By Logan Andrew, Editor-in-chief | FreeWire Magazine
At Thursday’s Bucyrus Board of Education meeting, High School Principal Dr. Jaivir Singh delivered a glowing report on the Class of 2025, which is projected to graduate with a 98.2% rate and zero dropouts—a rare and commendable achievement.
“This is the best student body I’ve ever had the pleasure of overseeing,” Singh told the board. He noted that in his career across four different school systems, this year’s seniors stood out for their commitment and performance.
Academic Milestones and Senior Success
The Class of 2025 is on track to graduate with:
- An average of 3.33 diploma seals (compared to 2.94 last year)
- 28.06 earned credits per student
- A 22.2 composite ACT score, up from 20.15 in 2024
- 113 College Credit Plus hours completed
- 3 DECA seniors
- 7 Honors Diplomas
- 1 Franklin B. Walter Scholarship recipient
These results mark continued progress in student achievement, building on last year’s 98.8% graduation rate and raising the school’s four-year average to 95.2%.
Ceremonies and Commencement Plans
Several senior events are underway:
- Bell Ringing Ceremony – May 15 at Bucyrus Elementary
- Senior Awards & Baccalaureate – May 15, 6:30 p.m.
- Graduation – Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the high school gym
Success Pathways and Expanded Curriculum
Singh also reported progress through the district’s Success Pathways program, which supports students who began the year off track. Of the eight current high school students in the program, one graduated at the semester and four others are on pace to graduate early. As of April 23, students had completed 145 Edmentum courses.
The school also introduced several innovative courses and certifications this year:
- Drone Building & Piloting
- Art of the Cinema
- Algebra 1B
- TurboCert, through Ashland University and the Crawford County Success Center (covering 5G, robotics, and drone certifications)
In addition, students gained field experience through apprenticeships at Bucyrus Elementary and MOESC, especially in education and speech-language fields.
Budget, Staffing, and Strategic Planning
Board members also reviewed projected budget concerns. While current salary and benefit expenses account for 75.78% of the district’s operating budget, projections show that number rising above 80% by 2027 if no changes are made. The board is now looking at ways to manage and reduce long-term costs, especially in light of upcoming staff retirements.
Other items approved during the meeting included:
- Staff reassignments and resignations at Bucyrus Elementary
- FMLA leave for Secondary Custodian Rick Deaver
- A proposed dual-teacher model for 5th grade, based on research supporting improved student outcomes
- Continued month-to-month contract with Allerton Hill Communications to support student recruitment and public engagement
- Approvals for overnight student trips for summer camps, athletics, and academic programs
- Renewal of food service and insurance contracts for the 2025–2026 school year
