District closes the year nearly $900,000 ahead of projections while members raise concerns over a new interdistrict athletics law
The Nordonia Hills Board of Education met August 26 for its regular monthly session, where members welcomed new staff, approved a long list of contracts and personnel items, and spent significant time debating a new state law that could let students from other districts play sports at Nordonia. President Liz McKinley led the meeting, and all five board members were present.
New Teachers Welcomed to the District
Todd Stuart, the district’s Director of Business, introduced several new teachers to the board and community during a reception following the meeting – Read more about them here
- Megan Adams — Ledgeview Elementary, Intervention Specialist
- Amanda Gardner — Middle School Counselor
- Lauren York — Middle School Intervention Specialist
- Mira Momayez — Nordonia Middle School, 7th Grade English
- Julia Beck — Northfield Elementary, Music Teacher
- Allison Coneglio — Rushwood Intervention Specialist
- Mya Sopata — Rushwood/Ledgeview, Part Time Kindergarten
Board Debates New Interdistrict Athletics Law
Board members spent considerable time discussing a first reading of an updated athletics policy tied to a new state law. The law allows students to participate in sports at a neighboring district if their home school does not offer that sport, but only if the superintendents of both districts agree.
Board members raised concerns about the policy during discussion. One worry was that districts facing budget cuts could eliminate sports programs and simply send students elsewhere, which could strain Nordonia’s rosters, staffing, facilities, transportation and budget. Board members also questioned how discipline and insurance would be handled for students coming from another district, and asked that any decisions be made on a case by case basis rather than automatically approved.
Superintendent Casey Wright told the board the requirement that both superintendents agree gives the district some control over the situation. He said, “I would say there’s not a need for that law.” Wright also noted the law appears to have been added onto another bill rather than passed on its own, and he said he would research which lawmaker introduced it. Treasurer Kyle Kiffer said he was glad the law requires agreement between superintendents, since that would likely involve discussion from both boards before any student transfer is approved. The policy passed its first reading with no action required.
Donations and Consent Items Approved
The board accepted several donations during the meeting. Melinda and Kenneth Varian gave $500 toward beautification efforts at Ledgeview Elementary, and the Nordonia Choral Boosters donated $6,000 to help hire an accompanist. The Emergency Assistance Center provided backpacks filled with school supplies for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and Spitzer Chevrolet filled a pickup truck with supplies for students. Big Happy LLC donated time and paint supplies valued at $1,050 for interactive designs painted on the playground blacktop at Rushwood Elementary.
The board also approved an overnight trip for high school choir students to attend the National A Cappella Festival at Kettering Fairmont High School in November, at a cost of about $210 per student.
Contracts and Agreements Approved
Several agreements moved forward during the meeting. The board approved the transportation routing schedule for the 2026 through 2027 school year and authorized the superintendent to modify routes as needed. Treasurer Kiffer asked that transportation staff consider the walking distance and lighting at bus stops as they finalize routes for younger students.
Members approved an agreement with Heights Driving School to continue offering after school driver’s education classes, along with a renewed agreement with the YMCA to provide before and after school daycare in district buildings. The board also approved a student teaching agreement with Cleveland State University running from August 2026 through August 2030, an agreement with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio for a special needs student placement, and a Title I remedial services agreement worth $4,000 with St. Michael School for Nordonia students who attend there.
Superintendent Wright also received authorization to join the Ohio Schools Council consortium to solicit bids on a nine passenger van, replacing the district’s current twenty year old van. Wright emphasized this step only gathers pricing information and does not commit the district to a purchase.
Personnel Items Approved
The board approved a long list of certified and classified personnel actions, including new hires, long term substitutes, resignations and retirements. Mya Sopata’s hire as a new kindergarten teacher was among the notable approvals, along with numerous paraprofessional assignments and reassignments across district buildings. Wright noted that hiring for kindergarten positions is often delayed until enrollment numbers are confirmed.
Financial Forecast Shows Strong Results
Treasurer Kyle Kiffer presented the district’s August financial forecast, and the numbers came in well ahead of projections. Nordonia finished the past fiscal year nearly $900,000 better than expected, with revenue about $314,000 higher than projected and expenses about $583,000 lower. The new forecast overall is approximately $3.2 million better than the previous one.
Looking further out, the district is projected to hold about $20.6 million in cash by the end of fiscal year 2031, or roughly 105 days of operating expenses. Kiffer also noted the district’s projected general fund revenue is about $65 million for the current year, with roughly 70 percent coming from property taxes. He highlighted a Summit County property reappraisal expected to raise property values by about 15 percent, which under state law will reduce the district’s effective millage rather than increase revenue proportionally.
District leaders pointed to reduced staffing as one factor behind the improved outlook. Nordonia has cut 27 staff positions over the past three years while working to protect programs and services for students. Superintendent Casey Wright said the results reflect the community’s support for the 2025 levy combined with those staffing decisions.
“The levy is working exactly as intended,” Wright said. “Combined with the difficult decisions we have made over the past three years, it has restored financial stability and placed Nordonia in a strong position moving forward. We are grateful for the community’s support, and our responsibility now is to make that investment last.”
District officials also confirmed there is no additional operating levy planned or currently under discussion. Kiffer noted that the district’s permanent improvement fund tied to the MGM settlement will be exhausted by the end of this year, meaning future roofing projects will draw more heavily on the general fund. He also pointed to a daily cost per pupil of about $117, which covers instruction, transportation, food service and extracurricular programs.
What Comes Next
The board approved consent items including July meeting minutes and financial statements without objection. The next regular meeting of the Nordonia Hills Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22 at 7 p.m. at Northfield Elementary School.
Short video clips:
Full meeting video:
FAQs
What new state law did the Nordonia Hills board discuss?
A law allowing students to play sports in another district if their home school does not offer that sport, contingent on agreement between both superintendents.
How much better than expected did Nordonia’s finances perform?
The district finished the past fiscal year nearly $900,000 better than projected, and the new forecast overall improved by about $3.2 million.
Did the board approve the purchase of a new van?
No. The board only authorized joining a consortium to gather bid pricing on a nine passenger van. Any purchase would require separate board approval.
Is Nordonia planning to ask voters for another levy?
No. District officials confirmed there is no additional operating levy planned or currently under discussion.
When is the next Nordonia Hills board meeting?
The board is scheduled to meet again on September 22 at 7 p.m. at Northfield Elementary School.
