7www.ohva.org

Ohio Virtual Academy Parent Steering Committee(PSC) members joined together in the spring, at theOHVA office in Maumee, to develop a set of goalsand strategies to further parent involvement in OhioVirtual Academy and the PSC. The committeereaffirmed the school’s mission and re-adopted theschool’s Parent Involvement Policy. Christine Beard,a parent and steering committee leader, said thecommittee established three key initiatives during theSummit. The committee seeks to:

• Increase Parent Steering Committee awareness;• Increase parent participation in the school’s

Parent Directory; and• Inform parents about the need for legislative

support and school advocacy.

Christine says, “In order to achieve our goals, PSCmembers have established our need to expand theoverall awareness of OHVA parents, teachers,administrators and Board of Trustees of the committee,its mission, goals, and membership and increaseparent participation on, and through, the committee.”

Members are excited about the new commitmentfrom school leaders allowing dedicated columns toappear in newsletters at each grade level for ongoingcommunication about the committee’s activities andupdates. A new email address was created soparents can communicate suggestions or askquestions of the committee. Parents are free to e-mailtheir thoughts to parentsteeringcommittee@ohva.org.

The committee also wants to encourage moreparents to participate in the school’s directory. In facttheir goal is to have 100% parent participation byFebruary 15, 2009. The directory is internal to OHVAfamilies only, and is especially helpful in planningevents for students throughout the state. A fullypopulated school directory will help to support anactive school community and make it convenient forparents to network with, and support one another inacademic and social events.

OHVA’s parents are known for their school advocacy.Leah Rutherford, another parent leader and member

Parent Steering Committee Sets Goals

of the Parent Steering Committee says, “In order toimprove communications regarding school issues,PSC members have been included in many aspectsof the school. The PSC members are dedicated tohelping parents gain a positive, successfulexperience in e-Schooling. As a committee, we aredoing all we can to increase communication on allaspects of the school through meetings, Yahooboards, newsletters, family directories, face-to-faceoutings, and live web conferencing sessions.Blending such a large group of families into a cohesiveschool community is a challenge we will do our bestto achieve because every child in our school isdeserving of a unique and inspiring educationalexperience.”

The Parent Steering Committee will continue itsefforts to create an increased overall awareness ofwhat parents can do to support school choice. Thecommittee will help parents identify their state andnational legislators. In addition to this, the committeewill organize an Ohio State House Day for studentsand make it a point to extend an invitation to, andhost, VIP guests at key events in each region ofthe state.

Community and Parent Relations Coordinator SusieEbie has seen the Parent Steering Committee growand improve over the years since its inaugural year in2006. “OHVA’s hallmark is our parent involvement. Itis a common thread in what we do. Our LearningCoaches truly are our partners. Establishing andencouraging the continued development of the PSCis just one tangible way that we embrace and supportparent involvement to make our school the best thatit can be.”

8 OHIO VIRTUAL ACADEMY

The Board of Directors of the Commission onInternational and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA)recognizes the "Ohio Virtual Academy as havingdemonstrated to the international community that iteffectively advances the quality of the educationalexperiences it provides for its students and is incompliance with the standards of the Commission."It recognized that “Ohio Virtual Academy hasdemonstrated to the international academic communitythat it effectively advances the quality of theeducational experiences it provides for its studentsand is in compliance with the standards of theCommission.” The Commission on International andTrans-Regional Accreditation provides systems ofaccreditation to promote quality school and continuousimprovement, which enhances student success. CITAsets quality standards for distance learninginstitutions. CITA is an accrediting authority both inthe United States and throughout the world. It is analliance of the largest American accreditingassociations. The CITA Alliance includes NorthCentral Association of Colleges and Schools(NCA-CASI), Middle States Association of Collegesand Schools (MSA-CES), Southern Association ofColleges and Schools (SACS CASI), WesternAssociation of Schools and Colleges (WASC-ACS),National Council for Private School Accreditation(NCPSA), and the Council on Occupational Education

Ohio Virtual Academy is Nationally Accredited(COE). These associations are responsible forevaluating and accrediting more than 30,000 schoolsin 100 countries.

CITA, along with its sister organization, North CentralAssociation Commission on Accreditation andSchool Improvement (NCACASI) grants accreditationto eligible education providers that meet theirstandards and requirements for providing studentswith quality learning opportunities by holding theeducation profession to ever-higher standards. TheCITA accreditation process validates the school’squality through on-site reviews conducted by trained professional evaluators. We are pleased to announcethat OHVA has achieved dual accreditation from bothNorth Central Association Commission onAccreditation and School Improvement (NCACASI)and CITA. By meeting the CITA standards OHVA isrecognized by NCACASI as a member of bothaccrediting organizations. Accreditation also validatesthe diploma eligibility and facilitates the transfer ofcredit to universities and other schools worldwide.Schools accredited by CITA can be trusted to providestudents with all of the promised educational services.Therefore, most schools seek accreditation tovalidate their quality to governments, universities,and to parents. CITA and NCACASI accreditationmust be earned and is maintained through periodicsite visits and reports. To become accredited aschool must first (1) meet or exceed the qualitystandards, (2) conduct a self study using approvedmaterials, (3) have an on-site evaluation by a team oftrained professionals, and (4) engage in continuousimprovement. The Ohio Virtual Academy hassuccessfully met all of those requirements andreceived many commendations by the visiting CITAteam members.

