The Nordonia School Board met on January 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Northfield Elementary School for a critical discussion about the district’s financial future and potential cost-saving measures. The board deliberated on three levy options:
- 8-year emergency levy for $7.3 million
- 5 mill continuing operating levy
- a combination 5 mill levy split between operating and permanent improvement funds.
After extensive discussion and public input, the board voted 4-1 in favor of placing the 5 mill continuing operating levy on the ballot.
The meeting featured comprehensive reports from various reduction committees tasked with finding potential cost savings.
The Transportation Committee outlined possibilities for reducing bus routes from 33 to 24 and estimated potential savings of $80-90k by eliminating high school transportation.
The Facilities Committee presented their analysis of building utilization and consolidation options, highlighting declining enrollment trends with current kindergarten classes (215 students) significantly smaller than the graduating class (356 students).
The Middle School Committee examined the financial implications of switching from a teaming model to a junior high model, projecting potential savings of up to $880,000, while carefully considering the impact on educational programming.
The Budget Efficiencies Committee reported on various cost-saving initiatives, including the implementation of an employee severance plan and examination of preschool services partnerships.
If the May levy fails, the district outlined a series of significant cuts and changes that would be necessary to address projected deficit spending. These include potentially eliminating high school transportation, reducing bus routes from 33 to 24, and considering building consolidation or closure. Staffing reductions would be implemented through a voluntary buyout program and natural attrition, with the high school potentially losing three full-time positions due to declining enrollment. The middle school could see a restructuring of its teaming model to save up to $880,000. Additional cuts would include 5-10% budget reductions across departments, decreased printing and instructional materials, and a review of athletic and extracurricular programs. Administrators emphasized these measures would be necessary to prevent the district from reaching a point where it could not meet payroll, as projected in the five-year forecast without additional revenue.
The public comment portion of the meeting was particularly active, with 13 speakers addressing the board. The majority strongly advocated for a continuing levy rather than a temporary emergency levy, expressing concerns about long-term financial stability and maintaining educational quality. Several speakers emphasized the importance of avoiding repeated levy campaigns and ensuring sustainable funding for the district’s future.
Personnel Actions:
Approved several retirements including:
- Jan Tylicki – MS Science Teacher
- Colleen Doherty – LV Intervention Specialist
- Jody Radcliffe – MS Math Teacher
- Joe Culley – HS/RW Art Teacher
