NORTHFIELD, Ohio – The Dec. 15 Nordonia school board meeting at Northfield Elementary mixed celebration with long-range planning as board members honored two outgoing colleagues, approved the 2027–28 school calendar, and took a key step toward determining how much state funding could help pay for future school facilities.
Nordonia School Board Meeting Focuses On Service, Students And Stability
Board President Liz McKinley called the regular meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Board members present were Jason Tidmore (vice president), Matthew Kearney, Chad Lahrmer and Amy Vajdich. Superintendent Casey Wright and Treasurer/CFO Kyle Kiffer also attended.
The board first modified its agenda to:
- Add the appointment of a president pro tempore for the January organizational meeting.
- Add the appointment of Nordonia’s representative to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) Board of Education effective Jan. 1, 2026.
- Formally move the January organizational and regular meetings from Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, to Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at Northfield Elementary.
The revised agenda was then approved unanimously.
Board Honors Vajdich And Kearney For Four Years Of Service
Superintendent Wright paused the meeting to recognize board members Amy Vajdich and Matthew Kearney, whose four-year terms are ending after what he described as “historic times” for the district.
- Wright praised Vajdich for consistently pushing the district to evolve learning environments, emphasizing flexibility, relevance and preparing students for the world they are entering.
- He credited Kearney for a leadership focus on safety and fiscal responsibility, noting his detailed questions and insistence on accountability.
Both were presented with Impact Awards recognizing their “outstanding support” and “continued commitment to Nordonia students.”
Board President McKinley and fellow members offered personal remarks:
- McKinley thanked Vajdich for bringing a “softer perspective” and for keeping conversations centered on “the best for all of our kids,” noting that the two entered board service together.
- Several members reflected on sometimes sharp disagreements with Kearney but emphasized that discussions always returned to keeping students first and that collegial relationships remained intact.
Kearney, joined by his family, called serving on the board a “tremendous honor,” thanked his wife and children by name, and said his parents instilled in him that “a meaningful life is rarely the easy one,” stressing purpose and responsibility in public service. He said he plans to remain active in the district in other capacities.
Vajdich reflected on coming into the role as a parent with an eighth-grader and a high school senior, saying she now has more faith in the district than ever after seeing firsthand the work of administrators and staff. She pledged to continue helping in other ways even after her board term ends.
Reports Spotlight CVCC Opportunities, Knights Caring For Knights, And Student Arts
There were no speakers during open forum, so the board moved directly into committee and liaison reports.
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC)
Reading a report from Nordonia’s CVCC Board of Education representative, the board heard that:
- 10th-grade exploration visits to CVCC are underway, with sophomores from all eight associate districts touring programs and hearing from current students and instructors.
- CVCC will hold a student and parent information night on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, from 7–8:30 p.m. for families interested in nearly 30 career-technical programs.
- Many programs offer industry certifications and college credit options, allowing students to earn credits while still in high school.
- CVCC’s 2026 organizational meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 8, followed by its regular board meeting, and the CVCC board extended holiday wishes to Nordonia’s leadership.
Nordonia Schools Foundation And Winter Arts Festival
Vajdich reported that the Nordonia Schools Foundation met on a blustery Dec. 10 evening to review finances, get building ambassador updates and prepare for the Dec. 13 Winter Arts Festival.
McKinley added key details:
- The Knights Caring for Knights program is currently serving 63 students, providing confidential support to families in need.
- The foundation updated language for several scholarships, combining and cleaning up criteria for future years.
- The Winter Arts Festival once again drew thousands of visitors, featuring student musical performances, art displays, a craft vendor fair, a business expo in the small gym and hours of pancake flipping by volunteers.
A trustees-only foundation meeting is set for Jan. 14.
Finance/FACT Committee And 529 Plan Updates
A board report on the Financial Activities Communications Team (FACT) and finance committee noted:
- The district reviewed operating funds, permanent improvement funds and budgets with Treasurer Kiffer.
