Dear Friends,Thank you for all you do to help Springer School and Center
achieve its mission to empower students with learning dis-
abilities to lead successful lives.
The 2016-2017 Annual Report celebrates the success of our
Annual Giving programs and the outstanding support of spe-
cial projects and programs. This year your support allowed us
to provide financial aid to one in three families, and provide
programming to 1,412 students, parents, and professionals
through center outreach. In addition, we completed a major
renovation that moved the library front and center as one en-
ters through the new reception area, and created an outdoor
classroom that is contiguous to the library. The lower level
underwent significant changes as well, and now is home to
a bright, colorful lunchroom and multi-purpose space. These
enhancements will serve Springer well for years to come.
Most importantly, however, the annual report celebrates
the work we do every day. By joining in support of Springer,
you are part of something extraordinary – you are helping
to transform the lives of children with learning disabilities.
You are giving children a place where they feel safe to take
the risks necessary to learn; where they feel understood and
accepted; and where they come to believe in themselves. The
students featured in this report only begin to tell the story of
transformation, for their stories are only beginning. We can
hardly wait to see where their strategies, self-understanding,
resilience and self-advocacy will take them.
Everyone reading this letter is in some manner linked to the
cause of learning disabilities and understands the importance of
ensuring that children who struggle due to learning disabilities
have a school like Springer. We are grateful to you for embracing
this cause and providing your support.
Together we transform lives.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Matthew C. BlickensderferPresident, Board of Trustees
Shelly Weisbacher Executive Director
In the 4th grade I was diagnosed
with dyslexia. My classmates said
things like, “Why can’t you read?
You must be stupid. You will
never amount to anything.” What
hurt more is that teachers said
these things too.
I don’t hear comments like these
from students or teachers at
Springer, and even better, I don’t
hear them from myself anymore.
Springer showed me how I learn
best. Now I am not embarrassed
of who I am, and I’m ready for
high school.
Springer transforms lives.In addition to Britt’s story, you’ll see in this report the stories of
five other 2017 Springer graduates, and learn how a Springer
education has transformed their lives.
Springer’s teachers are experts in the education of children with
learning disabilities. They guide students to be strategic learners and provide technology tools that support success.
When our students leave Springer, they leave with confidence and
self-advocacy skills that will level the playing field for them at
their next school, and throughout their lives.
Success Starts Here
““
Britt
When Jack started at Springer in second grade, he was unable to read, and was diagnosed with dyslexia. “Thankfully,” said his mother, “early inter-vention meant he was not even aware something was wrong. His teachers at Springer were wonderful. They helped him get to where he is today, and taught him organizational skills he will take with him.”
Springer’s teachers taught me how to read, discover
my strengths and problem-solve,” said Jack, “and they
encouraged me to be the best student I can be. I will
carry the skills I learned with me to fifth grade at my
next school. Jack“ “
MeredithMeredith came to Springer through the center’s Adventures in Summer Learning program. Her father remembers, “In kindergarten and first grade, Meredith spent more time pulled out of class than in it. Finally she was diag-nosed with math and written/oral expression disabilities.”
In the seven years I’ve been at Springer, I learned
many strategies that make schoolwork easier, such as
breaking big tasks down into little ones. I didn’t like
math until I learned strategies that made math fun,
and I discovered that I was good at it. The ‘ham-
burger’ outline helps me organize my writing, and
typing my assignments makes writing easier. With
the strategies I’ve learned, I feel better prepared for
high school.
““
“
JosiahBefore I came to Springer, I struggled with my classes
and had difficulty getting homework completed and
turned in. In my three years here, Springer gave me
strategies and technology tools that helped me take
notes and keep them organized, keep track of my ma-
terials and paperwork, and better understand what
I was reading, as well as check on my spelling and
punctuation. Now I feel I have the tools I need to
succeed in high school.
“
“
GabbyWhen I was younger, I was embarrassed because
I have dyslexia and struggled with reading. I felt
unsafe and avoided reading out loud at church and
at school. But now I love to read, and I see it as my
greatest strength. I can read as fast as anyone now.
My confidence in myself has grown in the seven
years I was at Springer - I can tell people I have dys-
lexia, and it’s no big deal.
““
“
BenBen came to Springer in second grade. His mother remembers that in first grade, “Ben felt so bewildered and overwhelmed that he rarely spoke at school at all, and certainly never asked questions.”
