With Pirate Pride

Yesterday, I had the privilege and honor to welcome back our staff for the 2026-2027 school year. Our theme for this year is “You are the Anchor”. Below is the message I shared with them and would like to share with our community as well. Have a great year and Go Pirates!!

“Now I would like to introduce our theme for the 2026–2027 school year. 

You Are the Anchor.

After hearing about our Five Pirate Expectations, you may be asking one final question:

What does a person who lives these expectations become?

They become the anchor.

Every great ship has anchors.

Rocky River City Schools has hundreds of them.

Every person in this room has the opportunity to anchor a student’s experience.

Every day, you build relationships.

You create connections.

You provide encouragement.

You remind students that they belong.

Those moments become the anchors that connect our students to their schools and to one another.

But when we think about an anchor, it does so much more than simply connect a ship.

An anchor provides stability during uncertainty.

It keeps a ship from drifting.

It creates safety during storms.

And it allows others to explore with confidence because they know something is holding them steady.

That is what you do.

You provide stability.

You provide consistency.

You provide belonging.

You create environments where students feel safe enough to learn, grow, take risks, and discover who they are becoming.

You are the anchor.

When a student is anxious…

you are the anchor.

When a family needs reassurance…

you are the anchor.

When a colleague needs encouragement…

you are the anchor.

When a child needs one adult who believes in them…

you are the anchor.

That’s who you are.

We cannot control every storm our students or schools will face.

But we can decide who we will be when those storms arrive.

We will be the anchor.

Over the past year, I have seen hundreds of examples of people serving as anchors across Rocky River City Schools.

Today, I want to recognize just a few who represent the incredible work happening in every building across our district.

First, our Beach Preschool staff.

For many families, Beach is their very first experience with Rocky River City Schools.

Our Beach staff welcomes our youngest Pirates with warmth, patience, and care. They build trust, create belonging, and provide a foundation that lasts long after preschool.

They are the first anchor in a family’s journey through our district.

At Goldwood Primary School, Mr. Brian Salco is an anchor.

The environment he creates for students every day is engaging, caring, and full of joy.

His impact does not stop at Goldwood. Through his continued connection with our boys soccer program, he builds relationships that span years.

He provides consistency.

He provides connection.

He provides the steady presence that separates Rocky River from others.

At Kensington Intermediate, Scott Raiff is an anchor.

I have joked that Scott is the Pied Piper of education – and I still think he gives away far too many Jolly Ranchers.

But behind the candy is someone who shows up for students and families every single day.

He provides encouragement.

He provides support.

He provides steadiness.

That is the definition of an anchor.

At Rocky River Middle School, Kelly Baiera is an anchor.

This example is personal for me.

Last year, my youngest daughter, Miriam, entered Rocky River Middle School as a new student. 

Like many students navigating a transition, she experienced moments of uncertainty.

Kelly believed in her.

Kelly invested in her.

Kelly created opportunities for her to grow.

She became that steady presence every child hopes to find when they need someone in their corner.

For that,our family will always be grateful.

And finally, at Rocky River High School, Lisa Borgia is an anchor.

Lisa is an anchor not only for students, but for our staff as well.

She is a trusted colleague.

She is a thoughtful leader.

She is someone students and staff seek advice, guidance, and expertise from. 

She is seen as a leader by both her students and colleagues which is the ultimate testament to the type of educator, and more importantly, person she is. 

The people we recognized today are just five examples.

The truth is, there are hundreds more sitting in this room.

Every classroom.

Every office.

Every bus.

Every cafeteria.

Every playground.

Every practice field.

Every performance stage.

Every department.

Every day.

You are the anchor.

As we begin this school year together, I hope you recognize the incredible responsibility and privilege that comes with that role.

You are the person who provides stability.

You are the person who creates belonging.

You are the person who believes in growth.

You are the person who communicates with care.

And above all else…

You are the person who cares about kids.

Because that is where our expectations begin.

And that is where they end.

When we live our Five Pirate Expectations, we become the anchors our students deserve.

Thank you for choosing a profession where people change lives.

Thank you for being the anchor our students need.

Now let’s go write the next chapter of Rocky River City Schools – together.

