BRIDGEPORT – The close of the 2025-2026 school year of Bridgeport Exempted Village School District was a time of bittersweet endings and bright new beginnings.
The first day of the 2026-2027 school year will see the newly-completed multipurpose facility dubbed “the Bridge” open and hosting more opportunities in education, health services and community spaces, and students will be first to enjoy the benefits.
This also marks the conclusion of Anne Haverty Lawson’s 13-year career as principal of Bridgeport Middle School, where she had the crucial responsibility of shepherding newly-graduated elementary schoolers to the threshold of adulthood and their freshmen years.
Bridgeport Schools Superintendent Brent Ripley was electrified with pride in how far the district has come and excitement for all that lay ahead when he took his staff on a full tour of the grant-funded 31,000 Bridge, on schedule to open Aug. 13.
Ripley pointed out the security measures and designated entrances for students and the public, then led the educators into health care classrooms for EMT and paramedic training where students could earn certification, as could adults attending training during the night. Ripley added the district is partnering with hospitals and universities and offering courses such as phlebotomy. The classrooms will also be equipped with SMART Boards for distance learning.
He noted the health education elements will dovetail perfectly with the doctors’ and dentists’ offices to serve the public. The Medicare-funded OhioRISE program which locates resources for children with behavioral and developmental needs will also maintain a headquarters for care coordinators as they help Belmont County families.
Ripley led teachers through space for expanded College Credit Plus courses, the daycare area where kiddos can get an early experience as Bulldogs, and offices for veterinary services where students can assist and gain job skills in a business atmosphere. He is also proud of the STEAM room where students will exercise their creativity with drones, robotics and other inventive uses of technology. Partnerships with area stakeholders made the variety possible.
Ripley said every square inch of space will be used, sometimes for multiple purposes. This philosophy was built into the Bridge’s construction so classrooms can be shifted to focus on different types of training to meet new job demands.
The Dog Pound fitness center and a golf simulator and walking track are also expected to be very popular among users ranging from students to senior citizens. A student-run coffee bar will provide business experience.
The tour concluded with a look at a spacious area perfect for volleyball, pep rallies, prom, and use by organizations such as rotary clubs and the NAACP.
“There’s a lot we can do in this space. It’s not just a gym for practice,” Ripley said. He added generous donations have enabled Bridgeport Schools to further enhance the Bridge.
Trina Kropka, who has been named director of the Bridge, said this was an exciting time and she looks forward to using her health care and marketing backgrounds to make the most of the facility. She observed the classrooms are second to none.
Kropka knows the power of the team is Bridgeport Schools’ strength. She has been talking to teachers and exchanging ideas. She looks forward to seeing the final touches and moving the equipment in.
“It’s come a long way,” she said. “The vision has come to life and we are looking forward to growing futures for all.”
Meanwhile, the past months have illustrated the difference Anne Haverty Lawson has made during her time leading the middle school. The last days of school featured warm embraces from her staff. Her students also showed their appreciation during the yearly awards for top-achievers, as did her last graduating class of eighth graders as they head down the hall to begin their high school stretch.
Ripley said Haverty Lawson was a “rock” and a source of advice when he began as superintendent. She exemplifies the culture of service and was always there for her students with help and encouragement.
She goes the extra mile. Ripley would often see her giving families a ride so they can purchase groceries.
“We’re losing not just a great administrator but a great, great human being,” he said. “We love you and please know that you’ve done superior work.”
School Board President Kori Rosnick commended Haverty Lawson’s contribution not only as an administrator but as one mother to another.
“You do an amazing job as a principal. You’ve guided them as students, but you’ve guided them as humans and people and you’ve helped families, myself included, so thank you. You’re genuinely going to be sorely missed.”
Board member Karrie Puskas agreed.
“The person who’s taking that position has shoes to fill, and they’ve got a ways to go to fit into those shoes, because you’ve gone above and beyond for our students. You’re always there,” she said. Puskas added that Haverty Lawson’s work behind the scenes is appreciated. “A lot of people don’t know that you’re there, but you’re there, and I always appreciate everything that you do.”
On behalf of the middle school, eighth grade ELA teacher Lori Dougherty expressed appreciation during the promotion ceremony.
“Don’t ever forget that you are loved and respected, that you will always be a Bulldog and that we hope you will always remember your Bulldog family.”
Haverty Lawson looks back fondly on her time with the district team.
“It’s not about me. It’s about the district’s support. We are a school community that is here to help one another,” she said. “We are here for our students. We are trying to lead them on a positive path for their future.”
She comes from a family of teachers and education was always a part of her life. After raising her children, she took at a position at the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center and worked with Belmont County’s school districts on distance learning when she encountered Bridgeport Schools.
“I 100% felt welcome by Bridgeport Schools,” she said. When the middle school principal position opened in 2012, she interviewed after completing a master’s degree.
In leading the school, she encouraged students to live by the pillars of character including responsibility, respectfulness, trustworthiness and caring in order to find their path in life.
“There are high expectations for our kids,” she said.
She will take many happy memories with her. Haverty Lawson recalled one mother of a new student who spoke to her following the eighth-grade promotion about how her child had flourished at Bridgeport Schools, after having a difficult time at the prior school district.
Haverty Lawson also saw the importance of visibly supporting the staff and students. She could always be seen attending athletic events and was active in recruiting students for extracurriculars.
She is proud to see the number of students participating in sports, choir and band have increased. More enrichment classes and a variety of other activities are offered.
“I’m going to miss what I do, but I’m going to look forward to spending time with my grandsons and my husband and my kids,” she said. “I’m going to travel too.”
