Dear Highland Parents, Across the country, school districts are struggling to fill transportation jobs. In a recent national survey, 81% of districts reported not being able to find enough school bus drivers to fill their needs. More than half of surveyed districts categorize this shortage as “severe” or “desperate.” Unfortunately, the Highland School District has joined this growing number of school districts and has the same busing challenges. (See Akron Beacon Journal articles published on 10-1-21 and 9-29-21). The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted school transportation and has left our district extremely short-handed. We are struggling to hire bus drivers.

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, Highland Community Education is now returning to offer several exciting classes this Fall. Back by popular demand are the in-person elementary after school classes including Young Rembrandts Art, Madscience, Brixology and Crayola Arts Academy. A new virtual Spanish class for students in K-6, which includes the entire family, is also on the course list! Hummingbirds Soccer will again be offered and high school students have the opportunity to enroll in ACT/SAT Test Preparation classes in the evenings or during the school day. Adults can sign up for Beekeeping, CPR, Retirement Planning, Virtual Voiceover and Stop Smoking/Weight Loss seminars. Evening classes are not restricted to Highland community residents only. Download the detailed brochure and registration form HERE. For questions, enrollment or more information, contact Mary Fran Kudla, HCE Director, at 330-239-1901, ext. 5503, or at mkudla@highlandschools.org.