With Pirate Pride

Welcome to August! Over the next several weeks, our schools will begin to come back to life as we welcome students, staff, and families back for the 2026–2027 school year. High school band camp is underway, fall athletics are officially beginning, and our teachers and support staff are returning to prepare for another year of learning, growth, and connection. This is truly one of my favorite times of the year!

Every new school year brings a renewed sense of hope and possibility. It provides a fresh start for all of us as we begin another journey focused on relationships, growth, and meaningful experiences. While we are excited about the many opportunities already planned for the year ahead, some of the most impactful moments are often the ones that emerge because of the creativity, dedication, and passion of our students, teachers, and support staff. Our hallways will soon be filled with energy, curiosity, and the excitement that makes Rocky River City Schools such a special place.

This year, we are especially excited to welcome several new members to our Rocky River City Schools family. We are thrilled to welcome our new high school principal, Mrs. Carrie Knapp, as well as our new middle school assistant principal and athletic director, Mr. Austin Handrych. We are grateful for the experience, leadership, and enthusiasm they bring to our district, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students, staff, and community.

As we prepare for the start of the school year, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our maintenance and custodial teams for the tremendous work taking place across our schools. Over the summer months, these dedicated team members have worked tirelessly to prepare our classrooms, hallways, and building exteriors for the return of our students and staff. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating welcoming learning environments are deeply appreciated.

In addition to the daily work of preparing our schools, several larger projects continue to move toward completion as we welcome everyone back to campus, including our turf project. We appreciate the patience and partnership of our community as these important projects are finalized.

As we approach the start of the school year, there are many opportunities for our community to reconnect and celebrate the excitement of a new year together. Please take a moment to visit our Back-to-School Hub for important information and upcoming dates. We also hope you will join us for the Booster Bash on August 11th. Immediately following the Booster Bash, students and their families are invited to gather outside the stadium to welcome Mrs. Knapp to River, connect with fellow Pirate families, and enjoy ice cream from the Prayers for Maria Ice Cream Wagon as we kick off the 2026-2027 school year together. 

While we are excited about what lies ahead, we also encourage everyone to enjoy these final days of summer. Take time to relax, recharge, and create memories with family and friends. The beginning of a new school year is always filled with anticipation, opportunity, and possibility, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back.

Thank you for being such an important part of the Rocky River City Schools community. We are excited for another incredible year together.

Welcome to August! Go Pirates!

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

In the fall of 2025, the Rocky River City School District Board of Education formally adopted a Legislative Platform to guide our advocacy efforts and communicate the priorities that matter most to our students, staff, families, and community. As we look ahead to the upcoming legislative session and the important policy discussions that will continue throughout the fall, these positions remain key priorities for both the Board of Education and district leadership. We are committed to working collaboratively with our state legislators and education partners to advocate for policies that support strong public schools, preserve local decision-making, ensure fiscal stability, and provide every student with access to a caring, exceptional, and competitive educational experience.

As we head into the summer months and look ahead toward the eventual lame-duck session, our Board wanted to share the key pillars of our RRCSD Legislative Platform. We hope these priorities provide district-level context regarding the issues that impact our ability to deliver a caring, exceptional, and competitive education.

Here are specific items we are sharing heading into the next several months of legislation:

Property Tax Reform & Financial Predictability

We support policy measures that increase property tax relief—such as expanding homestead exemptions for senior citizens and implementing “circuit breakers” based on income—provided that these measures do not diminish existing or future funding for K-12 education. However, as close to 80% of our general operating revenue comes from local property tax revenues, attempts to cap cash reserves, restrict local taxation, or allow the reduction, appeal, or diversion of voter-approved tax revenues and inside millage put our district at serious risk, particularly given how little we receive in state funding. Local fiscal stability is essential for our long-term planning.

We are hopeful that the provisions of House Bill 479 will help clarify the property tax reform package passed last fall, and we are pleased to see that the legislation provides targeted tax relief to homeowners while reimbursing schools and local governments for forgone revenue. At the same time, we remain concerned about pending reforms, including HB 504, given that the impact of recently enacted legislation has yet to be fully understood.

