Nordonia School Board:

The Nordonia Hills Board of Education faced difficult decisions regarding staffing while celebrating student achievements during Tuesday evening’s regular meeting.

Third-grade students from Ledgeview Elementary kicked off the meeting with an inspiring presentation about their Penny Wars fundraiser that collected over $6,300 for the Subzero Mission, an organization supporting homeless veterans.

“Nobody should freeze to death in America,” one student explained, echoing the mission’s motto. The students described their clever strategy of appearing to fall behind in the competition to avoid being targeted by other grades, ultimately emerging victorious.

The board later approved a resolution for staff reductions affecting 10 paraprofessionals and two student supervisors. Superintendent Casey Wright noted this reduction comes after 13 support staff members had already accepted buyout offers.

“This is the one that I think we should struggle with the most,” Wright said, explaining that many positions may need to be recalled to meet student needs mandated by individualized education plans.

Community members voiced support for the upcoming May 6 levy vote during open forum. High school students highlighted the importance of extracurricular programs like Red Cross Club, mock trial, music programs, and athletics to their educational experience.

In financial updates, Treasurer Kyle Kipper reported an $18.5 million cash balance at the end of March. He also announced the district received its final major payment from the MGM settlement, bringing the total received since 2021 to $14.3 million.

The Nordonia Hill School Scholarship Granting Organization announced raising $267,901 this year to help families afford all-day kindergarten.

Personnel actions included accepting retirements from David Carter (HS Photography), Karen Hovorka (HS Intervention Specialist), and Goksu Kretch (RW Grade 4). The board approved curriculum work for AP Cybersecurity development and compensation for AP exam proctors.

Wright expressed concern about losing quality staff members who are seeking more secure positions elsewhere: “We’re starting to lose good people that have found that they’re worried that their job’s not going to be there.”

The board approved several contracts and accepted donations, including $300 for the Middle School Track Team, $20 worth of supplies for hanging athletic plaques, and $1,000 in prizes for the Northfield One School, One Book event.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 19, at 7:00 PM.