Bay school board passes resolution in support of military-connected students, families

The Bay Village Board of Education recently passed a resolution in support of military-connected families. Westerly Elementary School demonstrates its gratitude for veterans with this tribute wall that includes information about relatives who have served. Photo courtesy Bay Village Schools

View Image Gallery

November is Military Family Month, dedicated to military families in Ohio and around the world. The annual observance recognizes the commitment, dedication and sacrifices Ohio’s military families make for our military to remain organized and strong.

On Monday, Oct. 25, the Bay Village Board of Education passed a Resolution in Support of Military-connected Children and Families. The initiative, spearheaded by Interim Superintendent Char Shryock, realizes there are many military-connected families within Bay Village, and the goal is to provide them with the support and resources they need, to eventually become an official Purple Star school district, as recognized by the Ohio Department of Education.

“As Interim Superintendent, I have had the opportunity to personally meet our stakeholders, and I was surprised at the depth of experience we have within our many military-connected families, both active and retired,” said Shryock. “With the help of Bay Village Schools parent Bernadette Power and her husband, Mike, a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard, I was able to assemble a Purple Star advisory group to get this initiative underway. I am grateful that the Board also realizes the importance of the goal to become a Purple Star District.”

The Resolution, in its entirety, is shared below:

WHEREAS, our country and our community owes the daily freedoms to the members of the Armed Forces, our Veterans, their family members and the loved ones who share in their service and,

WHEREAS, the Board of Education acknowledges that military families in the fulfillment of their duties to our nation face unique challenges including frequent deployments, service in combat zones, and relocations; and,

WHEREAS, the Board of Education further acknowledges that the families of those serving in the National Guard and Military Reserve Forces, in fulfillment of their duties face unique challenges including participating in regular training, the possibility of deployment, and service that takes them away from their job, community and family; and,

WHEREAS, the Board of Education wishes to recognize the importance of supporting the Bay Village graduates who are now serving in the military, and their families in our community; and,

WHEREAS, we celebrate the exceptional service, strength and character of all military-connected students, families, and the veterans in the Bay Village City School District community; and,

WHEREAS, the Board of Education wishes to further improve the support, understanding, and outreach for the military-connected families attending our schools; and,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Bay Village City School District affirms a commitment to support all of our military families and is dedicated to providing resources and programs, which could benefit students and families academically, socially, and emotionally; and, that the Bay Village City School District shall continue to develop programming to ease the burden of service for military families by both raising the level of understanding and support by the staff members of this district and continuing to celebrate military service in our community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is hereby authorized and directed to take such actions as are necessary to effectuate the terms and intent of this resolution.

“We know how important community support and resources are when entering a new area,” said Bernadette Power, who moved to Bay Village last year as an active duty military family. “Our experience of moving coast to coast (and back again) has made us so grateful to the many communities that welcomed and supported us over the years. I am very excited to help move the Purple Star initiative forward in our Bay Village community. The initiative was brought to me by Superintendent Shryock, who is spearheading this and working tirelessly to bring this resolution into fruition.”

The Purple Star Committee consists of: Interim Superintendent Char Shryock; Board of Education member Dr. Scott Schulz; Mike and Bernadette Power; Dave Shah; Walter Topp; and April and Walter Harper.

“What better time to announce this Resolution than shortly before Veterans Day,” said Dr. Scott Schulz. “Everyone in the community values the brave men and women who are currently serving or who have served our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. To see Bay Village Schools recognize their sacrifice and commit to better supporting the needs of these families is a wonderful reminder and reflection of our shared values.”