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The Nordonia Hills City School District Board of Education established its roadmap for the coming year during a comprehensive three-meeting session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. The evening, which included an organizational meeting, a special work session, and a regular meeting, saw the swearing-in of three members, the selection of leadership, and a firm decision to maintain current kindergarten tuition rates despite recommendations for an increase.
The night began with Kyle Kiffer, Treasurer/CFO, administering the oath of office to returning board members Jason Tidmore, Matt Ford, and Dr. Sandra Caramela-Miller. With a full five-member board seated, the group moved to elect its 2026 leadership. Liz McKinley was unanimously re-elected as Board President, and Jason Tidmore was appointed Vice President. McKinley noted that the board’s continuity is a strength, suggesting that the current structure allows newer members a year to “figure out what’s going on” before stepping into executive roles.
2026 Committee Assignments and Liaisons
A significant portion of the organizational meeting was dedicated to appointing board members to various superintendent and board committees. The 2026 assignments are as follows:
- Legislative Liaison (OSBA): Liz McKinley
- Student Achievement Liaison: Liz McKinley
- Facilities: Jason Tidmore and Chad Lahrmer
- Finance (FACT): Dr. Sandra Caramela-Miller and Chad Lahrmer
- Technology: Chad Lahrmer and Dr. Sandra Caramela-Miller
- Athletics: Jason Tidmore and Matt Ford
- Curriculum: Liz McKinley and Matt Ford
- Nordonia Hills Foundation: Chad Lahrmer
- Special Education: Matt Ford
Kindergarten Tuition and Student Advocacy
During the special work session, the board engaged in a discussion regarding the 2026-27 kindergarten tuition rates. While the Financial Activities Communications Team (FACT) had previously suggested an incremental increase to $3,000, the board reached a consensus to keep the rate at $2,900 for full-day kindergarten.
The administration noted that the district’s Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) has been successful, providing 50 full scholarships and a $500 discount to every other family in the program last year. The district reported that $222,000 was paid into the school through these efforts. The stated goal for the future is to raise $400,000 so that no families have to pay for the full-day program.
The board also welcomed student representatives from Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). The students, who are part of the “Student Visionaries of the Year” program, shared their mission to fund research and patient support. They invited the community to a bake sale and raffle at the home basketball game this Friday to kick off their seven-week fundraising campaign.
Board Recognition and Career Center Updates
The regular meeting included a formal recognition of the board members for School Board Recognition Month. The administration presented each member with a certificate of appreciation, highlighting their role as a vital link between the community and the classroom. “Your service does not just start with the calendar year or month,” the administration noted. “It continues year-round, often behind the scenes.”
The board also received a report from James Virost, the district’s representative to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC). Virost, who was recently approved for an additional three-year term, highlighted new enrollment opportunities for the practical nursing program and a recent visit from Air and Space Force recruiters to the dental assisting class.
Financial Authorizations and Operations
Treasurer Kyle Kiffer received approval for several standing authorizations required for daily operations. This includes the authority to invest interim funds not needed for current expenses, the ability to make budget modifications throughout the year, and the authorization to approve blanket purchase orders up to $10,000. The board also approved the Alternative Tax Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which is a preliminary requirement for the county to certify tax rates.
The board finalized its 2026 meeting calendar, with most regular meetings scheduled for the third or fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Northfield Elementary. Two key community dates were set: the Master Plan Address on March 12, 2026, and the State of the Schools Address on Oct. 15, 2026.
