Perrysburg Schools Spotlight - July 2016 Edition

We hope you enjoy our monthly eNewsletter, spotlighting excellence in our programs, students and employees!

Ground has been broken for Hull Prairie Intermediate School, which is slated to open in August 2017! This is the main project taxpayers funded with the Bond Issue that passed in 2014. Other bond projects under way this summer include: construction of the auxiliary gym at the High School, completion of air-conditioning all educational spaces at the Jr. High, supplemental heat at Frank Elementary School and each elementary school is having a secure vestibule installed to welcome guests and guide them directly into the offices.

The permanent improvement levy voters approved in 2015 is funding replacement of auditorium seats, sound and lighting at the Jr. High this summer, as well as a new public address system at Frank Elementary School, Commodore Building gym roof replacement, the majority of facilities will have sealcoating and patchwork done as part of a regular maintenance schedule and the district will purchase two school busses.

The Huskisson Athletic Center, which was funded primarily by donations, will open by the first home football game. This facility will provide much-needed locker, training, concession and community space at Widdel Field at Steinecker Stadium adjacent to Perrysburg Junior High.

Our custodial, grounds and maintenance crews are working hard this summer on deep cleaning and preventative maintenance in all of the district’s facilities.



Anthony Grigsby, an 11th grader at Perrysburg High School, was a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Lowell, Massachusetts on June 25-27, 2016. The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

During the three-day Congress, Anthony joined students from across the country and heard Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners talk about leading medical research; was given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witnessed stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; was inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learned about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

We’re so proud of you, Anthony!

Jeff Abke

Jeff Abke, ’96, Director of Development for Perrysburg Schools, is one of just twelve education foundation executives from ten states who were the first to be nationally certified through an innovative leadership certification program developed by the National School Foundation Association (NSFA) and National University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy.

Perrysburg Schools, in partnership with the Perrysburg Schools Foundation, established a development program in 2013 to continue our tradition of academic excellence by seeking financial gifts from alumni, supporters and those with an affinity for Perrysburg Schools. Since the program began, over $1.5 million has been donated to our school district. This program’s goal is ultimately to reduce our reliance on local tax dollars and give individuals or organizations an opportunity to directly support the programs that mean the most to them. The district accepts, manages and distributes gifts according to donor wishes and established district goals and priorities that include academics, athletics, facilities, fine and performing arts, programs, materials and technology.

Previously, Mr. Abke was Assistant Director of Advancement for Pomfret School in Pomfret, Connecticut. He has also served as Director of Regional Development—East Coast for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and Associate Director of Alumni & Parent Programs for St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. Mr. Abke holds a bachelor of arts from Miami University and graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1996.


To suggest a program, student or employee for an upcoming Spotlight, please contact Rachel Zickar at [email protected].