Graham Local Schools

06/20/2026

Tomorrow is the day!!!!! Set up as early as 7am!

Great opportunity for community participation!

06/18/2026

The Graham Local Schools Board of Education recognized retiring staff members, received updates on district facilities and partnerships, and approved personnel recommendations during the June 16, 2026, regular meeting.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Board President Leslie Maurice.
The Board recognized five retiring staff members: Julie Butcher, Lisa Dickerson, Sharla Lockery, Michelle McGuire, and Vicki Packard Cooper. Together, these individuals represent nearly 175 years of service in education. Board members expressed their gratitude for the dedication and impact each has made on Graham students, staff, and the community and wished them well in retirement.
As part of the superintendent's report, Village Administrator Jay Lewis and Chris Schaeffer provided an overview of the partnership between Graham Local Schools and the Village of St. Paris related to the treatment and operation of the drinking water and wastewater systems at Graham High School. They shared information about daily operations, regulatory requirements, and EPA expectations.
Superintendent Chad Lensman recognized the district's maintenance and custodial teams for their hard work preparing buildings and grounds for summer projects and the upcoming school year. He also provided an update on construction work being completed by TREMCO at Graham Elementary, noting that this is the second part of phase 1. The purpose of this is to refinish and fix the building envelope on the buildings across the district. Noting they are expected to be completed by mid-to-late July.
Additional updates included repairs needed related to spring wind damage affecting athletic equipment and the middle school fascia, as well as recognition of educator Sarah Lonsinger, who recently attended professional development at Glen Helen and hopes to incorporate new ideas into Graham's outdoor education opportunities.
Mr. Lensman also shared information from AD Milligan regarding the potential addition of a girls’ wrestling program, noting that girls' wrestling has been a fully sanctioned Ohio High School Athletic Association sport since 2022.
The Board reviewed donations, volunteers, and personnel recommendations, including the hiring of Jessica Gilbert as the district's new instrumental music teacher and band director.
The meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m. with no board comments or executive session.
The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting will be held on July 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Graham High School Media Center.

06/18/2026

Join our Family!! 🦅

https://glsd.schoolspring.com/

06/17/2026

Great work, Connor!! Way to represent! 💪🏻🦅
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18m9Cy8Yau/

06/17/2026

Happy National Mascot Day!

Did you know Graham's very first Freddie Falcon was created in 1977 by Rita Zerkle? Her daughter, Roxanne "Zerkle" Shively, proudly wore the mascot during football and basketball seasons that year.

The original mascot head was handcrafted from papier-mâché and chicken wire, a true labor of Falcon spirit!

The idea for a school mascot was first introduced by Graham's first superintendent, Mr. Carlton Bricker. Following the consolidation of the township schools into Graham, it was voted that our teams would be known as the Falcons.

Today, we celebrate not only Freddie Falcon, but the tradition, pride, and school spirit that have united generations of Graham students, staff, and alumni.

Happy National Mascot Day, Falcons! 🦅

ETA: If you were a mascot for Graham, we would love for you to add a photo of yourself as Freddie and the time frame you served!

06/16/2026

Congratulations to Lisa Dickerson on her retirement after 27 years of dedicated service to Graham Local Schools!

Throughout her career, Lisa has served students in the Intervention Resource Room, providing individualized instruction and helping students develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to succeed. Her compassion, patience, and commitment have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students and families.

When reflecting on her time at Graham, Lisa shared that while she has many favorite memories, the experiences of taking students swimming and out to eat each week stand out the most. These opportunities created meaningful connections and provided valuable experiences that helped students grow both inside and outside the classroom.

Lisa is married to her husband, John, and together they have three children and two wonderful grandchildren. In retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with family, tending to her flower gardens, and visiting the shores of Lake Erie, where she enjoys searching for beach glass and taking in the peaceful beauty of the lake.

As she begins this new chapter, Lisa shared, "My love for the children and their families has always been my 'why.' I am not sure whether my best days are ahead of me or behind me, but I am excited to find out. I know I will continue to find meaningful ways to stay connected to the people and community that have meant so much to me."

Thank you, Lisa, for 27 years of service, care, and dedication to the students and families of Graham Local Schools. We wish you all the best in your retirement!

06/15/2026

Please join us.

06/15/2026

Great opportunity for community participation!

06/12/2026

Congratulations to Michelle McGuire on her retirement after 33 years of dedicated service to Graham Local Schools!

A proud Graham graduate, Michelle began her career at Graham Junior High School in 1993 as a special education teacher, helping launch the district's first co-teaching model. Throughout her career, she served students at both Graham Junior High and Graham Middle School before spending the final 16 years of her career in the Multiple Disabilities Unit. In addition to her work in the classroom, Michelle coached high school volleyball, girls basketball, and track, while also serving in numerous leadership and committee roles that helped shape and strengthen our district.

When reflecting on her time at Graham, Michelle shared that one of her most meaningful memories was her first day in the Multiple Disabilities classroom. What initially felt unfamiliar quickly became one of the most rewarding chapters of her career. She credits her students, families, classroom aides, colleagues, and administrators for helping make those years so special.

As she begins retirement, Michelle looks forward to spending more time with family and friends, working in her yard, traveling, and remaining connected to the Graham community in new ways.

Michelle also extends her heartfelt gratitude to her husband, Paul, and her children, Owen and Arden, for their unwavering love, patience, and support throughout her career.

From Graham student to Graham educator, Michelle's impact on our schools, students, and staff will be felt for years to come. Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and service to Graham Local Schools. We wish you all the best in your retirement!

06/11/2026

Congratulations to Julie Butcher on her retirement after more than 20 years of service to Graham Local Schools!

During her time at Graham, Julie taught both first and fourth grade, creating lasting memories for countless students. Some of her favorite moments include reading Magic Tree House books with her first graders, celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday and the 100th Day of School, and participating in Trout in the Classroom and the Good Program with her fourth-grade students.

Beyond the classroom, Julie treasures the relationships she built throughout her career, sharing that many parents and coworkers have become lifelong friends.

In retirement, Julie is looking forward to coffee dates, baking sourdough, traveling, and spending more time with family and friends.

Julie also shared how grateful and proud she is to have begun her educational journey as a Graham Falcon in kindergarten and to conclude her career as one as well.

Thank you, Julie, for the dedication, kindness, and impact you have shared with generations of Graham students. We wish you all the best in your retirement!