Strong and Equitable State Funding

We remain advocates for a fully implemented and consistently funded Fair School Funding Plan that reflects the true operational costs and unique needs of public school students.

Voucher Accountability and Public Dollars

As public funds are increasingly utilized for nonpublic education, we firmly oppose the expansion of voucher programs that divert state dollars away from public schools. We believe that any private institution accepting public tuition dollars should be held to the same academic, financial, operational, and reporting standards that public schools proudly meet every day.

We are encouraged by the introduction of and hearings related to House Bill 715 and welcome the opportunity to share specific data and examples that may be helpful in advancing that legislation.

Ending Unfunded Mandates

New state compliance requirements can strain local classrooms and budgets. We urge that any future legislative mandates be paired with full and adequate funding so local resources are not stretched beyond their capacity. We will be planning carefully given the provisions of Senate Bill 19 and will be happy to share information regarding the increased operating costs associated with implementing the requirements of that legislation.

Preserving Local Governance

We strongly support the rights of locally elected boards of education to make curriculum, operational, and educational programming decisions with the direct input of local staff, parents, and community members. We are concerned about the growing number of bills that mandate specific curriculum and course requirements for local school districts, including the inclusion of the Success Sequence in SB 156.

We are also concerned about the provision in SB 311 regarding the disposition of unused property. RRCSD currently maintains the Wooster School property as an unused school facility and leases the building to the Cleveland Clinic, providing a stable revenue stream for the district. Rocky River is a landlocked community with virtually no remaining opportunities for future development. As we explore a long-term master facilities plan, being required to dispose of unused property would significantly limit our ability to meet future facility needs and ensure that students continue learning in state-of-the-art educational environments. In the immediate term, it would also require the district to terminate a lease agreement that currently provides reliable revenue to support our educational mission.

It is critically important for our community to remain engaged in the state legislative issues that directly impact Rocky River City Schools. Through ongoing advocacy and continued engagement with legislators, educational organizations, and community partners, we can help advance policies that support local control, provide adequate and sustainable funding, and strengthen the educational experiences of our students, staff, and families. Public education is strongest when communities work together to make their voices heard.

Thank you for your continued partnership, engagement, and advocacy on behalf of Rocky River City Schools and the students we are privileged to serve.

With Pirate Pride,

The Rocky River Board of Education

Adham Schirg, Superintendent, RRCS

Happy Summer Rocky River!

For many of our students and families, summer is less than a week old. As soon as we wrapped up the school year with students and the majority of our staff late last week, our schools shifted into summer mode.

While many instructional programs pause during the summer months, the work of preparing for a successful school year never stops. Across Rocky River City Schools, our teams are already hard at work preparing for the 2026-2027 school year and positioning our district for the future.

This summer is no exception. Here are three important areas of focus you’ll hear more about in the coming months.

Transition to PowerSchool

Our transition from ProgressBook to PowerSchool is well underway.

Student information systems play a critical role in how schools communicate grades, attendance, schedules, progress monitoring, and other important information with students, families, and staff. As we prepare for the start of the 2026-2027 school year, families can expect regular updates throughout the summer.

While transitions of this size are rarely seamless, we are committed to communicating early and often to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved. Over time, PowerSchool will provide enhanced functionality and improved service across our district. Please watch for additional communications from both the district and your child’s school throughout the summer.

Investing in Our Facilities

Summer also provides an opportunity to complete important facility improvement projects across the district.

The most visible projects this year will be the replacement of the high school’s stadium turf and the installation of new stadium lighting. Both projects were approved by the Board of Education earlier this year and are scheduled to begin later this month. We anticipate completion before the start of the fall athletic season.

In addition, we will complete several other capital improvement projects, including HVAC upgrades, roofing improvements, parking lot maintenance, and numerous smaller projects throughout our learning spaces. These investments help us maintain safe, welcoming, and high-quality environments for students and staff while continuing to be responsible stewards of community resources.

