Superintendent, treasurer outline goals

by Laura Bednar

Aug. 26 board of education meeting

Nordonia Hills Superintendent Casey Wright and Treasurer Kyle Kiffer explained how they met their professional goals last year and outlined their ambitions for the current school year.

Wright became superintendent in January and set six-month goals for himself. He said he met with 15 different groups within the district and community to learn what they liked about Nordonia (sense of community, dedicated staff and regard for the whole child), where the district could improve (professional development, resource allocation and consistency in class size and curriculum among grade levels) and what they expect from a superintendent (being present, advocating for resources, supporting and recognizing teachers).

Wright said the strengths are a well-developed curriculum, support programs for individual students – including special education – and a collaborative culture.

In terms of challenges, Wright said, “It’s time to return to a strategic plan to say how we are going to increase student achievement and what does that look like, not just for academics but for facilities, finances and communication.”

The district will work on that plan this year. It will include focus groups, writing the plan and presenting it to the community. Wright said he joined a transition program with other Ohio superintendents who meet eight times a year to discuss challenges and state legislation that affects the districts.

To foster community engagement, Wright became president-elect of the Nordonia Hills Rotary Club and joined the Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce.

As a way of garnering feedback, Wright said the district would conduct an exit survey when an employee leaves.

Kiffer completed the 2023 fiscal year financial report, produced the annual financial report for the community and notified staff of pre-tax benefits through the IRS at no cost to the district. He also worked with building administrators on budget efficiencies and provided the board of education with levy scenarios.

Kiffer’s goals are to produce the annual financial report for fiscal year 2024, apply for Medicaid reimbursement money for the district and create a treasurer’s manual of district financial policies and procedures.

Finances

Two years ago, the district contracted with engineering company Ameresco to inspect each of the six school buildings and prioritize projects based on the findings. The board authorized Ameresco to apply for a $1.3 million grant from the state of Ohio to upgrade boilers at Northfield Elementary and convert district lighting to LED. Nordonia would be responsible for 10% of the cost of the project. Board President Chad Lahrmer said Ameresco is absorbing the cost of applying for the grant.

Kiffer said the district’s cash balance for July was $16.9 million of unencumbered funds, cash not earmarked for a particular purchase. Overall revenue was up $1 million (9.4%) compared to July of last year, a result of higher local taxes and tuition payments from the Nordonia SGO, a nonprofit in which people are awarded a tax credit for donating money for a student to attend kindergarten for free.

Overall expenses for July were up $151,441 (3.7%) compared to last year. “Services are just costing more,” Kiffer said, adding that timing of purchase orders and contracts played a role in the increase.

Public forum

Laura Gabel, school parent and Nordonia alumna, spoke in support of the district and its opportunities for students such as College Credit Plus courses. She said the district has been strategic in what it has done because the administrators “play chess, not checkers,” meaning the district carefully reviewed decisions instead of acting too quickly.

Gabel added that Nordonia must retain its impressive staff by offering appropriate pay. She voiced her support for the 5-mill school levy on the November ballot. For more information on levy support, she said to visit nordoniatogether.com. ∞