Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has announced Springboro Schools as a Compass Award honoree for the month of October. The monthly recognition program commends organizations, programs, and individuals across the state who are working to guide Ohioans toward financial literacy and empowerment.
“A solid foundation of financial literacy strengthens individuals, families, and the overall economic health of Ohio,” said Sprague. “Our October Compass Award honorees are equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills needed for the modern workforce. We’re proud to recognize the schools and organizations across the state that are working hard to teach Ohioans how to make informed career and financial decisions.”
Springboro Schools, who was one of only two (2) groups awarded as an honoree this month, has placed an emphasis on financial education programming. In addition to utilizing the “Real Money. Real World.” program, students have access to a variety of finance-focused curriculum. While at Springboro Junior High School (SJHS), students are educated about potential careers later in life, and students at Springboro High School (SHS) have access to business courses and must complete a mandatory course covering financial literacy.
"It is our pleasure to be recognized by the Treasurer of the State of Ohio for our work with Springboro's students on financial literacy strategies for their future,” said Andrea Cook, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for Springboro Schools. “This has been a true focus, for our district, over the last decade and we are pleased to see the Ohio Department of Education has joined us in requiring this as a graduation requirement. Getting off on the right foot with finances is a building block we desire for all of our students as they enter adulthood."
Springboro Schools implemented its Introduction to Personal Finance course in 2013-14, as a graduation requirement of all students. This was nine (9) years prior to the State's Senate Bill 1 requirement, which was signed in Oct. 2021. Springboro Schools introduced its “Careers and Consumer Concepts” class as a lead into financial literacy in 2016-17 for all junior high students in grades 7-8.
As part of its business education efforts, the district employs multiple business teachers across Springboro High School (SHS) and Springboro Junior High (SJHS) to offer a variety of courses. Students at Springboro Schools in grades 7-12 can work toward earning a business career pathway designation while at the high school level.