Oak Hills High School opened its doors to nearly 600 freshmen on Thursday, marking the start of a new school year amid a districtwide transformation funded by a $68 million bond that voters approved last year.
Bond‑backed upgrades reshape the campus
The most visible change for the 67‑year‑old high school is the installation of air‑conditioning. Crews began running ductwork this summer, replacing ceiling tiles and preparing the building for a climate‑controlled environment that is expected to be fully operational by the next school year.
Principal Brian Conners praised the custodial staff for getting the school ready on schedule. “If you would have told me three weeks ago that we’d be ready for school to start, we looked like a warzone with all of the ceiling tiles down,” Conners said. “Now we’re ready to rock and roll, the building looks great, and we’re excited to start.”
Bond funds extend beyond the high school
The same bond will also finance the construction of a new Springmyer Elementary, a new Bridgetown Middle School, and the replacement of the century‑old Delhi Middle School. Those projects are part of a broader effort to modernize facilities across the Oak Hills Local School District.
Students encouraged to serve and connect
During orientation in the high school gymnasium, Conners addressed the incoming class, urging them to get involved in sports, clubs, and community service. He highlighted the school’s theme for the year, “Make someone else’s day,” encouraging Highlanders to look out for one another.
Parents and community members have expressed optimism that the improvements will enhance the learning environment and support the district’s commitment to academic excellence.
Community impact
The bond’s approval reflects strong local support for investing in public education infrastructure. By upgrading facilities, the district aims to provide a safe, comfortable setting for students and staff while preserving the community’s long‑standing tradition of quality schooling.
As the school year gets underway, Oak Hills students, teachers, and families look forward to a year of growth, service, and the benefits of a modernized campus.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
