Middletown City Schools Superintendent Announces Resignation
Middletown City School District (MCSD) Superintendent Marlon Styles, Jr., is announcing his resignation. Styles has led MCSD since July 2017, when he became the first Black educator to do so full-time. In his five and a half years at the helm, MCSD has taken bold, innovative approaches to serving its students and family.
"It has truly been an honor to be part of the Middie family. I have poured my heart and soul into serving the students, staff, and community. We can all stand proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Continue to rise up and be the reason #MiddieRising," Styles said.
Styles will take on a new role as a Partner at Learner-Centered Collaborative. With the non-profit organization, Styles will work closely with school districts across the country to implement learner-centered approaches to education.
“The Board of Education is deeply appreciative of the transformational work Marlon guided during his tenure as MCSD superintendent. In five years the district has evolved. What our students learn, how they are taught, and the climate of our schools has shifted dramatically under his leadership,” Chris Urso, MCSD Board of Education (BOE) President said.
In 2023, MCSD finds itself in a position where it’s energized now more than ever. Through the #MiddieRising campaign students and staff feel rejuvenated and excited to come to school each day. The campaign has increased school spirit and helped foster Middie magic at MCSD.
Over the past five years MCSD has been able to provide unique experiences for every K-12 student. The "Passport To Tomorrow" district vision inspires students to develop transferable workforce skill sets, leading to life-changing career opportunities upon graduation.
In 2019 MCSD earned the ISTE Distinguished District Award, for ensuring equitable, accessible, and appropriate technology use to enhance student learning. Now each student has access to their own school-appropriate device where they can continue learning outside the walls of their school.
MCSD has been able to address elementary overcrowding with a $10 million expansion project at Rosa Parks Elementary. The taxpayer- funded project added new, transformative learning spaces, and introduced a Challenge-Based Learning model school-wide.
In Spring 2022 MCSD hosted the League of Innovative Schools convening. More than 125 school districts from across the country gathered to experience the innovative approaches to education happening across MCSD.
Most recently this fall, MCSD launched the Early College Academy. The partnership with Miami University’s Middletown Regional Campus allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree. Courses and all associated fees are free of charge to students who participate.
"We have been mindful that Marlon’s talent has been noticed by many outside Middletown and the BOE has prepared for this day. We are both confident and excited about the future of MCSD,” Urso said.
Styles' last day with MCSD will be Feb. 28. MCSD remains committed to providing all students with an exceptional education. MCSD anticipates an update at the next board meeting January 30, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
