Dear Fox Meadow Elementary Parents/Guardians,

We are pleased to announce that Monica Ruzicka-Stout has been selected as the next principal of Fox Meadow Elementary School. From starting her educational career as an elementary teacher and reading specialist to serving as a district administrator with a strategic and collaborative approach to leadership, she brings extensive experience in continuous school improvement, a strong track record of leading professional learning, and an approach that fosters both academic advancement and a positive school culture.

For the last two years, Mrs. Ruzicka-Stout has been U-46’s student success coordinator, working to advance Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) through partnerships with community organizations and families. Her leadership in MTSS reflects her commitment to building proactive structures that serve the needs of all students, while also supporting staff members and families in the process.

In her most recent role, she also reviewed School Improvement Plans for individual school buildings, providing key feedback to improve processes and ensure the appropriate data was being collected. Mrs. Ruzicka-Stout regularly collaborated  with a variety of teachers and staff to plan, support, and monitor students’ academic, social emotional, and behavior success, and she played a key role in the Every Minute Matters attendance campaign. 

Mrs. Ruzicka-Stout began her educational career in Ohio, teaching mathematics and life skills in the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center and then transitioned to being a kindergarten teacher in Dayton Public Schools (DPS). She taught multiple grade levels including all classroom subjects, hosted monthly evening meetings for families, and served on the building leadership team and as a Girls on the Run coach.

From 2017 until 2021, Mrs. Ruzicka-Stout was the Ohio Improvement Process Director for DPS. Her strategic and collaborative approach to leadership supported staff and students by identifying and providing appropriate professional development and improving systems/structures. She also managed more than $14 million in grant funds across 12 schools.

From 2021-2023, Mrs. Ruzicka-Stout was a first grade teacher then language arts specialist, MTSS lead, and building leadership team member in Oak Park Elementary School District 97.

Mrs. Ruzicka-Stout earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in educational leadership, both from the University of Dayton. That is also where she completed her principal licensure classes. Monica earned her reading endorsement from Wright State University.

Please join me in congratulating Principal Ruzicka-Stout on her new role at Fox Meadow. 

Sincerely,

Mary Sturgill 

Executive Director of the South Elgin Network

School District U-46

In U-46, we believe that Every Minute Matters. Our schools are dedicated to providing an exceptional education for all students, laying a strong foundation for their future success. For this to happen, it's crucial that schools, families, and students work together to ensure consistent attendance. Learn more about the importance of attendance and what you can do to ensure your child is in school and learning by exploring the information and resources on our website. 

As we move forward with the Unite U-46 process, it's crucial to keep the entire U-46 community informed and involved in the confirmation of the plan and projects. Stay up-to-date by checking out the Unite U-46: Mapping Our Future page for upcoming community engagement sessions and recordings of past updates.

Let’s Talk! is an open invitation from U-46 to submit feedback or a question directly to the U-46 staff member who can promptly respond. You'll also get a chance to offer feedback on our response. 

Online Backpack shares informational material on community activities and resources available to students and families.