Students Showcase Fundraising Success
The Nordonia Hill City School Board meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, began with an impressive presentation from Ledgeview Elementary third-grade students. The students shared details about their successful Penny Wars competition that raised over $6,392 for the Subzero Mission, which helps homeless veterans.
“The subzero mission is focused on helping homeless people especially veterans their motto is nobody should freeze to death in America,” explained one student during the presentation.
Another student revealed their strategic approach: “Third grade saved all of our money except the coins that were worth double that day. We quickly fell into last place which caused the other grades to stop targeting us with their dollars. Looking like the underdog helped us rise to the top.”
Community Voices Support for Upcoming Levy
During open forum, speakers addressed the importance of the upcoming levy vote and the value of school programs. A resident and curriculum coordinator in a nearby district spoke in support of the upcoming levy, emphasizing how investing in education reflects a community’s values.
Two Nordonia High School students also addressed the board about the importance of school programs. A sophomore discussed her involvement in Red Cross Club, mock trial, choir, a cappella, track and field, and basketball. Another student emphasized how band, choir, a cappella, and theater have positively impacted their educational experience.
Committee Reports
The board received updates from various committees, including Finance, OSBA Legislative Liaison, Curriculum & Instruction, Facilities, Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, Nordonia Hills Foundation, Tax Incentive Review Board, Technology and Information Systems, and Special Education.
The Nordonia Hill School Scholarship Granting Organization reported raising $267,901 in the past year to help families afford all-day kindergarten.
Board member Chad Lahrmer reported that the Facilities Committee recently conducted inspections at Ledgeview and Lee Eaton schools, while the Curriculum Advisory Committee reviewed STEM programming at the elementary and middle school levels.
Staff Reductions Approved
The board approved a resolution for a reduction of force process for non-teaching staff, which includes layoffs for 10 paraprofessionals and two student supervisors. Superintendent Casey Wright expressed concern about the total loss of 23 paraprofessionals when combined with recent buyouts, noting that many positions may need to be recalled to meet student needs.
Personnel Changes
Certified Staff
The board approved several personnel actions for certified staff, including the retirements of David Carter (HS Photography), Karen Hovorka (HS Intervention Specialist), and Goksu Kretch (RW Grade 4).
Among the personnel items was the approval of curriculum rate work for Samantha Fales to participate in professional development for the new AP Cybersecurity course, which Superintendent Wright noted has strong student interest and available grant funding.
The board also approved compensation for AP test proctors including Vanessa DeBoo, Endre Szentkiralyi, Adam Salberg, Anthony Rock, and others who will work outside regular school hours.
Wright mentioned that the district is beginning to see quality staff members leave for positions elsewhere due to concerns about future layoffs. “We’re starting to lose good people that have found that they’re worried that their job’s not going to be there so they’re finding other employment,” Wright said.
Support Staff
The board approved the re-employment of certified staff on one-year limited contracts and granted continuing contracts to several teachers who have achieved professional licensure. Wright praised these educators, noting that obtaining professional licensure requires completing a master’s degree or 30 additional credit hours and working seven years in the field.
In classified personnel matters, the board approved standard non-renewal of substitute staff, which Wright explained happens annually and most substitutes are typically rehired at the start of the next school year.
Additionally, the board accepted the resignation of Beckie Falkenberg, Payroll Coordinator, effective March 31, 2025. Treasurer Kyle Kipper’s office had to adjust quickly to ensure payroll continued without interruption.
Contracts and Agreements Approved
The board approved numerous contracts and agreements, including:
- Student handbooks for the 2025-26 school year
- A contract with Summit Education Service Center
- School building lease agreement for preschool
- Contract with Akron Area YMCA Association effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
- Agreement with LLA Therapy for the 2025-26 school year
- Agreement with Harbor Education Services, LLC (Leap Program) not to exceed $30,030 per student
- Agreement with Sendero Therapies for occupational therapy services through June 30, 2028
- Parent Square service agreement through June 30, 2028
- Voice Over IP services agreement through June 30, 2030
Donations Accepted
The board accepted several donations:
- $300 from Photo Finishing Detailing and Photography to the Middle School Track Team
- $20 worth of nails from SC Fastening Systems to Nordonia High School for hanging athletic plaques
- $1,000 in prizes from the Gillen Family for the Northfield One School, One Book event
Financial Updates
Treasurer Kyle Kipper reported the district’s cash balance at $18.5 million at the end of March, compared to $21.1 million last year. He also announced that the district received the last large payment of the MGM settlement, bringing the total received since 2021 to $14.3 million.
The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, May 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
