News

Warren City School District Athletic Director Rick Shepas has resigned from his position, effective June 30, 2026, for a new opportunity at East Palestine City Schools.

Mr. Shepas, who has worked in Warren nearly the past two years, will assist East Palestine in the school district’s efforts to expand its workforce development program.

Additionally, he will serve as Head High School Football Coach for the Palestine Bulldogs football program.

A formal resignation from AD Shepas has been expected for some time as he and Warren Superintendent/CEO Steve Chiaro have been discussing the most appropriate transition that would best support the student-athletes in the Warren City School District.

Mr. Shepas started in Warren as Athletic Director in July 2024 with the expectation that he would be a bold change agent for the athletic program, explained Superintendent Chiaro.

“Significant change is exactly what he brought to Warren in just under two years,” Chiaro said.

During his short tenure the district implemented:

• A strength conditioning program for all student athletes in December 2024;
• An indoor track program for student athletes in Trumbull County in 2025 that has since expanded to a multi-county program;
• A highly successful Girls Flag Football Team that has been showcased at the Cleveland the Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, the Cleveland Brown’s home stadium;
• A youth wrestling program with outstanding participation this year; and
• A Boys pilot volleyball program.

Under AD Shepas’ leadership, student participation has improved and expectations for student- athletes at both the middle and high school levels of competition have been raised.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Warren City School District will begin a search for a new Athletic Director who has a bold vision, passion for outstanding student athletic programming, and a plan for implementing and maintaining the trajectory of the student athletic program success that is currently in place within Warren City District.

The Warren City School District recognized our bus drivers and other transportation department staff members during a special “Love the Bus” event on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The school district observed “Love the Bus Month” throughout February, joining communities nationwide in celebrating the 2026 National Love the Bus “Love, Delivered” campaign recognizing the essential role school transportation plays in education.

The Natatorium At Warren G. Harding High School will be open to the public for swimming the following Saturdays:

• February 28
• March 7
• March 14
• March 21
• March 28

Hours are 12-3 p.m.

Students younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adults.

Appropriate swim attire is required. Bathing suits ad towels will not be provided; please arrive prepared to swim.

The cost is $3 for students and adults, cash only.

Parking will be in the A Lot and entrance to the pool will be at the pool exit door near the crosswalk. Admission must be paid for access to the pool.

All pool rules must be followed. Failure to comply will result in not being able to participate in future Community Swim Program dates.

Harding’s Boys Indoor Track Team finished FIRST and the Girls Team finished SECOND at the All Star meet held in the WCS’ Student Recreation and Wellness Center on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Furthermore, the Boys Track Team swept home meets at the SRWC for the last two seasons!

Here is a picture recap from the February 13 meet:

(K.J.STATEMA PHOTOGRAPHY)

The Warren G. Harding Lady Raiders played against Rhodes Rams on February 11, 2026, at Rocket Arena, winning with a final score of 54-21. The non-league game was part of the 2025-2026 girls’ basketball season.

The Harding players were able to stay at the Cleveland arena to watch the Cavaliers defeat the Washington Wizards 138-113.

Here are some highlights in pictures:

(K.J.STATEMA PHOTOGRAPHY)

Warren City Schools and the American Red Cross have teamed up to offer swim lesson for children between the ages of 3 and 14.

Registration is open now.

Download the Flyers and Registration Forms here:

Although there is no guarantee school will be in session on Thursday, January 29, or Friday, January 30, Warren City Schools is asking families to prepare students to return to class on Thursday.

The district is continuing to closely monitor weather conditions to ensure we make decisions that are in the best interest of the children in our school community.

We will notify families if the decision is made to cancel school Thursday or Friday.

Read Superintendent / CEO Chiaro’s FULL MESSAGE HERE.

Students from each of Warren City Schools’ preschool classrooms spent some time at the district’s Student Recreation and Wellness Center Jan. 15 and 16, 2026, bending, stretching, dancing and relaxing during the Animal Yoga Jam Yoga program presented by Akron Civic Theater – The Magical Theater Company.

The interactive program, taught by author and musician Gabriel Reed, focused on music, movement and playful storytelling.

An additional Animal Jam for preschoolers will be held later this month.

Students in grades 6-8 at the Willard PK-8 School learned a lesson in public service during a recent Career Cafe.

Warren City Mayor Doug Franklin spoke about his role and experiences as the mayor, including the day-to-day demands he faces, his favorite part of the job, and the hard work it has taken him to be successful as a longtime city leader.

Career Cafes are a way for students to have conversations with professionals from a variety of career clusters so they can explore what career path might best fit them. They listen to speakers discuss their career fields highlighting the education and training necessary, skills and abilities needed to be successful, and pros and cons of the career.

Willard’s future Career Cafes Upcoming will include presentations by Karisa Sava, owner of Smack by Karisa; Matt Schimley, owner of SouthSide Excavating; Patrick McFall, financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial; and artists from Nobility Tattoo.  

The Warren City Schools Board of Education on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, named Patrick Flanagan board president and Dr. Alisha Alls vice president for 2026.

The appointments were made at the school board’s annual organizational meeting. Trumbull County Probate Judge James A. Fredericka swore in Flanagan as a returning member. Additionally, former board member Kevin Stringer, who previously served on the board, was sworn in as a new board member.