Oxford Community Schools

Dear Oxford Families and Staff,

At last night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board directed the district to begin planning for a potential $7 million reduction to the 2027-28 operating budget. This follows the failure of the district’s non-homestead operating millage proposal in the August election. The current millage expires at the end of 2026, and if it is not renewed, the district will lose approximately $7 million in annual operating revenue.

District administrators presented the Board with three budget options designed to minimize disruption to student learning while continuing to meet required obligations. The Board directed the administration to move forward with Option 2 as the basis for planning. At a high level, this option includes:

• Closure of Leonard Elementary School (approximately $1.7 million)

• Changes to athletics and facility usage (including pay-to-participate and student gate fees, approximately $500,000)

• Changes to transportation (including enforcement of a 1.5-mile walking zone and restructuring of general education routes, approximately $400,000)

• Reductions to staffing and operational services (approximately $4.4 million)

These reductions would affect students and families across the district, not only those directly connected to Leonard Elementary. A school closure would require changes to elementary attendance boundaries and would increase class sizes at other schools. Transportation changes would affect which students are eligible for bus service and how routes are structured. Athletics changes would increase costs for students participating in sports and attending events.

The largest area of reduction would be staffing and student programs. This would mean fewer teachers and student support personnel, including paraprofessionals, as well as reductions in elective course options, programs and other student experiences. Operational reductions would also affect services and resources that support our schools and classrooms.

We recognize the potential impact on our students, staff and schools. The Board’s action does not put these reductions into effect. It directs the administration to develop a budget based on this scenario so the district is prepared if the millage is not renewed.

The operating millage will appear again on the November 3, 2026 ballot. If approved, the approximately $7 million reduction in operating revenue would not be necessary for the 2027-28 school year. Regardless of the election outcome, the district will continue evaluating its operations and identifying opportunities to use resources efficiently and responsibly.

For more information about the operating millage and the November 3 election, please visit oxfordschools.org/millage.

Sincerely,

Oxford Community Schools

Dear Wildcat Families:

Oxford High School’s football games have long been a wonderful tradition in our community. To ensure this experience continues to be safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all, we have implemented some expectations/guidelines for this season. These updates are based on feedback from families, staff, and public safety partners, and align with best practices being adopted across the region.

Updates and Reminders for the 2026 Season:

• No Re-Entry to the Stadium.

• All Oxford High School students must have a school ID for entry. Showing PowerSchool schedule is allowed.

• Expect to go through the Evolv weapons detection system for entry.

• Students: No bags of any kind will be allowed for students.

• No outside footballs or sporting equipment.

• Middle School and Elementary aged children are to be accompanied, supervised by, and in the vicinity of an adult.

  • Our ticket workers will not allow unsupervised students to enter into the stadium.

  • If there are issues with accompanied students gathering and causing unsafe issues, parents will be contacted and the students will be barred for the rest of the season.

• Adults: No backpacks or large bags. Small purses, diaper bags, and medical bags are permissible and are subject to search.

• The circle drive in the south parking lot will be blocked off before, during, and after the game.

• OHS parking lots will not be open to non-OHS staff and students until 4:00 p.m. on game day.

• No outside food or beverages are allowed into the stadium. This includes empty or filled bottles, cups, thermos containers, coolers, mugs, etc.

• Oxford Community Schools prohibits the possession and/or use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and weapons while on school property and at any district-related event. Please see Policies 3102.01 and 3408.01 for more information.

• Alcohol is strictly prohibited; anyone who attempts to bring alcohol and/or is visibly under the influence of any substance will be removed for the rest of the season.

• All school rules and district policies are in effect and will be enforced for this event.

We remain committed to providing our students, families, and community members with an enjoyable game-day experience that reflects the values of Oxford Community Schools. Your partnership is key in making that possible. Should there be anything we can do to assist you or your student, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Let’s have a safe, spirited, and successful season. Go Wildcats!

Sincerely,

Tony DeMare, Athletic Director, Oxford Community Schools
Brad Bigelow, Principal, Oxford High School

Oxford Community Schools is offering a School Board 101 informational session for candidates running for the OCS Board of Education.

