Editor’s note: The Canton Repository asked school officials in every Stark County area public school district to share some highlights of what they have planned for the 2025-26 school year.
MALVERN – Brown Local Schools embarks on the 2025-26 school year with a new superintendent and the opening of the Malvern Athletic Complex and the Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center.
“It is a historic time for Brown Local Schools. We are very excited about the transformational projects we will open this fall,” outgoing Superintendent Mark Scott said. “We encourage our community to take advantage of these new facilities.”
Danielle Hawk became the district’s next superintendent on Aug. 1. She replaces Scott, who left to serve as Minerva Local Schools’ top administrator.
Hawk has been the elementary school principal for the past six years. Previous to that, she was a middle school teacher at Minerva Local Schools for 18 years.
Christy Yeagley will take over the principal duties at the elementary school.
Seven staff members retired after the 2005-26 school year, including long-time high school secretary Sudie Yoder. Becca Ford replaces Yoder.
Malvern Athletic Complex set to open
The Malvern Athletic Complex is set to open at Malvern Community Park in August.
The 6,000-square-foot facility includes home and visiting team locker rooms, accessible public restrooms and a family restroom, weight room, coaches’ offices, athletic training area and storage.
The new complex replaced the former locker room built in 1989. Construction began earlier this year. It is expected to open in time for the fall sports season.
Officials said the new facility will enhance the athlete and fan experience by addressing the need for improved restrooms and locker room facilities.
Fundraising efforts have raised around $450,000 toward the $1.3 million goal. An additional $500,000 has been raised for weight-room equipment or infield turf for the baseball and softball fields and another $1 million was raised to explore turf options for the football field.
The district plans to install turf for the baseball and softball fields this spring as part of the project.
Brown said the fundraising efforts have been bolstered by donations from local businesses and individuals, including contributions from Roman Plumbing (Kocher Family), James Woods, BellStores, donations made in memory of Beverly Tucci, Yerrick Enterprises and Uptown Auto Services.
Donations can be sent to Malvern Athletic Project – Brown Local Schools, 3242 Coral Road NW, Malvern, OH, 44644.
Malvern Wellness Center to open in September
The Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center, a partnership with Aultman Health, is scheduled to open in September. The center is located on the Brown Local campus at 3242 Coral Road NW.
The 6,880-square-foot, school-based wellness center will provide comprehensive services, including access to health care, mental health, addiction and recovery services, CARE Team Services, and physical fitness activities for staff and community members.
The wellness center will operate weekdays, year-round. Students will be prioritized, but the center will be able to serve staff while allowing access to the broader community, according to a news release.
A $3,514,100 grant, part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s ongoing investment in Ohio’s Appalachian communities, is funding the facility.
The Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative is a more than $64 million investment that includes dozens of projects to improve access to healthcare in 36 communities across 20 Appalachian counties in Ohio. It is the largest investment in school-based health services in Ohio.
High school makes history with inaugural National Art Honor Society induction
Malvern High School inducted 10 members into its inaugural class into the newly established Malvern High School chapter of the National Art Honor Society in May. The event marked the district’s commitment to the arts.
The National Art Honor Society is a national organization that recognizes high school students who demonstrate excellence in the visual arts, strong character, scholarship and service.
This achievement would not have been possible without the leadership of art teacher Gina Rosta, whose passion and commitment to her students and the arts have transformed the school’s art program, Scott said.
“Teaching art from kindergarten through senior year is no easy task,” he said. “It takes not only artistic skill and patience but a deep love for students and the creative process. Mrs. Rosta has given our students a platform to thrive.”
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