Before I came to Springer, I had trouble with reading
and math, and I didn’t want to ask for help. At
Springer, I learned that it is okay to ask for help when
you need it. If I don’t ask, no one will know that I need
help. The self-advocacy skills I learned at Springer
are what will help me be successful in the future.
“
“
PLEDGES AND GIFTS RECEIVED PRIOR TO JUNE 30, 2017
Agnes Nordloh Charitable Trust
The Andrew Jergens Foundation
Anonymous
Brian and Jill Rowe Foundation
Charles Scott Riley III Foundation
The Farmer Family Foundation
The Hayfield Foundation
The H.B., E.W., and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation
The Louise Taft Semple Foundation
The Maureen Wenker Artist in Residence Fund
The Ohio Valley Foundation
The Robert A. and Marian K. Kennedy Foundation
The Skyler Foundation
Springer thanks these generous contributors, who made possible our $1.1 million renovation. 2017 Renovation Project
Just as our students transform, so does Springer, to meet the
ever-changing needs of today’s students and the technology
tools and media available to them. This year has been a trans-
formative year, especially in terms of Springer’s physical space.
We have transformed our most central and prominent space
from a lunchroom to a library and media center, and brought
our reception area forward to the front of the building. We have
also transformed our lower level into a bright, new lunchroom
and multi-pupose space for students, and created new outdoor
classroom space contiguous with the library. Along with these
renovations came the need for upgrades to our HVAC and tech-
nology infrastructure. We are grateful to the supporters who have
made this project possible, keeping Springer at the forefront of
education for students with learning disabilities in the Cincinnati
region.
Annual Giving
Matt Gockerman, Event ChairBrad Johansen, Emcee and AuctioneerErin Carlton and Jenni Ward, Auction Co-ChairsDaniel Allen, Marc Banks and Katy Zembrodt, Event Speakers
Event SponsorsPRESENTING SPONSORUnlimited Systems
BENEFACTOR SPONSORSMaureen Wenker Artist in Residence FundNeusole Glassworks
PATRON SPONSORSBelFlex Staffing NetworkCarpetland Carpet OneChemed FoundationFifth Third BankGeiger VisionWilliam Hueneke FoundationMacy’sMyers Y. Cooper, CompanyThe Prangley Team - Coldwell Banker West ShellRaymond JamesRiverPoint Capital ManagementSmith Muffler & Brakes, Inc.Western & Southern Financial GroupZenith Transaction Services
ALUMNI SPONSORDoug and Cecily Fassler
WINE SPONSORMountjoy Chilton Medley LLC
A Springer Celebration!$142,500 for financial aid, school and outreach programs
Table HostsDebbie and Rick BlumCasey BolandLuke and Jamie BrockiThe Carew FamilyClark Schaefer HackettE3 Local Marketing SolutionsFrost Brown ToddGina and Bill GoingsHamilton Sierra, Inc.The Hynden FamilyAnnie Kallaher and FamilyBarbara and Justin KleinMercedes-Benz of Fort MitchellDavid A. Millett, Inc.NKY DataOhio Valley FlooringQuality Casing CompanyThe Tondow FamilyUnistrutKim and George VincentPatty and Mark Wolff
Auction Category SupportersCasey BolandDavid and Kari Ellis Family FundThe Lawrence Law FirmThe Sutkamp FamilyFriends of Will Ward
Grants and Gifts $44,406
Center GrantsChemed FoundationDaniel and Susan Pfau Foundation
Gifts to the Maureen Wenker Artist-in-Residence FundAgnes Nordloh Charitable TrustCharles Scott Riley, III FoundationJ. Fredrick and Helen B. Vogel TrustRobert A. and Marian K. Kennedy FoundationStella M. Buerger Charitable Trust
Gifts to the Norita Aplin Musician-in-Residence FundNorita Aplin and Stan Ragle
Gifts to the Bolan Post-Springer Scholarship FundMargaret and Michael Dunn
Gifts to David and Anne McConnell FundLisa McConnell JonesMichelle Platz
Gift for Staff Professional DevelopmentMary Liz and Tom Finn
