Students, Staff and Community

     Welcome to the Berne Union Local School District Website.  During this time of year we pause to reflect upon those things for which we are thankful.  I find myself driving through the countryside witnessing the hard work our farmers put forth in bringing in the harvest, and I am thankful for the food they put on our tables.  I drive by many businesses and think how thankful I am for those who labor so that we might have ready access to all kinds of services and products.  I go by churches and am thankful for the support they give to those in need within our communities and their work for social justice.  I see the faces of veterans who have served our country to protect the many freedoms we enjoy.  And I drive by law enforcement agencies, firehouses, courthouses, and city administrative buildings and am thankful for their provision of safety and order in our society.

     As I go to work in the schools I am truly thankful for the many teachers, custodians, secretaries, administrators, bus drivers, cooks, board members, parents, coaches, boosters and community citizens that provide a quality education for our children.  It is in keeping a strong public education system that we protect our very democracy in this country.  Our children learn the skills and knowledge they will need to be productive American citizens.  They learn our heritage and values that make our country strong.  It is an education system that allows every child, no matter what their background, the opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

     You can be proud of the Berne Union Local Schools!  We have been rated an Excellent School District by the Ohio Department of Education.  Our Elementary School has been named a School of Promise (one of only 122 in the State of Ohio).  Our district has been ranked 164th out of 1002 total districts (including community schools and public schools) in the State of Ohio.  86% of our 3rd grade students have just scored at the proficient or higher level on the Ohio Achievement Assessment 2011 Reading Fall test.   Our Band has received numerous competition awards and our athletic programs are improving.

     Our school district has also strived to be fiscally responsible to our taxpayers.  Our teachers agreed to a four year freeze in base salary.  Berne Union Local is sharing the cost for Superintendent and Treasurer with Walnut Township Local (Millersport).  We have combined positions and contracted out for services at a savings to the district.  And we are currently studying additional efficiencies to implement while maintaining our high quality educational experience for our children.   

     Yes, we have very much for which we can be thankful.  As we move from Autumn to Winter let us count our blessings, celebrate with our families, and realize that as a community of American people we can accomplish great things together....even in tough economic times.

Go Rockets!
Dale L. Dickson,
Superintendent