The Nordonia Hills City School District Board of Education held its regular meeting on April 28, 2026, marking a pivotal transition for district leadership as the 2025-26 academic year draws to a close. The session featured a presentation from elementary student leaders, the introduction of a new middle school administrator, and a review of legislative shifts impacting Ohio schools.
Rushwood Student Leadership and Community Service
The meeting began with a presentation by Rushwood Elementary Principal Ashley Turner and the Rushwood Student Leadership Group. Led by advisor Renee Piper, the group of third and fourth graders detailed their year-long commitment to local service.
- Foster Care Support:Â The students organized a “Pajama Jam” fundraiser, raising over $500 to purchase 30 pairs of new pajamas for children in foster care through the organization Dawn’s Early Light.
- Environmental Stewardship:Â In the fall and spring, the Summit Soil and Water Conservation visited the school to teach students about protecting local natural resources from pollutants.
- Local Assistance:Â Students participated in holiday caroling at area nursing homes and provided snack supplies for the Emergency Assistance Center.
District Leadership: New Head Coach and Associate Principal
Superintendent Casey Wright presented recommendations for key leadership vacancies, focusing on maintaining district stability.
Coaching and Administration Appointments
Scott Barwidi was officially appointed as the High School Head Football Coach. Barwidi, a long-time assistant, succeeds Jeff Fox, who recently accepted an athletic director position outside the district.
Ronald “Chris” Wiggins was named the new Associate Principal for Nordonia Middle School. Selected from a pool of 75 applicants, Wiggins is a local community member with children in the district.
Certified Staffing Changes
The Board approved several personnel items to prepare for the 2026-27 school year:
- Megan Adams (Ledgeview), Allison Coneglio (Northfield), and Lauren York (Middle School) were appointed as Intervention Specialists.
- The Board accepted the resignation of high school teacher Marissa Rizzo, effective at the end of the current school year.
Fiscal Health and Legislative Outlook
Treasurer Kyle Kiffer provided a financial forecast, noting that the district’s expenses for the first nine months of the fiscal year are approximately $500,000 lower than the previous year.
- SGO Success:Â The Nordonia SGO (Scholarship Granting Organization) reported a banner year, raising nearly $320,000 to help local families offset the costs of all-day kindergarten.
- Fee Approvals:Â The Board approved student academic consumable fees for Nordonia High School for the 2026-27 school year.
- Legislative Advocacy:Â Board members discussed House Bill 800 (the “Preschool for All Act”), expressing concern over potential unfunded mandates while supporting the expansion of universal preschool.