Reuben Springer Society Donations of $1,250 or greater
President’s Circle $10,000 + The Spaulding Foundation Skyler Foundation Heather and Matt Gockerman Levin Family Foundation
Benefactor’s Circle $5,000 - $9,999 Anonymous (2)DDebbie and Rick BlumDCecily and Doug Fassler Ann Munson Steines and Mike SteinesDMarke� and Eric Yeiser Nancy L. Youtsey
Director’s Circle $2,500 - $4,999DNorita Aplin and Stan Ragle Matt BlickensderferDThe David and Margaret Tondow Fund**DSherry and Tom FarnhamDMary Ann Mulcahey and Tony SimionDParry-Schneebeck Foundation*DSusan and Daniel Pfau Ellen and Doug RohsDShelly and Ken Weisbacher
Annual Fund $258,769 for financial aid and outreach programs Ryan L. Brown and John J. Schiff III, Annual Fund Co-Chairs
Leadership Circle $1,250 - $2,499
Anonymous Casey Boland Heather and Ryan BrownDChemed FoundationDNancy and Randy Cooper Paul DemmyD Kim and Doug GakerD Lisa and Lawrence Gamblin DHynden Family Charitable Fund* Sarah and Jim JurgensenDDiane and Tom LeugersDMary and Mike McGrawDMartha and David Millett Susan and Michael Motch Motch Family Foundation Pamela and Dick ReisDCindy and Matt Stephens Siobhan TaylorDKim and George Vincent Cheri and Jeff WeedmanDThe Willow Hill FoundationDJulie and Russ Wilson Patty and Mark Wolff
DDonors who made Annual Fund gifts for 10 years or more * A fund of the Greater Cincinnat i Foundation ** A fund of the Greater Dayton Foundation � Deceased
Event Chair Matt Gockerman with his wife Heather
Emcee Brad Johansen with Event Speakers Katy Zembrodt, Marc Banks and Daniel Allen
Liz and Chuck Crellin Deborah and John Cronin Jean Cummings Kristen and Steve DabbeltDDarrina and Ralph Damico Denise Danielson Libby and Ron Dermody Juanita Dougherty David Douglas Susan Douglas Laura and James DukeDMeg and Ben Duke Stephanie Dunne Susan and Bernard Ellert Kristina Ernst Lindsey Estes Andrew Farnham Anne and James Farnum Mary and Robert Ferris Jenna Filipkowski and Jason MottDDiana Fisher Lisa and Kevin Fleischmann Julie and Gary Flowerdew Amanda Forbes Cynthia and Miles FoxDJane and James Fraser Mary and Garrett Frey Sharon and Anthony Frost Janet and Mark Gates Kathleen Gates Peggy and Hank Geers Marilyn and Richard Geise Leslie and Mark Gerome Amy Gerowitz Virginia and Dennis GesenhuesDAnne Ghory-Goodman and Ward GhoryDLinda and Jay Gormley Barbara Gourzis Gray Photography Rosemary and Richard Greiwe Jane and Scott Grosser Lawrence Grypp Jane Hagen Diedra Hair Eliza Kate Hallan Anita and Orville Hansell Deborah HarrisDStephanie and Jack HartyDLaurie and Tom Herman Christy HershbergerDPatricia and David Heyob Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hock Patricia Hofmann Anna Hogan and James NorrisDJanet Hollatz Janet Hovkamp Susan and James Hoy Mariani and Ellis HummelDKristy Ilg Kate and Matt Jackson
DTiffany and Phil Jensen Beverly Johnson Pamela Johnson Patricia Johnson and Michael WilsonDMace Justice Anna Dornheggen Kallaher Geraldine Kaminski Noel Kerns Sharon Kerns and Mike BirckDBarb and Jerry Kerr Kilgour Parent Teachers Assn. Ann and Ryan KilpatrickDChris King-Weber and Fred Weber Kelly Kinsey Annette KiradjieffDMarcy and Robert Klein Gail and Tom Klusmeyer Linda and Carl Koch Dennis KoenigDGeraldine and Marvin KrausDKaren and Bob Krone Allison Kropp Mary Ellen and John Kuempel Donna Lambers and Charlie SutkampDSally and George Langenderfer Kathleen and Brian LawlerDElaine LiechtyDMary Lou and Bill Linley Don LoweDFrances and Ralph Lowenstein Carol Macejko Andrew MacKayDSuellen and James Mason Courtney and Don Matarazzo Roberta Mattimiro Sara McDulin Lacy McGraw Toni and Michael McLaughlinDDonna McLay Judy and Bill McMahon Lisa and Mark Meili Kathleen and Robert Merz Kathleen and Ray Miklius Kiyoko MillerDTerri and Earl Moorhead Jim Morrison Beth Myers and Joe Palumbo Niehaus Financial Services, LLC Christopher Nieman Steve NienhausDNancy Norris Mary and Rich Nourse DNancy and Jim OllierDBev and Thom Olthaus Martha and Christopher Orabella Mary Owczarek Shirley Parsons Cindy PavekDRobin and Paul Pendery Joyce Pennington
