Recently concluded academic year a memorable one for New London
By David Jacobs
New London Local Schools capped off its academic year with the graduation of the Class of 2025, marking the occasion in the district's newly constructed athletic facility, which Superintendent Brad Romano described as a centerpiece of one of the district’s best years.
Speaking after the commencement ceremony, Romano said the 2024–2025 school year was filled with achievement across multiple fronts.
“It was a very successful school year,” he said in a brief interview on June 1. “It was a very positive school year, obviously on top of opening up our new athletic facility that we held our commencement ceremony in today.”
Romano noted that the district’s accomplishments extended beyond athletics.
“We did our third Renew the Village community service day, as well as a lot of academic achievement, athletic achievement,” he said. “So, overall, it is probably one of our best years.”
MARCH 2025: New London High School earns statewide recognition
Looking ahead, the district plans to officially inaugurate the new football/track stadium in August ahead of the fall sports season.
He specified that the event would not coincide with the first home football game.
“Our first home football game is the same weekend of the Labor Day fest, and we wanted each activity to have its own weekend, its own moment, and not cause any conflicts," he said. (Check back for the date and preview of the stadium dedication as it approaches)
The new athletic facility, which hosted its first graduation, was completed months ahead of time due to favorable weather conditions last summer and fall during construction. It opened in time for the 2025 New London track and field season.
On the financial front, Romano confirmed a major development for local taxpayers: the district will allow a long-standing emergency levy to expire.
“We’re not going to seek the renewal of our emergency levy,” he said. “That levy has been on the books for the better part of 20 years.”
Romano attributed the decision to a combination of favorable economic conditions and internal fiscal strategies.
“With the reevaluations, the increase that we’re expecting in the biennial budget, the state paired with our strategic investment strategies as well as seeking grants and other funding sources, we felt this was an opportunity to give a little bit back to the community by allowing that levy to expire," he said.
Romano also emphasized that the district’s financial outlook remains strong.
“Our finances are very solid," he said. "With the expiration of that levy, we feel that we can go deep into the 2030s without seeking any additional funding, barring any significant issues out of the state.”
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
New London's 2025 graduates tell the story of their class
New London's 2025 graduation one to remember
Video: New London band at graduation ceremony
LIST: 2025 New London High School graduates (click here and scroll down)
Reporter David Jacobs can be reached at davidjacobs@shelbynewsreporter.com
