to confirm whether any other full districts in the state have achieved Purple Star status for every building; Raffi offered to consult the Ohio Department of Education for further verification.

Sylvania’s districtwide recognition means each listed building met the Purple Star criteria as documented in the district’s submission; the board and administration indicated they plan to publicize the awards and arrange photos for the certificates presented at the meeting.