Have a wonderful school year. And as always, Go Pirates!” 

– With Pirate Pride,

Adham

This summer, our family has had the opportunity to enjoy quite a few adventures together. We traveled out west, drove the Pacific Coast Highway, hiked to see sea lions, dipped our toes into the freezing cold Pacific Ocean, and made plenty of memories along the way.

More recently, my wife and I took a long weekend trip to Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. Our weekend was filled with hiking, exploring, and, of course, some whitewater rafting.

Any trip to that part of the country provides an opportunity for some whitewater fun, and we decided to take advantage of it by rafting the Lower Youghiogheny River, part of the larger Youghiogheny River system. The Lower Youghiogheny includes a combination of Class 3 and Class 4 rapids, providing plenty of excitement and just enough challenge to keep you focused.

It was quite a day.

We navigated rapids, got pinned up against Decapitator Rock, and even got “bathtubbed” at one point. There was a moment when my wife actually saved my life (her words, not mine:-) by pulling me back into the raft. We cliff-dived, laughed a lot, and ultimately had an incredible experience together.

We love these kinds of adventures because they push us outside our comfort zones, create memories, and, perhaps most importantly, teach us something.

As I reflected on our day on the river, I couldn’t help but think about how much whitewater rafting has in common with navigating a school year.

To be successful on the river, you need to work as a team. You need to communicate. You need to pay attention to what is directly in front of you. You need to trust the people around you. And perhaps most importantly, you need to believe that you can navigate whatever comes next.

The same is true in a school system.

There will be stretches of smooth water when everything seems to be moving exactly as planned. There will also be rough water, unexpected obstacles, and moments when the current feels a little stronger than anticipated. There will be opportunities to take risks, try something new, and occasionally jump off a cliff, literally or figuratively.

But through all of it, we don’t navigate the river alone.

That is one of the things I value most about being part of our school community. Success is rarely about one person having all of the answers. It is about people working together, communicating openly, supporting one another, and being willing to jump in when someone needs a hand.

For me, leadership is deeply rooted in relationships. It is about being present, being approachable, listening to others, and building the kind of trust that allows a team to navigate challenging moments together. When the water gets rough, people need to know that they are not alone. They need to know that the people around them have their backs.

That is the kind of school community we are in River. 

Whether you are a student, a parent, a staff member, or a community member, we all have a role in helping our school district move forward. When we lean in together, communicate honestly, support one another, and paddle in the same direction, there is very little we cannot accomplish.

As we approach another school year, I know there will be smooth stretches, rough water, unexpected turns, and plenty of excitement. There will be challenges, but there will also be countless opportunities to grow, learn, take risks, and celebrate one another.

And just like rafting, the journey is better when we experience it together.

I hope you are able to enjoy these final days of summer break. I hope that, over the past several weeks, you have had the opportunity to make memories, enjoy some adventures, and perhaps learn a few lessons along the way.

I cannot wait to navigate another school year alongside each of you. I look forward to welcoming all of our Pirates back over the coming weeks and beginning another great journey together.

Here’s to another great school year in Rocky River City Schools.

And as always, Go Pirates!

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Welcome to August! Over the next several weeks, our schools will begin to come back to life as we welcome students, staff, and families back for the 2026–2027 school year. High school band camp is underway, fall athletics are officially beginning, and our teachers and support staff are returning to prepare for another year of learning, growth, and connection. This is truly one of my favorite times of the year!

Every new school year brings a renewed sense of hope and possibility. It provides a fresh start for all of us as we begin another journey focused on relationships, growth, and meaningful experiences. While we are excited about the many opportunities already planned for the year ahead, some of the most impactful moments are often the ones that emerge because of the creativity, dedication, and passion of our students, teachers, and support staff. Our hallways will soon be filled with energy, curiosity, and the excitement that makes Rocky River City Schools such a special place.

This year, we are especially excited to welcome several new members to our Rocky River City Schools family. We are thrilled to welcome our new high school principal, Mrs. Carrie Knapp, as well as our new middle school assistant principal and athletic director, Mr. Austin Handrych. We are grateful for the experience, leadership, and enthusiasm they bring to our district, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students, staff, and community.

