Superintendent’s Corner – Casey Wright

Welcome back to school!

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, I wanted to share some important news about our district’s financial plans. The board of education has approved a 5-mill tax levy for the Nov. 5 ballot. Out of the 5 mills proposed, 4 mills will be used for operations and 1 mill will be designated for permanent improvements.

Over the past two years, Nordonia Hills City Schools has worked hard to reduce costs and save money. Notably, we decided not to replace seven teaching positions that became vacant due to retirement and resignation for the 2023-24 school year, which will save us $1 million annually. For the 2024-25 school year, six more positions will not be replaced, and budget reductions are projected to save an additional $1 million per year.

Despite these cost-saving measures, the district has faced challenges due to inflation, which has also affected the broader community. Facility maintenance and improvement expenditures, like the $2 million spent on roof repairs last summer, with an additional $1.25 million of spending this current summer, have also drained district resources. Our comprehensive asset management and replacement plan shows a current deferred maintenance backlog of $57.5 million, indicating the substantial investment required in our facilities.

What is on the ballot? On Nov. 5, residents will vote on a 5-mill continuing levy to support Nordonia schools. This levy will provide funding to maintain class sizes, increase safety, repair our buildings and continue important programs and services for student success.

What will this cost me? This levy will cost homeowners $14.58 per month, per $100,000 of appraised home property value (not market value).

What happens if this fails?

Rising deficits: The district will face a $1.79 million deficit in the 2024-25 school year and a $4.79 million deficit in the 2025-26 school year.

Unfunded building repairs: The district last had a permanent improvement levy in 2011. We have a backlog of $59 million in unfunded maintenance. The middle school is over 100 years old. Lee Eaton is sinking. Every building has significant maintenance and repair needs.

Loss of student opportunities: If the levy fails, class sizes will increase, staff will be cut and programs will be eliminated. We will have to cut additional services and programs that we offer to help our most vulnerable and most advanced students.

Less investment in safety and security: We provide school resource officers in every building and have fortified our buildings according to industry recommendations. Funds are needed for continued safety and security improvements, which ensure a safe learning environment for all students.

Nordonia Hills City School District remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility and community involvement. We aim to create a more inclusive process that allows the community to directly impact the level of funding for our schools and educational opportunities for our students.

We look forward to welcoming our students back and starting the school year on a positive note. Let’s make this year the best one yet! ∞