Leadership Transitions

Summer also brings important leadership transitions. We are excited to welcome new leaders to Rocky River City Schools while supporting current leaders as they move into new roles.

Most visibly, we are pleased to welcome Mrs. Carrie Knapp as the next principal of Rocky River High School. Mrs. Knapp joins us from Highland High School, where she served as principal for the past nine years and helped lead significant academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular success. Throughout the selection process, her passion for education and commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families stood out. She has already begun her transition into the district and will continue that work throughout the summer. We encourage our community to take advantage of opportunities to connect with her in the coming months. We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Knapp to River and excited that she will soon be a Pirate.

We are also excited that Mr. Patrick Coleman, our current Director of Educational Technology, will transition into the role of Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations. Patrick’s experience as a principal and district leader, combined with his deep connection to Rocky River and commitment to our schools, uniquely position him to continue the important work taking place within our Human Resources and Operations departments. We are excited to support him in this new role.

We also have several additional positions currently being filled and will continue to update our community as those processes progress throughout the summer. Welcoming new staff into the River community is very exciting and we will work together to support our school community members.

Looking Ahead to 2026-2027

We hope your summer is safe, enjoyable, and filled with opportunities to relax and recharge.

While our buildings may appear quieter than they do during the school year, a tremendous amount of work is happening behind the scenes. From preparing for PowerSchool and completing facility improvements to welcoming new leaders, our team is hard at work laying the foundation for a successful 2026-2027 school year.

We will continue to provide updates on these initiatives and other district developments throughout the summer. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Rocky River City Schools. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in August and building on the momentum of another great year at River.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Dear Class of 2026,

Forever.

That word echoes through the minds of so many parents and families as they welcome a child into the world. For many of your families, 2007 or 2008 was the year you came into their lives. It was a moment that changed everything forever.

Back then, the year 2026 felt impossibly far away. It seemed like a distant point somewhere far beyond imagination. But time is funny like that. What once felt like forever has passed in the blink of an eye. That blink held your first steps, your first games, your first days of kindergarten. It held birthdays, family trips, new homes, new friendships, and, more recently, keys in your hands as you learned to drive.

And then came this year filled with so many lasts. Your last first day of school. Senior Night. Senior Prom. The Senior Trip. A final season, a final performance, a final walk through the hallways.

Forever is an instant. And yet, forever is also a lifetime.

The Class of 2026 knows what forever means. It means love for your classmates. It means legacies written on athletic fields, on stages, and in classrooms. It means leaving things better than you found them. It means forming friendships and relationships that do not end with a diploma; they last a lifetime. They last forever.

On May 31, you will join a prestigious group. You will become Rocky River alumni. That title is forever, too. And with it comes a powerful tradition. Rocky River graduates have gone on to impact the world in ways both big and small, and there is no doubt the Class of 2026 will do the same.

As you take your next steps, carry the lessons you have learned here with you: hard work, integrity, compassion, and the commitment to becoming your best self each day. These values will serve you well wherever life takes you. And never forget that investing in your community, pouring into others the way others have poured into you, makes all of us stronger.

Your class has lifted this community in ways that words can barely capture. You have lifted one another through triumphs and challenges alike. As you cross that stage and begin this next chapter, make the most of your forever.

For your families, this forever has passed in a blink.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Rocky River is incredibly proud of you.

With Pirate Pride,

Mr. Schirg

The deep pride and tradition that define the Rocky River community resonate with me each day. They reflect a shared understanding, held by students, staff, families, and community members, that our schools are part of something much larger than the present moment. They are connected to generations of River students and families who have helped shape who we are today.

That pride is visible throughout our schools. It lives in buildings like Kensington and Beach School. It can be seen in the photos of teams in the high school gymnasium, the plaques and recognitions that mark important milestones, the trophy cases that capture achievement, and the countless stories passed down over time. These are more than displays. They are reminders of the people and experiences that have built the foundation we stand on today.

As we recognize Teacher Appreciation Week across our state and nation, I find myself returning to that same idea of foundation. While every member of our staff plays an essential role in supporting our students, our teachers are truly the cornerstones upon which everything else is built.

