Eastern Local School District

Yesterday, my day started before school working with our custodial and maintenance staff on a water leak in one restroom and ended at 9:30 p.m. with me in a crawl space working on a different one. I share that not for sympathy, but as an example of why we gave our voters the opportunity to decide on a renovation levy for our schools. I love our district and our facilities, but we all know they need improvements. We want to provide the best possible facilities and opportunities for our students.
After school, I spent the evening helping with basketball practices from 2:30–8:30 p.m., often with 30 or more students in both gyms at once. That’s the schedule almost every night here on campus. Meanwhile, our gym in Tuppers Plains is also full nearly every evening. These spaces host cheerleading, youth basketball, baseball and softball workouts, wrestling, and track and cross country athletes running the hallways. Add in choir, band, after-school programs, drama club, drone club, football, volleyball, academic banquets, and community events all asking for gym space as well—our gyms are bursting at the seams every day.
We included a new gym in our original facilities plan for exactly this reason. We’ve also invested in repairs to the Tuppers Plains gym roof because that facility is used daily by both students and community groups—church events, pickleball, family activities, and more. We want to continue providing as many opportunities as possible for our students and our community.
Research and our own data show that students involved in extracurricular activities earn better grades, have fewer discipline issues, and attend school more consistently. This is why we encourage and promote after school activities so much. So when we have to tell students or families, “No, we don’t have the space,” it’s difficult to do. That’s why the levy was about more than buildings—it was about opportunity.
Some have asked why the district didn’t plan sooner for these needs. I want to be clear: we do have plans. But when the state offered to cover 75% of the cost of much-needed renovations, we felt it was our responsibility to let the community decide whether that opportunity was worth pursuing.
The Board and our team spent many sleepless nights wrestling with whether this was the right step. We worried constantly about the impact on senior citizens and those already struggling with taxes. I prayed about it daily, but ultimately, I believed it wasn’t my decision alone—it was the community’s.
Now that the decision has been made, I feel a sense of relief and renewed purpose. Our administrative team will meet this morning to begin mapping next steps. We’ve already met with financial advisors about funding some priority projects, and several staff members are actively pursuing grants. In fact, just yesterday, we learned that a grant for air conditioning in the high school gym has been approved, and work on that project is already underway.
I promise you this: our incredible team will continue doing what they do best—teaching, supporting, and inspiring kids every day. At the same time, we’ll keep looking for ways to improve our facilities and expand opportunities for students.
I recently completed my dissertation on the impact of school facilities, to earn my doctorate degree. Over three years of research interviewing teachers in other districts with new, renovated, and aging facilities, one theme stood out—teachers love their students and give their best regardless of the condition of their buildings. I see that same dedication here every day.
Another theme I found was that levies can divide communities. We’ve seen that here too, and my hope is that we can move forward together, focusing on our shared goal: doing what’s best for kids. I remind parents often—even when we disagree—I can’t be upset with someone for advocating for their child. I hope we can all extend that same grace to one another as we move forward.
I love this community, our kids, and our families. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, even when we don’t fully understand it. While this levy didn’t pass, I’m confident that we’ll continue finding ways to grow and improve for our students.
A close friend of mine sent me a verse this morning that summed up this journey perfectly:
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
Thank you to everyone who helps our young people every day—both here at school and at home. We will not let what we can’t do get in the way of what we can do. If you have questions, ideas, or just want to talk about what’s next, please reach out. My door is always open.

Nick Dettwiller

Superintendent Eastern Local School District

Treats on the Trail is tomorrow Friday, October 31st.

Students are welcome to bring their costumes to dress up for the afternoon. No weapons or inappropriate costumes/props will be allowed. Send a grocery bag with your child to collect all of the treats. If parents are picking up their children, please send a note to your teacher to help expedite the process.

Schedule:
11:00-11:20 6th Grade
11:20-11:40 Pre-School
11:40-12:00 5th Grade
11:50-12:10 4th Grade
12:00-12:20 1st Grade
12:10-12:30 2nd Grade
12:30-12:50 3rd Grade
12:40-1:00 Kindergarten