The Nordonia Hills City School District Board of Education convened on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Northfield Elementary School for their regular meeting, where celebrations of student achievements, recognition of retiring staff, and important financial decisions dominated the agenda. The session began with President Tammy McKinley calling the meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the evening’s agenda.
The first order of business showcased the district’s impressive student achievements. Cindy May introduced the Science Olympiad teams from both the high school and middle school, which had qualified for state competition. The middle school team earned two medals at the state tournament, with both teams collecting a combined 100 individual medals throughout their competitive season. Following this recognition, Kelly Nyzen presented the Nordonia High School robotics team, which proudly claimed the title of 2025 Ohio State FRC champions. The team, comprised primarily of freshmen and juniors, competed against schools from various states and even teams from Turkey and the Dominican Republic. The board also recognized the After Prom Committee parents who raised a record $55,440 for this year’s event, providing a safe environment and impressive prizes for the senior class. Every graduating senior received at least a $25 Amazon gift card, with many winning larger items such as televisions, refrigerators, iPads, and other valuable prizes.
A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to honoring the district’s 37 retiring staff members who collectively represented 191 years of service to Nordonia schools. Among the retirees were several long-serving educators, including intervention specialist Karen Havora with 38 years of service, band director Tom Weaver with 34 years in education, and numerous paraprofessionals, building interventionists, and custodial staff who had dedicated decades to supporting Nordonia students. Superintendent Joe Clark personally recognized two departing administrators: Louise Teringo, who he had recruited from Twinsburg to serve at the high school, and Business Manager Steve Merlo, whom Dr. Clark described as “the expert school administrator” and “a legend” in the Northeast Ohio education community.
The board took several important financial actions following the community’s passage of the school levy earlier in the month. In a unanimous vote, they rescinded the previously approved 10% increase in student activity fees, keeping costs at current levels for the 2025-26 school year. This decision fulfilled a promise made to voters that if the levy passed, the district would work to control costs for families. Treasurer Kyle Fausnaugh presented the updated five-year forecast showing a dramatically improved financial outlook, with a $35 million positive swing by 2029 compared to November’s forecast. About $10 million of this improvement comes from cost-cutting measures, including the early retirement buyout program, with the remainder resulting from levy revenue. The board also voted to rescind the reduction in force for 10 non-teaching staff members, primarily paraprofessionals who work with special needs students, though Superintendent Clark noted that the district still faces staffing challenges with 23 total paraprofessional positions being vacated through retirements and departures.
Several administrative changes were approved during the meeting. Todd Stuart will transition from Director of Curriculum to Director of Business, while Carol Sides-Tonsing will become the new Director of Curriculum. Bryan Rudowsky received approval as the new Lee Eaton Principal, and contract renewals were granted for administrators Michael Russ and Rob Eckenrode, along with supervisors Melissa Chase, Steve Rutherford, and Rick Wolf. Superintendent Clark emphasized the importance of “training your replacement” as a sign of a healthy organization, expressing confidence in the internal promotions.
During the open forum portion, Karen Buyers from Nordonia Together PAC thanked voters for supporting the school levy and urged continued community involvement as the district makes decisions about “right-sizing” buildings to maximize the new funding. She noted that while the vote was close, the work of ensuring the district’s financial stability is just beginning, and that uncomfortable but necessary changes may be required across all buildings and grade levels.
The meeting included routine approvals of student trips, donations, and academic fees for the coming school year. The board approved contracts for special education services, including a $98,000 contract with KidsLink School for a student with significant needs. The board also approved academic consumable fees for grades K-8, with provisions for free or reduced costs for qualifying families. The session concluded with announcements of the next regular board meeting, scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025, at 7 PM at Northfield Elementary School. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM, bringing to close an evening that balanced celebration of past achievements with important planning for the district’s future.
