Springfield City School District’s Business Advisory Council recognized for high level of service

The Springfield City School District is the only school district in Clark County to be recognized by the state for its Business Advisory Council, earning a two-star rating for its practices that foster academic achievement and help students prepare for their careers.

“The Business Advisory Council serves as a vital conduit, offering valuable resources and bolstering workforce readiness efforts,” says Robert F. Hill, the district superintendent and a member of the BAC.

All school districts and Educational Service Centers in Ohio are required to have a Business Advisory Council, and the state has more than 110, according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

The Springfield City School District was one of just 39 to be recognized for its BAC’s high level of service. Those 39 received two, three, or four stars.

The Springfield City School District is the only school district in Clark County to be recognized by the state for its Business Advisory Council for its practices that foster academic achievement and help students prepare for their careers.The BAC, which has been part of the district for more than three decades and meets quarterly, brings together leaders from the district and the community and advises the district on topics such as employment skills, changes in the job market, and the types of jobs most likely to be available in the future.

The district’s BAC brings together representatives from a variety of professions and organizations, including the City of Springfield, Mercy Health Foundation, Clark State College and local companies.

The council offers work-based learning opportunities to students, such as internships and student field trips to workplaces, says Jenna Leinasars, a communications specialist with the district. It also is a part of career experiences like “Manufacturing Day.”

The BAC’s efforts expose students to the large number of career opportunities in Clark County and provide them with tools to prepare for the future either here or afar, she says. The council helps to retain skilled workers within the area and supports the success of both new and established businesses.

BAC members have advocated for proactive engagement with students and their families, starting in the elementary level, Hill says. This gives students more exposure to a variety of careers and helps them with the skills and resources they need to plan for their chosen path.

“By fostering collaboration between educators and industry leaders and implementing targeted interventions at an early stage, the district aims to equip students with the competencies needed to thrive in the workforce and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic prosperity,” Hill says.
The Springfield City School District is the only school district in Clark County to be recognized by the state for its Business Advisory Council for its practices that foster academic achievement and help students prepare for their careers.