The students, parents, teachers, support staff, andadministration of Ohio Virtual Academy are proud tobe part of the CITA/NCACASI Alliance.

Bob Matthews, Praxis III Mentor;

Mark Thogmartin, Ph.D., K-6 Principal;

and Jeff Shaw, Head of School

9www.ohva.org

The Ohio Virtual Academy has been a tremendousblessing to my family. Before coming to OHVA, mychildren were being educated by the local schooldistrict and at risk of failing their system. As lovingand devoted parents we could not accept the fate setbefore our children and made the decision to find aprogram that was truly different, which is when wediscovered The Ohio Virtual Academy. It has beenthree years since we made our step of faith and haveloved every minute.

We can truly attest that this is the best programavailable for providing students individualizedattention. Every teacher and administrator has alwaysbeen at our side in providing our children with extraattention and support. Our family truly knows that wecan count on OHVA!

As the primary learning coach for my children, I havebeen exceptionally proud of their accomplishmentsand new attitudes towards learning as I get to workwith my three children every day. Prior to coming toOHVA, our oldest daughter struggled academicallyand socially. During our first year, we worked veryhard to build her confidence and bridge the gaps shewas missing in her academics. She earned morerecognition and academic awards in her first year atOHVA than in all the years combined at our localschool district. This was an amazing accomplishmentand proud moment for our family. She is continuallythriving in her academics and social network. It isawe-inspiring to think that one simple change in herlearning environment allowed her to becomeconfident, goal oriented, focused, and successful.

As parents, we believe in our children and OHVA! Wecontinually choose to do this program, because it hasmade all the difference for our children. Seeing themsucceed has made it worth every sacrifice.

Richard and Barbara LaVert and Family:Dontejoseph, Nyree, TifaniMaple Heights, Ohio

One Family’s Story“We've been with OHVA since it began and I knowthat my children are receiving a superior education. Ilove that it's a curriculum for the whole family – evenmy preschool-age children enjoy listening in on theolder children's lessons and are inspired to write, readbooks and draw. They come into Kindergarten lovingschool, eager to learn, and excited to be a part ofwhat's going on. I started with 2 students and thisyear I have 5. It's been very do-able with the excellentteacher support. Thank you OHVA administration andteachers for making this all possible.”

A Seven-Year OHVA Family

“OHVA came into my families life 5 years ago and Iam so thankful that it has. The K12 curriculum isawesome. It challenges my children, which issomething they all need. I do not want them to justsettle for what they have to know, but to go above thatand realize they can do more. This has also helpedthem in other areas of their lives, they are not so quickto give up, because they know there are othersolutions to problems they run into. The curriculum alsoallows them to work at their own pace, so if they arenot comprehending a certain area in a subject, wecan focus more on it without holding another studentbehind, or if they are understanding it we can movemore quickly. This is something that has benefitedeach of my children greatly, as they all are differenttypes of learners. The teachers are all amazing, verypatient, helpful, and experienced in their field. Theyare always learning more which makes me feel goodthat OHVA has very highly trained teachers and willnot except anything less. As for the administrativeteam they are exceptional. They understand what Iwant and are willing to work with my family's needs.We all are different, and have different needs, and aslong as you are open with them they will help you toachieve those needs. OHVA is right for my family andwe will never change to anything else. I talk aboutOHVA to everyone and I am very blessed to havethem in our life.”

A Five-Year OHVA Family

10

OHVA Board of TrusteesTim Dirrim – Board PresidentStacia DeRaedt – Board Vice-PresidentKelly Arndt – Board TreasurerRhonda Shappert – SecretaryMichel Nouafo

Charter SponsorAllison Perz – Executive Director, Ohio Council

of Community Schools

OHVA AdministrationJeff Shaw – Head of SchoolKelly Gnepper – School TreasurerMark Thogmartin – Principal, Grades K-6Maryalice Leister – Principal, Grades 9-12Kris Stewart – Assistant Principal, Grades K-6Julie Kurfis – Assistant Principal, Grades 7-8Bridget Castle – Manager, Special Education ServicesKiera Kippins – Manager, Federal Title ProgramsSusie Ebie – Coordinator, School Community RelationsAmy Miller – Assistant Head of School, Operations

OHIO VIRTUAL ACADEMY

“My son actually gets excited about conference callswith his teacher because he wants to prove to herhow much he has learned. I see my son growing inleaps and bounds. He actually wants to learn. He evensaid, “It's teachers like mine, who make schooling athome way better than a brick and mortar school.”