- The recent announcement that MGM is selling the operations of its local facility will not affect Nordonia’s final payment from a prior settlement; that payment is expected by March.
- Kiffer also provided a brief status update on the year-end audit, which is nearing completion.
One board member used the report to highlight expanded federal rules for 529 education savings plans, noting that in addition to college, families can now use some funds for:
- K–12 private school tuition
- Curriculum and instructional materials
- Online education resources and tutoring
- Standardized test fees and AP exams
- Dual-enrollment fees
- Certain therapies and educational supports for students with disabilities
The board encouraged families to consult their tax or financial advisers about these expanded options.
Student Performances
Another board member publicly congratulated eighth-graders who participated in a recent variety show, praising the “remarkable” level of talent and thanking the performing arts staff at Lee Eaton Intermediate for organizing the event.
Legislative Update: DeWine Signs Transportation Bill, Vetoes Youth Work-Hours Change
As OSBA legislative liaison, McKinley reported on two recent state actions:
- House Bill 434 – Signed by Gov. Mike DeWine, correcting portions of the transportation and main operating budgets. An emergency clause made the law effective immediately upon his signature.
- Senate Bill 50 – DeWine vetoed the bill, which would have allowed 14- and 15‑year‑olds to work until 9 p.m. on school nights. McKinley praised the veto, saying it helps preserve time for homework, family and adequate sleep.
Board Keeps McKinley As President Pro Tem, Reappoints CVCC Representative And Moves January Meeting
The board then acted on the previously added agenda items:
- President pro tempore: By consensus, members asked Liz McKinley to continue as president pro tem to open the Jan. 13, 2026 organizational meeting until the board elects its 2026 president and vice president.
- CVCC Board representative: The board voted to appoint Nordonia’s current CVCC Board of Education representative to a new term effective Jan. 1, 2026, citing his thorough reports, strong relationship with CVCC and desire to continue in the role.
- January meeting date: Members formally moved both the 2026 organizational meeting and regular January meeting to Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at Northfield Elementary, instead of the previously scheduled Monday, Jan. 12.
All three actions were approved unanimously.
Calendar, Trips, Minimum Wage And Donations Approved In Consent Agenda
Under Superintendent Wright’s recommendations, the board approved a consent agenda that included:
- First reading of updated board policies, including topics such as membership and election, drug testing, student health services, transportation, overdose reversal drugs, expense reimbursements and recording of academic instruction and services. First readings require no action.
- Second reading and adoption of the 2027–28 school calendar. Wright said the calendar largely mirrors the current structure and credited both unions for months of collaboration. Approving calendars two years in advance helps families plan vacations and childcare, he noted.
- Overnight and extended trips:
- Nordonia High School students to Iceland, June 23–29, 2027, via major airline, at approximately $4,849 per student with no cost to the district.
- Nordonia High School girls’ wrestlers to the Findlay High School Wrestling Tournament, Dec. 19–20, 2025, via school van.
- State minimum wage adjustment: The board approved raising affected district hourly rates to reflect Ohio’s minimum wage increase to $11.00 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2026.
- Donations:
- $558.28 from True North Energy, LLC via “The Giving Pump” program, earmarked for district use.
- $750 from Eaton Corp and $500 from Lincoln Electric in support of the robotics team, which was part of a state championship team last year.
Board members thanked donors and noted the strong community backing for robotics and other co-curricular programs.
District Seeks State Share For Potential Building Project
In a separate action, the board approved a resolution entering Nordonia into the OFCC Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP), a key step in the district’s ongoing master facilities planning.
Wright explained that:
- The resolution does not commit the district to any construction project or ballot issue.
- It instead asks the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission how much the state would contribute toward a future project, should Nordonia move forward.
- That information is essential for finishing the master plan and determining what may be feasible for the community.
He said the administration expects to present a full master plan to the board in February and emphasized that joining ELPP is no cost to the district but critical for transparent planning.