As we prepare for the start of the school year, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our maintenance and custodial teams for the tremendous work taking place across our schools. Over the summer months, these dedicated team members have worked tirelessly to prepare our classrooms, hallways, and building exteriors for the return of our students and staff. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating welcoming learning environments are deeply appreciated.

In addition to the daily work of preparing our schools, several larger projects continue to move toward completion as we welcome everyone back to campus, including our turf project. We appreciate the patience and partnership of our community as these important projects are finalized.

As we approach the start of the school year, there are many opportunities for our community to reconnect and celebrate the excitement of a new year together. Please take a moment to visit our Back-to-School Hub for important information and upcoming dates. We also hope you will join us for the Booster Bash on August 11th. Immediately following the Booster Bash, students and their families are invited to gather outside the stadium to welcome Mrs. Knapp to River, connect with fellow Pirate families, and enjoy ice cream from the Prayers for Maria Ice Cream Wagon as we kick off the 2026-2027 school year together. 

While we are excited about what lies ahead, we also encourage everyone to enjoy these final days of summer. Take time to relax, recharge, and create memories with family and friends. The beginning of a new school year is always filled with anticipation, opportunity, and possibility, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back.

Thank you for being such an important part of the Rocky River City Schools community. We are excited for another incredible year together.

Welcome to August! Go Pirates!

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

In the fall of 2025, the Rocky River City School District Board of Education formally adopted a Legislative Platform to guide our advocacy efforts and communicate the priorities that matter most to our students, staff, families, and community. As we look ahead to the upcoming legislative session and the important policy discussions that will continue throughout the fall, these positions remain key priorities for both the Board of Education and district leadership. We are committed to working collaboratively with our state legislators and education partners to advocate for policies that support strong public schools, preserve local decision-making, ensure fiscal stability, and provide every student with access to a caring, exceptional, and competitive educational experience.

As we head into the summer months and look ahead toward the eventual lame-duck session, our Board wanted to share the key pillars of our RRCSD Legislative Platform. We hope these priorities provide district-level context regarding the issues that impact our ability to deliver a caring, exceptional, and competitive education.

Here are specific items we are sharing heading into the next several months of legislation:

Property Tax Reform & Financial Predictability

We support policy measures that increase property tax relief—such as expanding homestead exemptions for senior citizens and implementing “circuit breakers” based on income—provided that these measures do not diminish existing or future funding for K-12 education. However, as close to 80% of our general operating revenue comes from local property tax revenues, attempts to cap cash reserves, restrict local taxation, or allow the reduction, appeal, or diversion of voter-approved tax revenues and inside millage put our district at serious risk, particularly given how little we receive in state funding. Local fiscal stability is essential for our long-term planning.

We are hopeful that the provisions of House Bill 479 will help clarify the property tax reform package passed last fall, and we are pleased to see that the legislation provides targeted tax relief to homeowners while reimbursing schools and local governments for forgone revenue. At the same time, we remain concerned about pending reforms, including HB 504, given that the impact of recently enacted legislation has yet to be fully understood.

Strong and Equitable State Funding

We remain advocates for a fully implemented and consistently funded Fair School Funding Plan that reflects the true operational costs and unique needs of public school students.

Voucher Accountability and Public Dollars

As public funds are increasingly utilized for nonpublic education, we firmly oppose the expansion of voucher programs that divert state dollars away from public schools. We believe that any private institution accepting public tuition dollars should be held to the same academic, financial, operational, and reporting standards that public schools proudly meet every day.

We are encouraged by the introduction of and hearings related to House Bill 715 and welcome the opportunity to share specific data and examples that may be helpful in advancing that legislation.

Ending Unfunded Mandates

New state compliance requirements can strain local classrooms and budgets. We urge that any future legislative mandates be paired with full and adequate funding so local resources are not stretched beyond their capacity. We will be planning carefully given the provisions of Senate Bill 19 and will be happy to share information regarding the increased operating costs associated with implementing the requirements of that legislation.

Preserving Local Governance

We strongly support the rights of locally elected boards of education to make curriculum, operational, and educational programming decisions with the direct input of local staff, parents, and community members. We are concerned about the growing number of bills that mandate specific curriculum and course requirements for local school districts, including the inclusion of the Success Sequence in SB 156.

