“Ray was a principal where students came first. He always made himself available to students to help them,” said Milford Superintendent Robert Farrell.
“That’s why he became a principal — it was all about the kids. I’ve never seen a principal have such a personal connection with his students — especially in a school the size of Milford High School. At graduation this year, he had something nice to say and a hug for each student. He was amazing.”
In 2008, Bauer was named the Ohio Association of Student Councils’ Administrator of the Year. Milford’s Student Council nominated Bauer for that award. He joined students in the spring in Columbus to receive it.
Student Ellen Pittman worked with her classmates to gather inspiration for the letter which encompassed numerous reasons why they believed Bauer was worthy of this award.
“The students and faculty have an enormous amount of respect for him,” Pittman said. “He is very pleasant and willing to go that extra mile to help the students and faculty. He is always very supportive of our student council and all of the student organizations.”
Kristen Kiefer was co-president of the student council.
At the time of the award, she said she wanted him to get the recognition for all that he has done for the school.
“He is always willing to help our student council no matter what. We go to him and he says let’s make it happen. He always wants to help us to make the school better,” Kiefer said.
Farrell said Bauer made an immediate impact on students and staff when he arrived in 2003, drawing on experiences in other districts as superintendent, administrator, and teacher. According to Farrell, Bauer implemented programs at Milford that addressed student involvement, substance abuse and curriculum programs for Ohio Graduation Test preparation.
Bauer’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Cincinnati, a master’s degree in school administration from UC, and a doctorate in educational administration/school finance from Miami University.
As a teacher, he specialized in social studies, history/geography, and foreign studies.
Bauer’s family is making arrangements for his funeral.
Farrell said high school assistant principals called each faculty member today to break the news about Bauer’s death.
The high school staff will meet at 7 p.m., tonight, Aug. 30 at Milford High School to plan the day on Monday.
The school will have its Crisis Intervention Team available in the media center on Monday for any students who need support.