Superintendent’s Office

Ravenna School District Seal

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Ravenna Community,

As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the collective strength, resilience, and spirit that define Ravenna. This past spring, thanks to your advocacy, the support of our community, and our shared belief in the future of Ravenna, we passed our school levy!

This is a tremendous win — not just for our schools, but for our students, our families, and our city. The passage of the levy ensures that we can continue building on the strong foundation we’ve laid together. Thank you for the role each of you played in making that happen.

As we move forward, we also recognize that growth brings change. This year marks the closing of West Park School — a place filled with memories and an important chapter in our district’s story. While saying goodbye is never easy, we move ahead with purpose and unity. In its place, we are excited to welcome the consolidation of our kindergarten, first, and second-grade classrooms at Willyard Elementary. This transition brings early childhood education under one roof, creating a stronger, more cohesive foundation for our youngest learners. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure this move was smooth, thoughtful, and student-centered.

As we set our sights on the year ahead, our focus is clear. We’re going back to the ABCs of student success:

  • A – Attendance
    Every student. Every day. Our kids can’t learn if they’re not here — physically, emotionally, and mentally. This year, we’re doubling down on strategies to keep our students engaged, supported, and present — in every sense of the word.

  • B – Behavior
    We are committed to cultivating respectful, safe, and inclusive learning environments. Every classroom should be a place where students can thrive, take risks, and grow — and where every adult models the values we want to see in our students.

  • C – Curriculum
    High-quality, rigorous instruction is the heartbeat of academic success. This year, we’ll continue aligning our work to academic standards while meeting students where they are. Our curriculum should challenge, inspire, and prepare students for the future they deserve.

These three pillars — Attendance, Behavior, and Curriculum — will guide our work this year. They’re simple, but powerful. When we stay focused on these priorities, we move closer to our vision of a district rooted in excellence, equity, and student well-being.

Ravenna was, is, and will always remain a special place in my heart. I am humbled and excited to continue working alongside each of you to ensure our district’s continued success. As we journey through this school year together, I want to reaffirm our district-wide commitment to fiscal stability, academic excellence, community outreach and support, and meaningful experiences for all our students.

Let’s proudly show the FACE of a Raven — by being Focused, Active, Committed, and Engaged in everything we do. With this collective spirit, we will continue to rise to even greater heights.

I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone involved in our educational community. Your continued support and collaboration are essential in ensuring our schools remain places of growth, opportunity, and excellence.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas on how we can continue to improve, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working alongside each of you to make this year one of success, achievement, and growth for all our students.

Thank you for your dedication to Ravenna — and for continuing to believe in the power of education and community.

Warm regards,
Ben Ribelin
Superintendent
Ravenna School District