We are also concerned about the provision in SB 311 regarding the disposition of unused property. RRCSD currently maintains the Wooster School property as an unused school facility and leases the building to the Cleveland Clinic, providing a stable revenue stream for the district. Rocky River is a landlocked community with virtually no remaining opportunities for future development. As we explore a long-term master facilities plan, being required to dispose of unused property would significantly limit our ability to meet future facility needs and ensure that students continue learning in state-of-the-art educational environments. In the immediate term, it would also require the district to terminate a lease agreement that currently provides reliable revenue to support our educational mission.

It is critically important for our community to remain engaged in the state legislative issues that directly impact Rocky River City Schools. Through ongoing advocacy and continued engagement with legislators, educational organizations, and community partners, we can help advance policies that support local control, provide adequate and sustainable funding, and strengthen the educational experiences of our students, staff, and families. Public education is strongest when communities work together to make their voices heard.

Thank you for your continued partnership, engagement, and advocacy on behalf of Rocky River City Schools and the students we are privileged to serve.

With Pirate Pride,

The Rocky River Board of Education

Adham Schirg, Superintendent, RRCS

Happy Summer Rocky River!

For many of our students and families, summer is less than a week old. As soon as we wrapped up the school year with students and the majority of our staff late last week, our schools shifted into summer mode.

While many instructional programs pause during the summer months, the work of preparing for a successful school year never stops. Across Rocky River City Schools, our teams are already hard at work preparing for the 2026-2027 school year and positioning our district for the future.

This summer is no exception. Here are three important areas of focus you’ll hear more about in the coming months.

Transition to PowerSchool

Our transition from ProgressBook to PowerSchool is well underway.

Student information systems play a critical role in how schools communicate grades, attendance, schedules, progress monitoring, and other important information with students, families, and staff. As we prepare for the start of the 2026-2027 school year, families can expect regular updates throughout the summer.

While transitions of this size are rarely seamless, we are committed to communicating early and often to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved. Over time, PowerSchool will provide enhanced functionality and improved service across our district. Please watch for additional communications from both the district and your child’s school throughout the summer.

Investing in Our Facilities

Summer also provides an opportunity to complete important facility improvement projects across the district.

The most visible projects this year will be the replacement of the high school’s stadium turf and the installation of new stadium lighting. Both projects were approved by the Board of Education earlier this year and are scheduled to begin later this month. We anticipate completion before the start of the fall athletic season.

In addition, we will complete several other capital improvement projects, including HVAC upgrades, roofing improvements, parking lot maintenance, and numerous smaller projects throughout our learning spaces. These investments help us maintain safe, welcoming, and high-quality environments for students and staff while continuing to be responsible stewards of community resources.

Leadership Transitions

Summer also brings important leadership transitions. We are excited to welcome new leaders to Rocky River City Schools while supporting current leaders as they move into new roles.

Most visibly, we are pleased to welcome Mrs. Carrie Knapp as the next principal of Rocky River High School. Mrs. Knapp joins us from Highland High School, where she served as principal for the past nine years and helped lead significant academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular success. Throughout the selection process, her passion for education and commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families stood out. She has already begun her transition into the district and will continue that work throughout the summer. We encourage our community to take advantage of opportunities to connect with her in the coming months. We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Knapp to River and excited that she will soon be a Pirate.

We are also excited that Mr. Patrick Coleman, our current Director of Educational Technology, will transition into the role of Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations. Patrick’s experience as a principal and district leader, combined with his deep connection to Rocky River and commitment to our schools, uniquely position him to continue the important work taking place within our Human Resources and Operations departments. We are excited to support him in this new role.

We also have several additional positions currently being filled and will continue to update our community as those processes progress throughout the summer. Welcoming new staff into the River community is very exciting and we will work together to support our school community members.

Looking Ahead to 2026-2027

We hope your summer is safe, enjoyable, and filled with opportunities to relax and recharge.

While our buildings may appear quieter than they do during the school year, a tremendous amount of work is happening behind the scenes. From preparing for PowerSchool and completing facility improvements to welcoming new leaders, our team is hard at work laying the foundation for a successful 2026-2027 school year.

