New Faces, New Grants and a Fresh Path to Learning

Dustin Boswell steps into the role of treasurer for Tallmadge City Schools, taking over from Jeff Hostetler who has been in the position for many years. Boswell brings more than two decades of experience from Springfield Local School District, where he started as a technology director and moved into business management in 2015. His background spans finance, operations, and strategic planning, earning him recognition as the 2025 Northeast Region Outstanding Administrator by the Ohio School Boards Association. The Tallmadge Board praised his transparency and teamwork, saying he is well suited to tackle the district’s financial hurdles. In a separate effort to support education, the Summit County Retired Teachers Association has handed out $13, 500 in scholarships and grants. Five college students studying education each received a $1, 500 scholarship, with recipients from schools such as Archbishop Hoban, Hudson, and Springfield. Additionally, 20 teachers across various local districts were awarded $300 grants to buy classroom supplies like manipulatives, microscopes, and robotics kits. These funds are raised through initiatives organized by retired teachers, and more details can be found on the association’s website.A Tallmadge Middle School assistant principal, Kim Hussing, earned the title of Assistant Principal of the Year from the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators. She was chosen for her leadership in positive behavior programs and creating a supportive environment for both students and staff. Hussing is also among ten regional winners being considered for statewide recognition. Ohio’s digital learning initiative has widened its age range, now enrolling students as young as 14. The virtual public school focuses on credit recovery and aims to reach learners earlier in their academic journey, offering extra support to keep them on track for graduation. Information about enrollment can be found on the Ohio Digital Learning School website. Finally, the University of Akron welcomed Peter Q. Pfordresher as the new dean of Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 31. Pfordresher previously held leadership roles at the University at Buffalo and is a noted music cognition researcher. His responsibilities will include boosting enrollment, improving graduation rates, strengthening faculty and community ties, and expanding international partnerships.