Our teachers are champions for children. They believe in growth and invest that belief into every student they serve. Teaching is far more than delivering content; it is about building trust, creating space, and ensuring that every child feels seen and supported. On any given day, our teachers step into a wide range of roles – educator, mentor, listener, encourager, and sometimes even entertainer. They meet students where they are, whether that means leading a lesson, celebrating a success, or sitting beside a child who simply needs someone to understand.

I was reminded of this recently when a teacher was asked, “What is the biggest challenge students face today?” Her response was simple: “It depends on which student is sitting in front of me.” That perspective captures what makes our teachers so exceptional. They see each child as an individual and respond with care, professionalism, and purpose.

Over the course of this week, there will be many well-deserved expressions of appreciation for our teachers. Those gestures matter, and they are appreciated. At the same time, I would encourage all of us to carry that appreciation forward beyond this week. Our teachers need strong, consistent support. That looks like advocating for policies that strengthen public education, sharing the positive impact they have on students, and helping others better understand the complexity and importance of their work.

To our teachers, thank you. The impact you have on our students and our community is lasting and meaningful.

To our entire staff, we are fortunate that you choose to serve in Rocky River. You make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day.

And to our families and community, your ongoing support is both noticed and deeply appreciated. It is one of the many reasons our schools remain a source of pride.

This is how we continue to build and honor our history, pride, and culture of excellence here in Rocky River.

With Pirate Pride,
Adham

Welcome back from spring break, everyone!

I hope the past week provided time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends as we head into one of the busiest and most exciting stretches of the school year.

Over the next seven to eight weeks, our schools will be filled with academic focus, activities, and celebrations. A good friend of mine once called this time “May-cember,” a whirlwind of events packed into a short period of time. While it moves quickly, it truly is one of the best times of the year in a school district.

Between now and mid-May, students will be engaged in some of the most important academic work of the year, including state and Advanced Placement testing, senior projects, fourth-quarter coursework, and other demonstrations of learning. Our staff is working hard to support students through this critical time, and we are grateful for your partnership at home. Checking in with your child and encouraging strong sleep and study habits can make a meaningful difference. This collaboration between families, staff, and students is essential to success.

At the same time, our calendar is full of events. From athletics to extracurricular activities, there is something happening almost every day across the district. We encourage you to stay connected and take part in these opportunities to support and celebrate our students.

Finally, this season brings some of the most meaningful moments of the year, our celebrations. From preschool milestones to the 8th grade ceremony and, ultimately, high school commencement, these events honor the hard work and growth of our students. Graduation, in particular, represents the culmination of 13 years of dedication from students, families, and staff. It is a proud moment for our entire Rocky River community as we send our graduates on to their next chapter.

We look forward to celebrating alongside you and sharing in all that makes this season so special. It’s going to be a fantastic spring in Rocky River City Schools. Buckle up, because it will go fast!

With Pirate Pride,
Adham

Earlier this month, my youngest daughter, Miriam, participated in the OMEA District 4 Middle School Honor Band. This experience brought together students from across Northeast Ohio to learn, rehearse, and perform under the direction of a highly regarded conductor. In just two rehearsals, paired with individual practice, nearly 100 eighth-grade students came together to perform music they may not otherwise have encountered.

As a superintendent and as a father, being in the audience that day was incredibly special. For the nine Rocky River Middle School students selected to participate, it was more than just a performance. It was an opportunity to expand their horizons, build relationships through a shared passion, and even enjoy a free pizza lunch along the way.

As I reflected on the experience, I kept coming back to two individuals who made this moment possible for my daughter.

The first is someone many in our community know well: Mrs. Kelly Baiera, our middle school band director. Quite candidly, my youngest daughter is not a fan of school. She works her way through each day, and we have plenty of conversations about that at home. But she loves music. She plays piano, performs percussion in the concert band, experiments on the drum set at home, and even writes her own music. This is where she comes alive.