We will continue to provide updates on these initiatives and other district developments throughout the summer. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Rocky River City Schools. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in August and building on the momentum of another great year at River.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Dear Class of 2026,

Forever.

That word echoes through the minds of so many parents and families as they welcome a child into the world. For many of your families, 2007 or 2008 was the year you came into their lives. It was a moment that changed everything forever.

Back then, the year 2026 felt impossibly far away. It seemed like a distant point somewhere far beyond imagination. But time is funny like that. What once felt like forever has passed in the blink of an eye. That blink held your first steps, your first games, your first days of kindergarten. It held birthdays, family trips, new homes, new friendships, and, more recently, keys in your hands as you learned to drive.

And then came this year filled with so many lasts. Your last first day of school. Senior Night. Senior Prom. The Senior Trip. A final season, a final performance, a final walk through the hallways.

Forever is an instant. And yet, forever is also a lifetime.

The Class of 2026 knows what forever means. It means love for your classmates. It means legacies written on athletic fields, on stages, and in classrooms. It means leaving things better than you found them. It means forming friendships and relationships that do not end with a diploma; they last a lifetime. They last forever.

On May 31, you will join a prestigious group. You will become Rocky River alumni. That title is forever, too. And with it comes a powerful tradition. Rocky River graduates have gone on to impact the world in ways both big and small, and there is no doubt the Class of 2026 will do the same.

As you take your next steps, carry the lessons you have learned here with you: hard work, integrity, compassion, and the commitment to becoming your best self each day. These values will serve you well wherever life takes you. And never forget that investing in your community, pouring into others the way others have poured into you, makes all of us stronger.

Your class has lifted this community in ways that words can barely capture. You have lifted one another through triumphs and challenges alike. As you cross that stage and begin this next chapter, make the most of your forever.

For your families, this forever has passed in a blink.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Rocky River is incredibly proud of you.

With Pirate Pride,

Mr. Schirg

The deep pride and tradition that define the Rocky River community resonate with me each day. They reflect a shared understanding, held by students, staff, families, and community members, that our schools are part of something much larger than the present moment. They are connected to generations of River students and families who have helped shape who we are today.

That pride is visible throughout our schools. It lives in buildings like Kensington and Beach School. It can be seen in the photos of teams in the high school gymnasium, the plaques and recognitions that mark important milestones, the trophy cases that capture achievement, and the countless stories passed down over time. These are more than displays. They are reminders of the people and experiences that have built the foundation we stand on today.

As we recognize Teacher Appreciation Week across our state and nation, I find myself returning to that same idea of foundation. While every member of our staff plays an essential role in supporting our students, our teachers are truly the cornerstones upon which everything else is built.

Our teachers are champions for children. They believe in growth and invest that belief into every student they serve. Teaching is far more than delivering content; it is about building trust, creating space, and ensuring that every child feels seen and supported. On any given day, our teachers step into a wide range of roles – educator, mentor, listener, encourager, and sometimes even entertainer. They meet students where they are, whether that means leading a lesson, celebrating a success, or sitting beside a child who simply needs someone to understand.

I was reminded of this recently when a teacher was asked, “What is the biggest challenge students face today?” Her response was simple: “It depends on which student is sitting in front of me.” That perspective captures what makes our teachers so exceptional. They see each child as an individual and respond with care, professionalism, and purpose.

Over the course of this week, there will be many well-deserved expressions of appreciation for our teachers. Those gestures matter, and they are appreciated. At the same time, I would encourage all of us to carry that appreciation forward beyond this week. Our teachers need strong, consistent support. That looks like advocating for policies that strengthen public education, sharing the positive impact they have on students, and helping others better understand the complexity and importance of their work.

To our teachers, thank you. The impact you have on our students and our community is lasting and meaningful.

To our entire staff, we are fortunate that you choose to serve in Rocky River. You make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day.

And to our families and community, your ongoing support is both noticed and deeply appreciated. It is one of the many reasons our schools remain a source of pride.

This is how we continue to build and honor our history, pride, and culture of excellence here in Rocky River.

With Pirate Pride,
Adham

Welcome back from spring break, everyone!

