Superintendent's Office

Message from Dr. Kasey Perkins...

Our District at a Glance

As our district is experiencing significant growth, our buildings are currently operating at 99.5% capacity with 5,172 students. Enrollment projections indicate we will reach 6,200 students within 15 years, with peak enrollment potentially reaching over 6,400 students. This growth reflects the vibrancy of our community and underscores the importance of thoughtful, long-term planning to ensure we can continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for every child.

Celebrating Excellence

We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements and the dedication of our staff:

Academic Recognition: We recently celebrated 130 students at our Academic Awards ceremony, honoring outstanding accomplishments from the previous school year. Students were recognized for earning the highest scores on state testing, earning ACT and SAT recognition, and many other achievements. We are proud of their hard work and dedication!

Environmental Leadership: Watkins Middle School was awarded the EcoSchools U.S. Green Flag, becoming only the 5th school in Ohio to earn this prestigious honor since the program's inception in 2009. WMS was recognized for exceptional achievement in educating for sustainability through initiatives like the farm-to-kitchen and composting programs, setting the standard for sustainability education.

International Performance Opportunity: Watkins Memorial High School band and choir students traveled to London, England to perform in the prestigious London New Year's Day Parade! On December 30th, our WMHS Choirs performed with the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra at London's historic Holy Trinity Church in a professionally recorded concert. On January 1st, the Marching Warriors performed in the parade, broadcast live on PBS and locally by WOSU, while choir students marched with one of the iconic London Parade balloons. This incredible opportunity showcased the exceptional talent of our students on the international stage.

Building for Our Future

As our enrollment continues to grow, we remain focused on thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship. Our partnership with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) has enabled significant facility improvements:

Pataskala South Fork Elementary opened this year at 8750 Watkins Road, just north of the newly renovated Watkins Middle School. Nearly 600 students now enjoy this state-of-the-art, 78,650 square foot facility featuring 35 full-size classrooms, a supersized kitchen and dining hall, a gymnasium, multiple small group rooms, a soft surface playground, and advanced technology and safety features.

Additional Projects Completed or Underway:

• Demolition of the old middle school and construction of a 395-space parking lot (completion spring 2026)
• A 276-foot right turn lane at the intersection of Warrior Way and Watkins Road
• A restroom facility on the Western Athletic Campus
• Numerous upgrades to the soccer stadium

We appreciate the continued support and patience of our community during these construction projects as we work to complete our master plan agreement with the OFCC.

Our Commitment to Excellence

Academic excellence, student well-being, and meaningful learning experiences are at the center of everything we do. We are committed to:

• Student-Centered Learning: Meeting each child where they are and supporting their individual growth
• Community Partnership: Building strong relationships with families and community members
• Fiscal Responsibility: Making thoughtful decisions that ensure long-term sustainability
• Transparent Communication: Keeping our community informed and engaged in district initiatives

Looking Ahead

Growth brings both excitement and complexity. We are intentional about making decisions that honor our community's values while preparing for the future. We value open communication and believe that trust is earned through transparency, listening, and collaboration. Whether through district updates, community forums, or daily interactions in our schools, we are committed to keeping families and residents informed and engaged.

Most importantly, our focus remains unwavering: ensuring that Southwest Licking Local Schools continues to be a place where students thrive, staff are valued, and our community takes pride in the education we provide.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools. Together, we will continue to build a district that reflects the pride, care, and commitment of the community we serve.

 

Respectfully,

Kasey Perkins, Ed.D.

Superintendent