Mrs. Baiera has been an unwavering advocate for Miriam. She has found ways to connect with her, to build her confidence, and to challenge her. She places her in situations that require growth. Most importantly, she believes in Miriam, even during moments when Miriam may not believe in herself. As a parent, I have seen that growth firsthand, and I am deeply grateful for her investment.

The second person is someone many of you may not know: Bart Jackson – “Mr. Bart,” as we call him. Mr. Bart was Miriam’s former drum instructor when we lived in Marysville, Ohio. When he learned that Miriam would be performing in the Honor Band, he made the nearly two-hour drive north just to be there and support her.

That kind of commitment leaves an impact.

Mr. Bart has always pushed Miriam to be her best. He has challenged her to grow, to reflect, and to step outside of her comfort zone. His belief in her has been a constant throughout her musical journey, and it continues to shape who she is becoming.

In Rocky River City Schools, one of our core expectations for our staff is simple but powerful: “Believe in Growth”.

The beauty of education, and of life, is that we are never finished. Every individual has strengths to build upon and opportunities to grow. Each of us brings unique talents, perspectives, and experiences that can add value to the world around us. Our responsibility as educators is to recognize those qualities and help students grow into them.

In partnership with our families and community, this belief drives our work each day. We aim to provide high expectations, meaningful opportunities, and the support necessary to build confidence in our young people. We want them to take risks, embrace challenges, and continue growing into whatever their future holds beyond Rocky River.

Mrs. Baiera and Mr. Bart embody this belief for my daughter. They challenge her appropriately. They create opportunities for growth. And they consistently reinforce the belief that she is capable of more.

I am proud to serve in a community filled with educators and families who live out this commitment every day. At our core, we want our students to grow into the best versions of themselves over time.

When we believe in them, it is amazing what they can do.

Thank you to everyone who pours that belief into our young people.

With Pirate Pride,
Adham

Following the March 4 Swatting Incident

Dear Rocky River families, staff, and students,

On March 4, 2026, our school district was one of many across the state of Ohio subjected to what is known as a swatting incident.

For those unfamiliar with the term, swatting refers to a false report, often a threatening call or message, designed to elicit an emergency response from law enforcement. These incidents are intended to create fear and disruption, and unfortunately they have become more common across the country, particularly in schools and public institutions.

Yesterday at approximately 10:53 a.m., Rocky River High School received a detailed,threatening phone call. In response, our office staff immediately activated their emergency alert system, initiating a lockdown while our safety protocols were put into place.

In the minutes that followed, staff members quickly secured classrooms and accounted for students. Our students responded exactly as they have been trained to do during safety drills throughout the year. Law enforcement arrived quickly and began working through established response procedures.

In full transparency, the first 20 minutes of the event were as close to a critical incident as we could have experienced. I am incredibly grateful that this situation did not become a worst-case scenario and that we are now in a position to reflect, learn, and strengthen our response moving forward.

Over the past 24 hours, I have received many messages of support and encouragement from families, staff members, and community partners. Those messages are sincerely appreciated and reflect the care that exists throughout the Rocky River community. We also recognize this provides an opportunity for us to learn and reflect together as a community. 

Reflecting and Learning

An important part of any safety response is the review process that follows.

Today, our administrative team began a debrief process to capture the sequence of events and identify areas for improvement. We also distributed a survey to high school staff to gather feedback about what went well, where we can improve, and what additional support may be helpful during future incidents.

Additionally, members of our administrative team participated in a debrief with the Westshore Enforcement Bureau and the Rocky River Police Department. Input from our law enforcement partners will help us strengthen and refine our safety procedures moving forward.

Overall, the feedback we have received thus far has been very positive. The consensus among our administrative team and law enforcement partners is that the response was immediate, appropriate, and guided by a clear safety-first mindset.

Several strengths were highlighted during the law enforcement debrief, including:

Strengths observed during the response

• Rapid response time from staff and law enforcement
• A clear incident command structure once first responders arrived
• Consistent district communication with families throughout the afternoon
• Effective traffic control around the campus and during the early dismissal process

At the same time, responsible safety planning requires us to examine where we can improve. Several areas for refinement were also identified.

