On Aprl 16, 2024, Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker and Superintendent Ann Schloss delivered a combined State of the City and State of the Schools address at the Lorain County Community College Spitzer Center. This marked the first time that the city and school district collaborated on such a message. The event drew a full house, with around 300 attendees in the packed ballroom of the Spitzer Center.
The Lorain County Chamber of Commerce and Elyria Rotary hosted the event. In a surprising turn of events before the discussion began, Mayor Brubaker presented Elyria Schools with the Key to the City for their outstanding achievements in education and community leadership.
During the address, the Mayor and Superintendent focused on five key areas: Finance, Projects/Partnerships, Safety, Community Living/Culture, and Future Plans.
Mayor Brubaker highlighted upcoming developments in Elyria, including new housing complexes for families and seniors, a senior living center, a new Courtyard by Marriott hotel, new small businesses downtown, and more. He reassured that the city's finances are secure and no additional funding is expected. He also shared the success of EPD in recruiting new officers and mentioned that EFD is fully staffed, and that the department has a new training facility in the works. While EFD is scheduled to receive new fire engines in the coming years, it will take some time. He discussed the ongoing construction work in the city and anticipated the completion of projects on Cleveland St., Broad St., and Gulf Rd. before the start of school or by the end of September.
Ann expressed gratitude to the community for supporting recent levy renewals and discussed completing the facility master plan and the progress made on the Strategic Plan. She highlighted the stable financial situation but acknowledged rising costs, addressing the possibility of seeking new operating funds in the future. She emphasized the district's achievements, safety measures, collaborations with law enforcement, and the academic success of students and staff.
It was undeniably a fantastic day to be a part of the Pioneer community!
State of the Schools, State of the City on PioneerTV YouTube