I hope the past week provided time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends as we head into one of the busiest and most exciting stretches of the school year.

Over the next seven to eight weeks, our schools will be filled with academic focus, activities, and celebrations. A good friend of mine once called this time “May-cember,” a whirlwind of events packed into a short period of time. While it moves quickly, it truly is one of the best times of the year in a school district.

Between now and mid-May, students will be engaged in some of the most important academic work of the year, including state and Advanced Placement testing, senior projects, fourth-quarter coursework, and other demonstrations of learning. Our staff is working hard to support students through this critical time, and we are grateful for your partnership at home. Checking in with your child and encouraging strong sleep and study habits can make a meaningful difference. This collaboration between families, staff, and students is essential to success.

At the same time, our calendar is full of events. From athletics to extracurricular activities, there is something happening almost every day across the district. We encourage you to stay connected and take part in these opportunities to support and celebrate our students.

Finally, this season brings some of the most meaningful moments of the year, our celebrations. From preschool milestones to the 8th grade ceremony and, ultimately, high school commencement, these events honor the hard work and growth of our students. Graduation, in particular, represents the culmination of 13 years of dedication from students, families, and staff. It is a proud moment for our entire Rocky River community as we send our graduates on to their next chapter.

We look forward to celebrating alongside you and sharing in all that makes this season so special. It’s going to be a fantastic spring in Rocky River City Schools. Buckle up, because it will go fast!

With Pirate Pride,
Adham

Earlier this month, my youngest daughter, Miriam, participated in the OMEA District 4 Middle School Honor Band. This experience brought together students from across Northeast Ohio to learn, rehearse, and perform under the direction of a highly regarded conductor. In just two rehearsals, paired with individual practice, nearly 100 eighth-grade students came together to perform music they may not otherwise have encountered.

As a superintendent and as a father, being in the audience that day was incredibly special. For the nine Rocky River Middle School students selected to participate, it was more than just a performance. It was an opportunity to expand their horizons, build relationships through a shared passion, and even enjoy a free pizza lunch along the way.

As I reflected on the experience, I kept coming back to two individuals who made this moment possible for my daughter.

The first is someone many in our community know well: Mrs. Kelly Baiera, our middle school band director. Quite candidly, my youngest daughter is not a fan of school. She works her way through each day, and we have plenty of conversations about that at home. But she loves music. She plays piano, performs percussion in the concert band, experiments on the drum set at home, and even writes her own music. This is where she comes alive.

Mrs. Baiera has been an unwavering advocate for Miriam. She has found ways to connect with her, to build her confidence, and to challenge her. She places her in situations that require growth. Most importantly, she believes in Miriam, even during moments when Miriam may not believe in herself. As a parent, I have seen that growth firsthand, and I am deeply grateful for her investment.

The second person is someone many of you may not know: Bart Jackson – “Mr. Bart,” as we call him. Mr. Bart was Miriam’s former drum instructor when we lived in Marysville, Ohio. When he learned that Miriam would be performing in the Honor Band, he made the nearly two-hour drive north just to be there and support her.

That kind of commitment leaves an impact.

Mr. Bart has always pushed Miriam to be her best. He has challenged her to grow, to reflect, and to step outside of her comfort zone. His belief in her has been a constant throughout her musical journey, and it continues to shape who she is becoming.

In Rocky River City Schools, one of our core expectations for our staff is simple but powerful: “Believe in Growth”.

The beauty of education, and of life, is that we are never finished. Every individual has strengths to build upon and opportunities to grow. Each of us brings unique talents, perspectives, and experiences that can add value to the world around us. Our responsibility as educators is to recognize those qualities and help students grow into them.

In partnership with our families and community, this belief drives our work each day. We aim to provide high expectations, meaningful opportunities, and the support necessary to build confidence in our young people. We want them to take risks, embrace challenges, and continue growing into whatever their future holds beyond Rocky River.

Mrs. Baiera and Mr. Bart embody this belief for my daughter. They challenge her appropriately. They create opportunities for growth. And they consistently reinforce the belief that she is capable of more.

I am proud to serve in a community filled with educators and families who live out this commitment every day. At our core, we want our students to grow into the best versions of themselves over time.

