Superintendent Information

TALAWANDA SCHOOL DISTRICT

131 W. Chestnut Street, Oxford, Ohio  45056  www.talawanda.org

Welcome Back to the 2024-2025 School Year!!!

Dear Talawanda School District Community,

As we embark on a new academic year, I am thrilled to share some incredible achievements and updates from our district! The community's commitment to excellence in education is truly inspiring, and I am humbled, excited, and proud to lead such exceptional educators in a community that wholeheartedly supports education and our students and staff.

One of our most significant accomplishments is our outstanding high school graduation rate of 97.9%. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our students, teachers, and staff. Every member of our Talawanda family has played a vital role in ensuring that our students reach this important milestone.  I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together.

In addition to our impressive graduation rate, we have seen a marked increase in student attendance across the district. This positive trend reflects the engaging and supportive learning environment that our educators have created, as well as the dedication of our students and their families. Regular attendance is crucial for academic success, and I am grateful for the collective effort to prioritize this aspect of education.

I am also pleased to announce that our district preliminary data has earned a 4.5-star rating out of 5 stars from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) on state achievement assessments. This recognition highlights the high-quality education we provide and the exceptional progress our students are making. Furthermore, Talawanda High School has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, underscoring our commitment to academic excellence.  Additional information will be coming throughout the school year.  Stay tuned!

Our elementary teachers and most of our special education teachers are trained in Orton Gillingham (OG). Our curriculum already met the Science of Reading requirements.  Our staff meets in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) throughout the year.  Our PLCs work horizontally and vertically through our building and district schedules, professional development days, and collaborative data days.  

We continue to use the Multiple Tiered Support System (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBS or PBIS), Student Assistant Program (SAP, Tiers 1, 2, and 3 Instruction and Support), and mental health supports to support all of our student needs.  We celebrate the successes and look to build on needs to prepare our students for life beyond high school (military, vocational school, employment, college, and a contributing successful and positive citizen).

We have outstanding community partnerships that help us meet the unique needs of our students.  We have mental health therapists, social workers, counselors, and talented staff in each of our buildings.  Thank you to our many partners such as Primary Health, Best Point, Dr. Hornfeck, Dr. Hall, Butler County Educational Service Center (BCESC), Oxford Police Department (OPD), Oxford Fire Department (OFD), Butler County Sheriff’s Department, and the many other supporters and partners who work tirelessly to make Talawanda School District the best it can be!

We have many extracurricular activities to develop our students' skills beyond the classroom.  I encourage all students to engage in after-school activities that will connect, grow, and develop skills beyond the classroom.  Reach out to teachers, coaches, administrators, and the Talawanda website (www.talawanda.org) for additional information.

Our success is driven by the ongoing implementation of Talawanda’s Strategic Plan and Diversity and Equity Plan. These initiatives guide our efforts to create an inclusive, equitable, and high-performing educational environment for all students. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and opportunity, ensuring that every student has the support and resources they need to succeed.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated, outstanding, and hardworking staff. Their focus on student achievement, health, and wellness, as well as preparation for life beyond high school, is truly commendable. Their unwavering commitment to our students' successes is the cornerstone of our district's achievements, and I am honored to work alongside such passionate and talented individuals.

Our accomplishments would not be possible without the unwavering support of our families, students, and the entire Talawanda community. Your involvement and dedication to our schools play a crucial role in creating a nurturing and effective educational environment. Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and their futures. It takes a village to raise our children and have a strong, positive community.

As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism and excitement. Together, we will continue to build on our successes, overcome challenges, and create even more opportunities for our students to thrive. I am confident that, with our collective efforts, we will achieve great things and make a lasting impact on our students, our community, and the world.

Thank you once again for your support and dedication. Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with growth, achievement, and endless possibilities!  Talawanda is an amazing place to live, grow, work, and make a positive difference.

In Education,

Dr. Edward Theroux

Dr. Edward Theroux

Talawanda School District Superintendent