Personnel Actions: Retirements, Student Teachers, Coaches And Classified Staff
The board then approved certified and classified personnel items.
Certified staff
- Accepted the retirement of Joshua Davis, Nordonia High School social studies teacher, effective June 3, 2026. Wright called Davis “a legend” and noted that he teaches one of the high school’s most popular courses, AP Psychology. Because of that, Wright asked Davis to remain an extra year after accepting a prior retirement incentive so he could help prepare the next AP Psychology teacher.
- Approved multiple teachers as cooperating teachers for student teachers during the second semester of the 2025–26 school year, to be paid through university funding. Names included Justin Shank, Melissa DiGennaro, Heather Eckenrode, Jason Lara, Erin Kipp, Anne Berardinelli and Mary Tatton.
- Authorized media specialist Angela Wojtecki to be paid at the curriculum rate for up to 20 hours to lead a professional development book study with Nordonia staff.
- Approved winter supplemental contracts for coaches and activity leaders, including Virginia Tedor as head girls’ varsity wrestling coach and Ryan Powell as a volunteer middle school wrestling coach.
- Approved lists of winter sports workers and tournament workers at the high school and middle school. Many of these workers are paid through tournament proceeds or pass-through funds from the state athletic association.
- Approved a purchase service contract for a specialist to work with the district’s winter drumline.
Classified staff
- Accepted the resignation of Joshua Fox, middle school night foreman custodian, effective Jan. 1, 2026, after he accepted a position with another district.
- Noted that Brittany Sells, a Ledgeview Elementary custodian, did not complete her probationary period due to scheduling conflicts with another job, despite positive performance.
- Approved a temporary assignment for Yolanda Schultz as a food service worker at Northfield Elementary.
- Added Jennifer Tuttle (food service) and Chloe Valentine (custodial) to the substitute list, with board members stressing the importance of reliable substitutes in cafeteria and custodial roles.
All personnel items passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Revenue Flat, Spending Down Compared To Last Year
Treasurer/CFO Kyle Kiffer presented his November 2025 financial report and previewed the upcoming tax budget process.
Key points included:
- The district’s unencumbered cash balance at the end of November was about $14.1 million, roughly 4.4% lower than last year, a decline Kiffer said was expected.
- November is one of the district’s lowest revenue months, as major property tax collections are still ahead in the winter.
- November revenue totaled around $600,000, about $116,000 lower than November 2024, mainly due to changes in other taxes, partially offset by slightly higher state foundation aid.
- Year-to-date revenue through November was $27.22 million, about 0.4% higher than the same period last year—essentially flat, in line with projections.
- November expenditures were about $99,000 higher than a year ago, driven by benefits and retirement costs and increases in purchase services.
- However, year-to-date expenditures through November totaled $23.22 million, roughly $700,000 lower than the prior year. Kiffer said this reflects budget reductions, tighter vendor contracts and cost controls implemented last year, even as wages and benefits rise and inflation affects supplies and services.
He also walked the board through the tax budget and forecasting calendar:
- In January, the board must approve a tax budget for fiscal year 2027, an 18‑month planning tool required by state law.
- By March 1, Summit County will issue a Certificate of Estimated Resources based on that submission.
- By the end of March, the board must adopt a resolution certifying tax rates, which is due to the county by April 1.
- A change in House Bill 96 now requires the district’s five‑year forecast to be filed in February instead of May, meaning the district will be juggling three fiscal years at once—the closing audit for FY 2024–25, the current FY 2025–26 operations, and planning for FY 2026–27.
Kiffer pledged to alert the board if any significant differences arise between the February forecast, the March certificate of estimated resources and the final tax rate resolution.
The board later approved the treasurer’s consent items, including November’s special and regular meeting minutes, monthly financial statements and Financial Focus – Tax Budget materials.
Next Meeting Set For Jan. 13, 2026
With no further business, the board unanimously voted to adjourn. The next regular Nordonia school board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Northfield Elementary School, 9374 Olde Eight Road, Northfield.