Areas for continued improvement

• Strengthening initial communication between the building and outside law enforcement agencies responding from beyond Rocky River
• Increasing familiarity and consistent use of emergency alert system and staff training protocols
• Sharing information internally using PA systems for clarity and efficiency
• Communication with stakeholders for other school building activities such as morning kindergarten, preschool, and other student programs that require transportation throughout the school day. 

This is something we will continue evaluating as we refine our safety procedures and communicate expectations with students and families.

In addition, our review process will likely lead to new protocols in several areas, including transportation procedures that will help our transportation office and bus drivers access buses safely and efficiently during similar situations.

Gratitude for Our River Community

Events like this are unsettling, and they naturally create concern for families and students. Schools are places where students should feel safe, supported, and able to focus on learning.

Yesterday also demonstrated something incredibly important about our district: 

• Our students followed procedures and supported one another.
• Our families supported processes, communicated with our schools, and cared for each other.
• Our law enforcement partners acted swiftly and worked seamlessly with our team.
• Our staff responded with professionalism, urgency, and care for students.

Most importantly, everyone returned home safely.

While incidents like this are deeply disruptive, they also reaffirm something we believe strongly in Rocky River: preparation matters, partnerships matter, and community matters. Preparedness is not something that happens once. It is a process of continuous learning, practice, and refinement.

Our responsibility as educators is not only to respond when incidents occur, but to continually strengthen the systems that protect our students and staff. Yesterday demonstrated that the investments we have made in safety training, planning, and partnerships with law enforcement make a real difference when it matters most.

We will continue to learn from this event, improve where needed, and remain committed to ensuring that our schools are places where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Thank you again for the support you have shown our schools over the past 24 hours. It is deeply appreciated, and it reflects the strength of the Rocky River community.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Today, we are excited to kick off the next phase of our journey to understand artificial intelligence and its impact on teaching and learning in Rocky River City Schools.

One of the guiding adages for our leadership team has been simple: go slow to go fast. As we begin exploring AI in a K–12 environment, the most important place to start is with collective learning.

Thanks to the generous support of the Rocky River Education Foundation, twenty of our teachers and administrators are participating in specialized coursework developed in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania. This learning experience focuses on the ethics, capabilities, and classroom implications of artificial intelligence. It has been designed specifically for our district.

These lead learners will help share knowledge, build capacity across our schools, and shape what we hope will become a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to AI integration in K–12 education.

Learning First, Designing With Purpose

Over the past several months, we have often been asked, “What is your end goal?” Our answer has been consistent: we begin with learning.

As with any meaningful work in education, we believe the right path is to first, understand deeply first, then design exceptional experiences for students, families, and staff. That is what makes this process so exciting. While we do not yet know exactly where this journey will lead, we do know what will guide us:

• Keeping the best interests and safety of students at the center of every decision
  
• Following best practices that lead to strong outcomes
  
• Honoring the expertise of our professional educators

As we move forward, several important questions continue to shape our thinking:

• How do we ensure student safety?
  
• How do we nurture critical thinking rather than replace it with instant answers?
  
• What guardrails must be in place to support families, students, and staff?

These are questions we take seriously every single day.

Safety, Guardrails, and Responsible Exploration

Whenever technology enters the classroom, student safety is paramount. Recently, our district entered into a 90-day trial with School AI, selected through a careful review by a district committee. One important feature of this platform is that students do not need to sign in or share personal data.

At this time, the platform is not student-facing and will be used only by the cohort participating in the University of Pennsylvania learning experience. This allows us to explore instructional possibilities thoughtfully before considering any broader implementation.

Should School AI become a long-term tool, we will continue to communicate transparently about:

• Safety protections and privacy guardrails
  
• The full vetting and approval process
  
• Alignment with state protections such as Senate Bill 29
  
• Additional district safeguards required of any technology vendor

This careful approach builds on an already strong foundation for responsible AI exploration in Rocky River.