When we believe in them, it is amazing what they can do.

Thank you to everyone who pours that belief into our young people.

With Pirate Pride,
Adham

Following the March 4 Swatting Incident

Dear Rocky River families, staff, and students,

On March 4, 2026, our school district was one of many across the state of Ohio subjected to what is known as a swatting incident.

For those unfamiliar with the term, swatting refers to a false report, often a threatening call or message, designed to elicit an emergency response from law enforcement. These incidents are intended to create fear and disruption, and unfortunately they have become more common across the country, particularly in schools and public institutions.

Yesterday at approximately 10:53 a.m., Rocky River High School received a detailed,threatening phone call. In response, our office staff immediately activated their emergency alert system, initiating a lockdown while our safety protocols were put into place.

In the minutes that followed, staff members quickly secured classrooms and accounted for students. Our students responded exactly as they have been trained to do during safety drills throughout the year. Law enforcement arrived quickly and began working through established response procedures.

In full transparency, the first 20 minutes of the event were as close to a critical incident as we could have experienced. I am incredibly grateful that this situation did not become a worst-case scenario and that we are now in a position to reflect, learn, and strengthen our response moving forward.

Over the past 24 hours, I have received many messages of support and encouragement from families, staff members, and community partners. Those messages are sincerely appreciated and reflect the care that exists throughout the Rocky River community. We also recognize this provides an opportunity for us to learn and reflect together as a community. 

Reflecting and Learning

An important part of any safety response is the review process that follows.

Today, our administrative team began a debrief process to capture the sequence of events and identify areas for improvement. We also distributed a survey to high school staff to gather feedback about what went well, where we can improve, and what additional support may be helpful during future incidents.

Additionally, members of our administrative team participated in a debrief with the Westshore Enforcement Bureau and the Rocky River Police Department. Input from our law enforcement partners will help us strengthen and refine our safety procedures moving forward.

Overall, the feedback we have received thus far has been very positive. The consensus among our administrative team and law enforcement partners is that the response was immediate, appropriate, and guided by a clear safety-first mindset.

Several strengths were highlighted during the law enforcement debrief, including:

Strengths observed during the response

• Rapid response time from staff and law enforcement
• A clear incident command structure once first responders arrived
• Consistent district communication with families throughout the afternoon
• Effective traffic control around the campus and during the early dismissal process

At the same time, responsible safety planning requires us to examine where we can improve. Several areas for refinement were also identified.

Areas for continued improvement

• Strengthening initial communication between the building and outside law enforcement agencies responding from beyond Rocky River
• Increasing familiarity and consistent use of emergency alert system and staff training protocols
• Sharing information internally using PA systems for clarity and efficiency
• Communication with stakeholders for other school building activities such as morning kindergarten, preschool, and other student programs that require transportation throughout the school day. 

This is something we will continue evaluating as we refine our safety procedures and communicate expectations with students and families.

In addition, our review process will likely lead to new protocols in several areas, including transportation procedures that will help our transportation office and bus drivers access buses safely and efficiently during similar situations.

Gratitude for Our River Community

Events like this are unsettling, and they naturally create concern for families and students. Schools are places where students should feel safe, supported, and able to focus on learning.

Yesterday also demonstrated something incredibly important about our district: 

• Our students followed procedures and supported one another.
• Our families supported processes, communicated with our schools, and cared for each other.
• Our law enforcement partners acted swiftly and worked seamlessly with our team.
• Our staff responded with professionalism, urgency, and care for students.

Most importantly, everyone returned home safely.

While incidents like this are deeply disruptive, they also reaffirm something we believe strongly in Rocky River: preparation matters, partnerships matter, and community matters. Preparedness is not something that happens once. It is a process of continuous learning, practice, and refinement.

Our responsibility as educators is not only to respond when incidents occur, but to continually strengthen the systems that protect our students and staff. Yesterday demonstrated that the investments we have made in safety training, planning, and partnerships with law enforcement make a real difference when it matters most.

We will continue to learn from this event, improve where needed, and remain committed to ensuring that our schools are places where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Thank you again for the support you have shown our schools over the past 24 hours. It is deeply appreciated, and it reflects the strength of the Rocky River community.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham