GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Galion City Schools is exploring a Blended Learning Pilot designed to protect instructional time, strengthen learning quality, and expand real-world learning opportunities for students. District leaders emphasize that this is a three-year pilot that will be carefully monitored, adjusted as needed, or discontinued entirely based on data and performance. “The purpose of this pilot is to protect learning time, reduce disruptions caused by frequent absences, and intentionally invest in authentic, high-quality educational experiences for our students,” said Superintendent Jeff Hartmann. Key features of the proposed pilot include:

  • Student instructional days: Tuesday through Friday
  • Staff work week: Five days (no change)
  • No changes to daily hours, the length of the school year, or traditional breaks Elementary Students (Grades K–5)

Mondays would focus on targeted, invitation-based support rather than traditional classroom instruction:

  • Skill-building support, enrichment, and counseling by invitation
  • At-home enrichment activities designed by teachers without technology requirements
  • Tier 3 academic support at teacher direction
  • Virtual or in-person counseling sessions by appointment
  • Lottery-based childcare for families with no other option
  • Student-focused meetings, including IEP and 504 meetings Secondary Students (Grades 6–12)

Mondays would emphasize flexibility, relevance, and career readiness:

  • Tutoring and teacher office hours
  • Makerspace access for authentic projects and assignments
  • Career shadowing, internships, and part-time employment
  • Completion of service-learning hours
  • Virtual or in-person counseling sessions by appointment
  • Student-focused meetings, including IEP and 504 meetings Monitoring and Goals

District leaders acknowledge concerns related to childcare and student supervision. These areas will be closely monitored throughout the pilot. If the model does not demonstrate clear benefits for students, the district will not continue it.

Parent Listening Sessions

Families are encouraged to learn more and share feedback by:

  • Reviewing information on the Blended Learning & Open Enrollment page at galionschools.org
  • Watching the Loom video and reviewing the informational slide deck
  • Attending a parent listening session:

Primary School — Tuesday, January 20

5:00–6:00 p.m. | Wesley Chapel                                             6:30–7:30 p.m. | Primary School

Intermediate School — Wednesday, January 21

5:00–6:00 p.m. | Christ Covenant Church                              6:30–7:30 p.m. | Intermediate School

Middle School — Thursday, January 22

5:00–6:00 p.m. | Galion First Presbyterian Church                6:30–7:30 p.m. | Middle School

High School — Monday, January 26

5:00–6:00 p.m. | Wesley Chapel                                             6:30–7:30 p.m. | High School

“We want this to be a conversation,” Hartmann added. “Our families’ voices matter as we explore new ways to serve students well.”

For more information, visit galionschools.org or contact Galion City Schools at learning@galionschools.org.