Janice Petibone Mark PhelpsDRuth Pleatman Connie and Richard PrairieDJere and Robert PulteDLinda and Dennis Puthoff Gert and Joe Ralenkotter Katherine Rehn Jean and Frank Rieder Mary and William Ries Stephanie Riley Katie Robertshaw Karen RobinsonDJeanne Rolfes Charitable Fund* Claudia and William Sandman Erin SchinasiDTherese and Stephen Schmuelling Kelli and Adam Schoster Peggy and Rob Schramm Meg and Giles Schroeder Fran and Chris Schwartz Gayle and William Sherman Carole and Carl SiegristDCathy and Fred SlackDPatricia Slavey Lauren and David Slocum Karlee Smith Carol and Harry SparksDEleanor and Charles Steines Chrisy Stone William StrietmannDLori and Andrew Stroehlein Julie and Gerald Sullivan Nikki and Andy Sullivan Debbie and William Talbot Laura Tanno Kristin and Jamie Tatman Anne TaylorDCorrinne ThalerDPam and Robert Thomas Margaret TricoffDDianne and John Wade Walsh-Neils Charitable Fund*DJoan Carlson Walson Amy and Murray Wilson Margaret and Dennis Wohler Martha Wolf Betty Wong Andrea and Charles Woodman Ellen Zimmer
Matching gifts 84.51 LLC Autodesk Matching Gift Program Duke Energy Foundation Federated Department Stores Foundation General Electric Company Nordstrom
Patrons $600 - $1,249 AnonymousDMarla and Tony Barone Heather and Timothy Beatty Elizabeth and Mark Burgess Liz and Eldrich CarrDShauna and Richard Dammel Kirstin Eismin and Ian Henry Gina and Bill GoingsDDonna Hartman and Jim ScottDGinny and Tim Heitzman Kate and Mark Holm Kate and Craig KellerDLeon and Joy Loewenstine*DCarolyn McCabe and Joe Wiman Carmen and Steve MendozaDBetsy NewmanDMary� and James NordlundD Ruth J. and Robert A. Conway Foundation, Inc.DMargaret and James SchrimpfDBarbi and Greg ShermanDLinda and George Strietmann Kate and Michael WalkerDThe Williams FoundationDWood-Byer Foundation
Sponsors $300 - $599 Dulany and Rob Anning Anonymous (2)DMargaret and Keith Baldwin Carole Barnhart Wendy and Ray Bonomo Carrie and Robert Breech Robin and Sean CarewDRuth and Steve CoppelDAnn Cucinotta Daniel Davidson Julia Dwyer and Steven MavrolasDMargy and Bill GaleDVallie and Rodney Geier Dorothy and Jon Gockerman Emma HartkemeierDPoppy and Hugh HawkinsDMartha and Mark HelmickDMartha and John HollandDBarbara and Jim HunterDMary and John Jensen Lois McConnell JonesDBarbara and Justin KleinDSandy and Ed KohnDKaren and Robert KramigDSue and Werner Kummerle The Lankford Family Nancy and David LeNeveuDWhitney and Phillip Long
Mary Beth and Bob Lucian Megan Murray and Joe WillkeDPaul NiklasDMary Kay and Dan Nordhill Joanne and Frank Noyes Kathleen and Bob Prangley Tammy and Brant Schutte Paula and John SciannaDJohn Shepherd Paige and David Silver Mary and Dan Smith Kari and Edward Walter Kathy and Tom Werbrich Lisa and Greg Woodruff
Associates $150 - $299DDavid Adams AnonymousDTerri and Mark BabeyDEileen and John Barrett Lynwood Battle Jamelle Bowers and Eric BrouwerDTheresa and Patrick Brophy Pat and Jim BruggerDMarian and Michael BurlinghamDLinda and Kevin Chaney Class Bundle LLCDCaroline and Bill Cox Robert Dimling Elizabeth and Scott Estes Maureen and Chris Geiger Anne and Joe Gibbons Jessica and Allie Goins E. J. Griffith Kelly and Joe Haverkamp Lindsey and Mike Himmler Collene HolcombDDeborah and David Horn Katherine and Al Humbert Lin and Wayne IsaacsDSally and Edward Kamphake Jennifer Keelor Cari and Ron Kelly The Kroger Company Georganne Kuehn, Shawn LaPean and Lis LaPean Beth and Gene KuehneDDiane and Allen KuhnDKim and Dan LaChance Catherine and Matt LeopardDJudith and David Lococo Linda and Bill LovettDMary and Dale Magoteaux Carol and Douglas MarshDAmy and Sean McGroryDKathy McMillin Joyce McWilliams
