Port Clinton Schools Director of Grounds and Maintenance Aaron DiBucci, left, and Athletic Director Rick Dominick greeted guests at True Lay Stadium during the Sept. 30 Athletic Facilities Showcase. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Port Clinton City Schools was named the 2024 School District of the Year by the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council and the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. This year, the district is opening its doors to allow the community to see firsthand why the school system’s excellence was recognized at the state level. The district kicked off a series of events with the Port Clinton Athletic Facilities Showcase on Sept. 30.

The community was invited to tour the Port Clinton Athletic Boosters Fieldhouse, True Lay Stadium, PCHS Baseball/Softball Complex and the Von Thron-Hablitzel Tennis Center.

“It’s a good way for us to open our doors to the community,” said Director of Grounds and Maintenance Aaron DiBucci. “It’s a complete open book approach. We’re proud of what we have.”

DiBucci and Athletic Director Rick Dominick greeted visitors at True Lay Stadium and talked about the community investment and school district dedication that helped the schools reach an award-winning level of excellence. Dominick said the stadium was in poor condition when the Port Clinton Fullbackers Club, which is a volunteer group that supports local football, decided to raise funds for new turf.

The stadium’s bleachers needed replaced, so the board of education, the Fullbackers Club, and local donors partnered on a stadium renovation in 2015. Today, the state-of-the-art stadium hosts regional events for several sports.

“Everyone who comes says the same thing. They love the facility,” Dominick said.

The Athletic Boosters Fieldhouse was purchased and renovated in 2020, creating what DiBucci calls “one of the most utilized facilities” in the district. Multiple sports use the 26,000 square-foot building, including football, baseball, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball and wrestling.

“The idea was to make a multiuse facility for every sport,” DiBucci said.

The next Facility Showcase will highlight Bataan Memorial Elementary School on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 5 to 6 p.m. Bataan Memorial Intermediate is located at 525 W. Sixth St. (entrance facing Sixth St.), and Bataan Memorial Primary is located at 575 W. Sixth St. (entrance facing Alice St.) with ample parking. Both entrances will be open. For more information, call 419-732-2102 or visit www.pccsd.net.