A Clear Commitment: AI Literacy for Our Community

The core outcome we are firmly committed to is AI literacy for students, families, and staff. Artificial intelligence will continue to evolve rapidly. Building understanding now will empower our learners and educators to use these tools ethically, responsibly, and effectively, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for everyone in our schools.

We are deeply grateful to the Rocky River Education Foundation for making this first phase of professional learning possible. By investing in our teachers and administrators, we are building the capacity needed to truly “go slow to go fast” and to create exceptional classroom experiences for our students.

What Comes Next

We look forward to sharing more as this work continues.

• On March 19, Pat Coleman will provide an update and community presentation at the Board of Education Committee of the Whole meeting.
  
• In April, Mr. Coleman will lead a community Q&A session. Final details and support information will be shared soon.

This is only the beginning of an important journey for Rocky River City Schools, and we are excited to learn alongside our community every step of the way.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Welcome to 2026, Rocky River!

As we turn the page to a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many accomplishments of 2025 and share our optimism for the opportunities ahead in 2026. Rocky River City Schools continues to be a district defined by excellence, impact, and pride—because of the unwavering dedication, partnership, and support of our students, staff, families, and residents.

This past year brought meaningful milestones that demonstrate the strength of our school district and the power of our community working together.

Academic Excellence and Student Growth
Our students continued to achieve at high levels, reflecting the commitment of our educators and the support of our families. From strong academic outcomes to innovative learning experiences across our schools, Rocky River City Schools remains focused on preparing students for success today and in the future. Whether it is the Five-Star Rating, comprehensive AP and College Credit Plus offerings, or robust opportunities, River continued its strong history of academic excellence. 

Student Achievements Beyond the Classroom
Whether in athletics, the arts, service learning, or extracurricular activities, our students once again represented Rocky River with excellence and character. Their accomplishments are a direct result of hard work, teamwork, and the guidance of dedicated staff and supportive families. Dazzle awards, team championships, individual honors, and all-time firsts dotted the landscape for River this calendar year! 

As the calendar turns, we look forward to several items on the horizon for 2026.

On the Horizon for 2026

Rocky River High School Principal Hire
Over the next several weeks, the Rocky River High School Principal position will be posted publicly. We look forward to partnering with students, staff, and parents throughout the interview process. Committee interviews are planned for March, followed by a hopeful offer, acceptance, and Board of Education approval at the March regular meeting. We are excited to work alongside our community in identifying the next leader of Rocky River High School.

Technology Initiatives for 2026
Two important initiatives are underway in our technology spaces.

The first is a transition in our student information system from ProgressBook to PowerSchool. PowerSchool was selected by our staff as a seamless approach to student information management, including communicating grades, feedback, and strengthening connections with families. Please continue to watch for updates and information related to this transition as we partner with PowerSchool to enhance the experience for staff, students, and families.

The second initiative is a district website review and transition. We anticipate partnering with staff and community members to identify a platform that will serve as a true digital front porch for Rocky River City Schools: one that integrates communication, delivers information clearly, and tells the story of River. More information will be shared in the coming weeks as we begin this important work together.

Curriculum and Professional Development
Throughout the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year, our schools have been engaged in regular review of instructional practices and curriculum adoption. This year, we will adopt new curriculum models in social studies, business, and technology. Our staff has worked closely with Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Anderson to identify instructional tools that will enhance learning in the classroom. These materials will be brought to the Board of Education later this year for approval.

In addition, an exciting professional development opportunity has been sponsored by the Rocky River Education Foundation. In partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, 20 Rocky River City Schools staff members will engage in graduate-level coursework focused on artificial intelligence. This work is grounded in best practice, ethics, and the safe, responsible integration of AI in schools. By building capacity through learning, we can thoughtfully tailor these initiatives to fit River and further enhance the exceptional opportunities we provide.

As we move forward into 2026, our focus remains clear: maximizing impact for every student, strengthening connections across our community, and continuing to build on the proud tradition of Rocky River City Schools. Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and Pirate Pride.

I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

With Pirate Pride,
Adham Schirg
Superintendent
Rocky River City Schools