7 Reasons Coldwater Exempted Village Schools Is Ohio’s New Academic Powerhouse (2025 Update)

Contents

Coldwater Exempted Village Schools (CEVS) stands out as a premier educational institution in Ohio, consistently delivering exceptional results that place it well above state averages. As of the current 2024-2025 school year, the district continues its trajectory of excellence, driven by strong community support, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to student success from kindergarten through graduation.

The district’s recent achievements and stable financial outlook, supported by a successful local levy, underscore a community-wide investment in education that directly translates into a high-performing student body. This in-depth look explores the key factors and latest updates that solidify CEVS's reputation as a top-tier school system in Mercer County, Ohio, and beyond.

Leadership and District Profile: Superintendent Doug Mader and Key Staff

The sustained success of Coldwater Exempted Village Schools is inextricably linked to its dedicated administrative and teaching staff, led by Superintendent Doug Mader. His tenure has been marked by a focus on strategic planning and community engagement, ensuring the district's core values are upheld.

  • Superintendent: Doug Mader
  • Hired: 2022 (Appointed by the Coldwater Board of Education)
  • Previous Role: Sycamore High School Principal (prior to CEVS)
  • Current Enrollment: Approximately 1,444 students (as of the 2024 school year)
  • Location: Coldwater, Mercer County, Ohio
  • Core Values: Focus on academic excellence, community partnership, and student development.
  • Key 2024-2025 Staff: Michael Etzler (Principal) and Eric Goodwin (Assistant Principal) are among the key administrative personnel ensuring smooth operations across the district's schools.

1. Unprecedented Academic Excellence and a 100% Graduation Rate

Coldwater Exempted Village Schools has earned a rare and highly coveted distinction on the Ohio School Report Cards: the district "significantly exceeds state standards" in academic achievement. This top-tier performance is a testament to the rigorous curriculum and the dedication of the students and faculty.

The academic performance index for the district meets state standards with a remarkable 79.2%. Furthermore, a recent report highlighted an extraordinary achievement: 100% of CEVS students successfully graduated, a figure that is a source of immense pride for the entire community.

A closer look at the data reveals that students at Coldwater Elementary School and Coldwater Middle School significantly outperform the state averages on Ohio state tests across all grade levels and subjects. This early success builds a strong foundation, preparing students for the demanding curriculum at Coldwater High School and beyond, including achieving remediation-free scores on the ACT or SAT.

2. Financial Stability Secured by Community Support

The long-term financial health of CEVS was recently secured thanks to overwhelming community support. The successful passage of a 0.5% income tax levy was a crucial vote of confidence from the residents of Coldwater.

This financial stability is not a short-term fix. The latest financial forecast for Coldwater Exempted Village Schools shows the district is on a stable and sustainable financial path, with projections extending through 2030. This secure funding allows the administration to focus on educational improvements rather than perennial budget crises, directly benefiting the students and the quality of the academic program.

3. Investing in Modern Facilities and Infrastructure

Maintaining a high-performing district requires continuous investment in infrastructure. For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the district has prioritized essential facilities projects. One notable project involves financing a critical roof project on school facilities, ensuring the buildings remain safe and structurally sound for all students and staff.

The district also manages funds carried forward to the fiscal year 2025, demonstrating prudent financial planning for future maintenance and capital improvements. These efforts, along with potential collaboration on Facilities Construction Commission projects, ensure that Coldwater Exempted Village Schools provides a modern and optimal learning environment.

4. Innovative and Real-World Curriculum Development

A key to CEVS's academic success is its commitment to a dynamic, relevant curriculum. The district recently completed comprehensive K-12 curriculum mapping across all grade levels, ensuring a seamless and progressive educational experience from elementary to high school.

The emphasis is on connecting classroom learning to real-world applications. For instance, in the 6th-grade math curriculum, students engaged in a practical project where they created 3D nets to understand surface area. This hands-on, project-based learning approach goes beyond textbooks, giving students valuable insight and practical skills that will serve them well in future careers.

5. The Strength of the Cavalier Athletic Programs

The "Coldwater Cavaliers" are synonymous with success, not just in the classroom but also on the field. The Cavalier Athletic programs are a cornerstone of the district's extracurricular life, fostering discipline, teamwork, and school pride. The district’s commitment to a wide array of activities ensures that every student has an opportunity to excel outside of core academics.

Athletic success is supported by the community and the stable financial forecast. The district also celebrates non-traditional athletic achievements, such as the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, which announced its officers for the 2024-2025 school year at a recent banquet. This highlights the breadth of student excellence at Coldwater Exempted Village Schools.

6. Strong Community and Parental Involvement

The partnership between the school district and the Coldwater community is exceptionally strong. The successful passage of the 0.5% income tax levy is the clearest indicator of this bond, as it represents a direct financial commitment from residents to the future of their local schools.

This collaboration extends to all facets of school life, from supporting the Cavalier Athletic programs to actively participating in school board meetings and educational initiatives. The strong community support creates a positive and nurturing environment, which is a major factor in the district's high student performance and low turnover rates.

7. A Focus on Continuous Improvement and Future Planning

Under the guidance of Superintendent Doug Mader, CEVS is not resting on its laurels. The administration is continuously planning for the future, with a focus on long-term facilities development goals and ongoing curriculum alignment.

The start of the 2024-2025 school year has been described as "AWESOME" for Coldwater Elementary, with the district hosting awards assemblies and encouraging summer reading to prepare students for the next grade level. This proactive approach, combined with the district's proven ability to significantly exceed state standards, positions Coldwater Exempted Village Schools as a model for educational excellence in Ohio for years to come.

7 Reasons Coldwater Exempted Village Schools is Ohio’s New Academic Powerhouse (2025 Update)
coldwater exempted village schools
coldwater exempted village schools

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