The session will be conducted by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) and will provide an overview of the role, responsibilities and opportunities of serving on a local school board.

While the session is being offered for candidates in the November 3 election, members of the public are also welcome to attend and learn more about what school board service involves.

📅 Thursday, September 10
⏰ 6:00–7:30 p.m.
📍 10 N. Washington, Oxford, MI

The Tornado Warning has ended and the Shelter status has been lifted. Elementary bus routes will begin departing schools as soon as students are safely on board. Please expect delayed drop-off times this afternoon for elementary bus riders. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Oxford Community Schools

Dear Oxford Schools Families,

We are currently in a "Shelter" status again districtwide due to a Tornado Warning in our area.

Student Status: Elementary students who are still in our buildings are in designated safe areas and are under the supervision of staff.

Dismissal: Dismissal will be delayed due to the weather conditions and shelter status.

Action: Please do not travel to the school to pick up your child while the shelter is in place. It is safer for you and your child to remain in your current safe location.

Next Steps: We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide additional information as soon as we are able to do so.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

Sincerely,

Oxford Community Schools

Dear Oxford Schools Families,

Due to the potential for additional severe weather this afternoon, all after-school activities at Oxford Middle School are cancelled today.

At this time:

• Oxford High School football game: Still scheduled to be played as planned.

• OHS Tennis and Golf: Cancelled.

• Other OHS sports and activities: High school coaches and advisors will communicate directly with students and families regarding any changes.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

Oxford Community Schools

Dear Oxford Schools Families,

The Shelter status for all district buildings has been officially lifted, and all facilities have returned to normal operations.

Due to the timing of additional severe weather expected this afternoon, our secondary buildings will dismiss early today:

• Oxford Middle School:

  1:00 p.m.

• Oxford Bridges High School:

  1:00 p.m.

• Oxford High School:

  1:30 p.m.

Elementary schools will remain on their regular dismissal and bussing schedules.

Our students and staff did a fantastic job following our Standard Response Protocol quickly, calmly, and safely today.

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to keep our school community safe.

Oxford Community Schools

Dear Oxford Schools Families,

We are currently in a "Shelter" status districtwide due to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (70+ mph winds). What this means: SHELTER is called when personal protection is necessary due to environmental conditions or severe weather. Students and staff move to designated safe areas and follow specific safety strategies.

• Situation: We are currently responding to Severe Weather in our area.

• Student Status: All students are in designated safe areas within the building and are under the supervision of staff.

• Action: Do not travel to the school. During severe weather, it is safer for you and your child to remain in your current safe location.

• Next Steps: We will continue to monitor the situation and will notify you as soon as the hazard has passed and the "All Clear" is given.

Sincerely,

Oxford Community Schools

We kicked off the school year with our annual Staff Welcome Back!

The morning began with a delicious breakfast, a fun photo booth, and an amazing performance from our jazz band.

During the ceremony, we celebrated the accomplishments of the past year, looked ahead to our goals for the new school year, and reflected on this year’s theme, “Small Moments, Big Impacts.”

We were honored to welcome back Alex Delafuente, a member of Oxford’s Class of 2026, who shared his experience as a Wildcat and spoke about the people, experiences, and small moments that have shaped who he is today.

We wrapped up the morning with an exciting performance from our marching band as we officially kicked off another amazing year together!

#WorldClassWildcats #OCSWildcats

Help connect our students with their future!

Our Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are looking for industry professionals, local businesses, organizations, and community partners who are willing to share their experience and expertise with the next generation.

We’re currently seeking:
- Guest speakers who can share their careers, industries, education, and career paths
- Field trip and workplace tour opportunities that allow students to see careers and workplaces in action
- Community and industry connections that can help students explore their interests and envision what their futures could look like

Our CTE programs include:
🚗 Automotive Technology
🤖 Mechatronics
💻 Computer Programming
📣 Marketing
🩺 Health Sciences
🎥 Radio, Television & Broadcasting
💼 Business Administration & Management
💰 Finance

If you, your business, or someone you know could provide a guest speaker, workplace tour, field trip, demonstration, job shadow, or other real-world learning opportunity, we would love to connect!

Contact Lisa Butts: Lisa.Butts@oxfordschools.org