LOCAL NEWS

ROSENFIELD - What other schools have you worked at in the past?

LEFEVRE - I spent 36 years working in the Pike-Delta-York district, and I retired from there. Since then I've done interim work in Swanton (summer of 2017), Woodmore, and Springfield schools.

ROSENFIELD - Do you enjoy working at our school?

LEFEVRE - I have really enjoyed working at Swanton HS, and for the district previously at the main office. It's been a great time so far.

ROSENFIELD - What do you think of our students and faculty?

LEFEVRE - In my time here I have found the students and faculty to be wonderful people! Many students have approached me on their own initiative, to introduce themselves and welcome me to the school, which I find really cool. The faculty has been welcoming and receptive of me, and many of them have also reached out to me to make me feel at home here. I've made it an intentional daily effort to interact and become better acquainted with students and staff every day.

ROSENFIELD - Is there anything you think should be different?

LEFEVRE - Well, Swanton HS is a great place with a safe, caring culture, so that makes it pretty special. I find the district to be blessed with an excellent school board and dedicated administrators and staff in all areas. My main goal is to support what's in place. However, having enjoyed a long career in education, I'm sure I'll have ideas or suggestions during my time here. One thing I have always thought is important is schools is to seek student (as well as teacher) input and feedback on how we are doing to make school life awesome and to confirm that we as a faculty are doing that to the best of our ability.

ROSENFIELD - What is your last day working at our school?

LEFEVRE - As of now, I am here through the end of December.

ROSENFIELD - Do you anticipate missing it?

LEFEVRE - After my time in Swanton is done, I know I will miss it, for reasons previously mentioned - it's a great place, and I love the interaction with students and staff. I consider myself fortunate to be able to serve.

ROSENFIELD - Do you think that the school board will offer you a permanent position?

LEFEVRE - Well, regarding the offer of a permanent position, I guess one never knows what the future may hold, but I'm not necessarily seeking long-term employment. My goal for now is to be focused on just doing all I can to contribute to the success of SHS and the district.

The history of our school district is unknown to many people. A lot of the tension started back in March of 1920 when a tornado hit most of Lucas County. Tensions raised in the Spencer Township. Arguments started over what to do about the school, which led to religious, political, and racial resentment that many people believe still exists and the community today. The Spencer Sharples Local School District, which closed in 1980, was located in Holland, Ohio. When the school closed, the district was split between three other local districts, which included Swanton, Springfield, and Toledo Public. Schools, such as Bowsher and Rogers, opened their doors to the ex-student body of the Spencer Sharples Local School District. Other schools weren’t so welcoming. Some think it is because of where the students came from and their reputations. People believed it could have been because of the student's race too. Our school district hasn’t always been like how it is today.

In March of 2018, the Spencer Township board of trustees held a special board meeting to see how the people in the community felt about potentially leaving the Toledo Public School district. If they did, these students would be more likely to attend neighboring school districts such as Swanton, Anthony Wayne, Evergreen, Springfield, and Sylvania.