A First-Year OHVA Family

Mrs. Rhonda Shappert, representing

the OHVA Board of Trustees,

addresses the Senior Class of 2008

“OHVA is a great school. I have had the experienceof the brick and mortar, I can't say I did not like it, butwhen it came to my 5th grade year it was not fun anymore. I was not learning what I needed to and theteachers kept telling my parents that I had to bepatient and wait for the other students to catch up, somy parents pulled my sister and I out of the school wewere in. To this day I am grateful to them for doingthat. Well, here in OHVA you get to learn at your ownpace, the curriculum is very challenging and makesme think, which is what I need. The teachers arewonderful and willing to work with you, they explainthings in a way that is easy to understand when youare having difficulties. OHVA also works well with myschedule. I am a competitive gymnast, competing atlevel 10, so the schedule allows me to practice whenI need to above what my normal hours are, which isgreat, and I am still capable of keeping my grades atan A or B. I definitely will graduate from OHVA.”

A Fifth-Year Student

11

86.5%

8.9%1.5%

1.7%1.0%

www.ohva.org

0.4%

Black, non-Hispanic: 8.9%

American Indian or Native Alaskan: 0.4%

Asian or Pacific Islander: 1.5%

Hispanic: 1.7%

Multi-Racial: 1.0%

White, non-Hispanic: 86.5%

Economically Disadvantaged: 43.5%

Limited English Proficient: Not Calculated (displayed when there are fewer than 10 students in a group)

Students with Disabilities: 7.6%

OHVA Teacher InformationProfessional qualifications of all public elementary and secondaryschool teachers in the school:

Number of full-time teachers: 151

At least a bachelor’s degree: 100.0%At least a master’s degree: 48.6%

Percentage of Highly Qualified Teachers (HQT): 100.0%Percentage of teachers properly certified/licensed: 100.0%

OHVA Students 2007 – 2008Average daily student enrollment: 4,940

Demographic Breakdown

OHVA Student and Staff Demographics

12

FY‘08 Financial Information

Sources of School Revenue

State Funding $29,840,526 93.0%Federal Grants $2,122,712 6.6%State Grants $20,113 0.1%Local Grants / Program Initiatives $75,000 0.2%Other Miscellaneous $45,027 0.1%

Total Revenue $32,103,378 100.0%

Expenses

Salaries $5,591,373 17.4%Fringe Benefits $1,733,396 5.4%Purchased Services $19,024,612 59.3%Materials and Supplies $4,858,967 15.1%Depreciation $15,467 0.0%Other Expenses $889,429 2.8%

Total Expenses $32,113,244 100.0%

Deficit $(9,866)

* Amounts included in this report are unaudited and subject to change.

Expenditures Related to Direct Instruction

Teacher Salaries, Benefits & Education-Related Expenses $8,092,512 37.4%

Student On-Line Curriculum $8,432,709 39.0%Student Instructional Materials $4,606,023 21.3%Special Education Services $503,429 2.3%

Total Expenditures for Direct Instruction $21,634,673 100.0%

% Direct Instruction Expenditures to Total Expenses 67.4%

Statistics of Interest

Expenditure per pupil (FY‘08) - OHVA average * $6,128 Expenditure per pupil (FY‘06) -

Ohio Public Schools Average ** $9,355

* Total expenditure income per pupil based on June 2008 FTE of 5,240.66** Source: State Board of Education of Ohio Annual Report 2006-07.

OHIO VIRTUAL ACADEMY

Sources of School Revenue

State Funding

Federal Grants

State Grants

Local Grants / Program Initiatives

Other Miscellaneous

$29,840,526

$2,122,712$20,113

$75,000$45,027

Expenditures Related to Direct Instruction

$8,092,512

$4,606,023

$8,432,709

Teacher Salaries, Benefits

& Education-Related Expenses

Student On-Line Curriculum

Student Instructional Materials

Special Education Services

$503,429

www.ohva.org

Ohio Virtual Academy1655 Holland Road, Suite F

Maumee, Ohio 43537

419.482.0948

www.ohva.org

The Ohio Virtual Academy is a community school established under Chapter 3314 of the Revised Code. The school and students enrolled in andattending the school are required to take diagnostic and achievement tests and other examination prescribed by law. In addition, there may be otherrequirements for students at the school that are prescribed by law. Students who have been excused from the compulsory attendance law for thepurpose of home education as defined by the Administrative Code shall no longer be excused for that purpose upon their enrollment in a communityschool. For more information on this matter, contact the school administration or the Ohio Department of Education.

OHVA Mission and VisionMission

The mission of OHVA is to empower students and their parents with an innovative and effectiveinstructional program to achieve high standardsand help students reach their full academic and social potential.

VisionOur vision is to create a high-performance schoolthat equips teachers and parents with the tools of tomorrow, thereby giving our students all theopportunities they need to succeed in life and creating a new model for the twenty-first century public school.

Congratulations Graduates!

OHVA Class of 2008 (left to right)

Christian Barnett, Katherine Kessling, Nicole Pine, Christian Lowry,

Jesse Medlong, Danielle Troyer, Krystal Haase, Elizabeth Ely.

Absent from Photo: Brendon Hyland