The Nordonia Hills City School District Board of Education approved several significant measures at their June 30 meeting, including a family cap on pay-to-participate fees and new collective bargaining agreements.
Pay-to-Participate Changes
The board modified their original proposal to establish a $700 family cap for pay-to-participate fees, down from the initially recommended $840. The measure affects high school athletics ($280 per student), middle school athletics ($140 per student), and band fees ($180).
Board President Liz McKinley praised the decision, calling it “incredibly important” and expressing excitement about potentially increased student participation due to reduced financial barriers.
Labor Agreements Approved
The board ratified collective bargaining agreements with both the Nordonia Hills Education Association and OAPSE (classified staff). The contracts, effective through 2029, include a 2% annual raise and shared healthcare cost provisions.
Superintendent Casey Wright highlighted the collaborative nature of negotiations, noting they were conducted without attorneys and union representatives present. The agreements include a provision where healthcare cost increases above 5% will be shared 50-50 between the district and employees.
New Administrative Appointments
The board approved two new associate principal appointments:
- Shannon Conley-Kurjian, formerly middle school principal at Buckeye, will serve as high school associate principal
- Rebecca Moga, currently assistant principal in Akron, will join Lee Eaton Intermediate as associate principal
Infrastructure Investments
The board approved purchasing a new high-efficiency boiler for Northfield Elementary School at a cost of $40,680 ($18,280 for equipment from Roberts Mechanical and $22,400 for installation by Jackson Comfort).
Wright emphasized the district’s commitment to keeping schools “dry, safe and warm,” noting they have been addressing aging infrastructure including 13 acres of 25-year-old roofing.
Transportation Contract Extension
A five-year extension with Petermann Bus Transportation was approved, running through 2030. The first year includes a 4.75% increase, with the remaining four years stabilized at 3% annual increases.
Legislative Updates
McKinley provided updates on state legislation, expressing opposition to making school board elections partisan and concerns about changes to the state board of education structure. She criticized provisions in the state budget that would change STRS (teachers’ retirement system) governance.
Financial Position
Treasurer Kyle Kiffer reported the district ended fiscal year 2025 with approximately a negative $800,000 balance, better than the forecasted negative $1.1-1.2 million. He attributed the improvement to budget reduction efforts over the past two years.
The district continues to face financial challenges despite recent cost-cutting measures. Wright previously warned that deeper cuts would be necessary if future levy attempts fail.
Next Meeting
The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 28 at 7 p.m. at Northfield Elementary School.