DPepper Family Fund* Mary and Ranjit RathDJoAnne Rouse-Clark and Jim ClarkDSharon and Steve Schinasi Carime and David Schofield Julie and William Schuler Kathy and Michael Schwartz Carol and Terry Shumrick Jenny and Chris SmithDLinda and Nicholas Spadaccini Amy SutherlandDBarbara and Larry ValeriusDAnne Vertuca and Lou George Jenni Wallen Michael WallenDJoyce and Paul Wenker Jackie and Andy WilsonDPatricia and Ronald Yates Barb and Dick Zimmer
Friends $1 - $149DDeeDee and Rick Abraham Tracy and Don Adams Nancy and Larry Allen Becky Anderson Dora Anim and Eric DensonDJan and Larry Annett Anonymous (16)DEarline and John Armor Mary and Arnold Austin Cindy Bambauer Betty and Dan Barhorst Jill BarlionDSusan Belanger Lois and William BelbotDMary BesanceneyDJoyce and Paul Betz Bilz InsuranceDCynthia and John BismayerDRandal and Peter Bloch Emily Boehmler Margaret Boland Lawre Bonekemper Patty and Steve Bonem JoAnn Bradford Reid Bradford Bressler & Co., Inc. Patricia and Frederick BryanDAngie and Robert Buechner Edda CamardoDKaren and Stephen Carr Kathie and Edward Clarke Jan and James CnotaDMitchell CohenDLinda and Robert Collier Mary Ann and Ralph Conaway Pamela and Michael Coppage Trudy and Robert Craig
Than
k
You!
Board of TrusteesMatthew C. Blickensderfer, PRESIDENT
Casey M. Boland, VICE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER
Lynwood L. Battle, Jr. SECRETARY
Dora Anim, MPARichard J. BlumRyan L. BrownRandy CooperMatthew F. GockermanGina GoingsAnna HoganKate KellerThomas C. LeugersJohn J. Schiff IIIAnn Munson SteinesMargaret L. TondowKim M. VincentPatty H. Wolff
Springer’s Faculty and Staff Rebecca AndersonCarole BarnhartTony BaroneEmily BoehmlerEldrich CarrKathie ClarkeRuth CoppelLiz CrellinKristen DabbeltDenise DanielsonMeg DukeStephanie DunneKirstin EisminDebbie ElbertKristina ErnstLindsey EstesJulie FlowerdewAmanda ForbesSharon FrostKathleen GatesJessica GoinsBarbara GourzisEliza Kate HallanKelly HaverkampGinny HeitzmanCollene HolcombBarbara HunterKristy IlgKate JacksonPhilip JensenBrad JohnsonCari KellyBarb KerrJerry KerrAnn Kilpatrick
Kelly KinseyKim LankfordAnne LeemanNancy LeNeveuSara McDulinLacy McGrawJudy McMahonKathy McMillinCarmen MendozaKathleen MikliusTerri MoorheadJason MottMary Ann MulcaheySarah MurphyWendy NewNancy NorrisMark PhelpsKaren RobinsonJoAnne Rouse-ClarkAnna RuhmkorffErin SchinasiSharon SchinasiMolly ShumateCarol ShumrickJenny SmithKarlee SmithNicole SullivanAmy SutherlandSiobhan TaylorCorrinne ThalerHannah WagnerJenni WallenShelly WeisbacherJill Wieging
Thank You!Springer celebrates outstanding participation from trustees, faculty and staff in the Annual Fund!
At a Glance SCHOOL 180 students enrolled / 38% received financial aid / $827,002 financial aid awarded / 58 Zip Codes served
CENTER 585 attended professional development programs / 747 participated in parent programs / 80 enrolled in the stu-dent summer programs
Fiscal Year2016 – 2017
The operating budget of the school and center closed the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, with $6.6 million in revenues, which exceed expenses by a modest amount. The accompanying charts indicate the percentage of revenue and expenses by major category.
The Development Off ice of Spr inger School and Center prepared the Annual Repor t . Every effor t has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. I f you discover an error, p lease contact the Development Off ice at (513) 871-6080 ext . 213. Thank you.
Program Revenue 83.02%
Fundraising 13.18%
Other Sources 3.80%
Salaries and Benefits 69.11%
Financial Aid 13.37%
Operating Expenses 13.08%
Fixed Costs 4.45%