Superintendent Column

Reflecting on our past, building our future together
In September, I welcomed Ron Dilley, a former business director in the Nordonia Hills City School District under Superintendent William Boliantz in the 1960s, to my office. He brought with him a piece of our district’s history: a 1969 report titled “The Nordonia Hills Local School District: A Report.” This document provides valuable insight into the district’s history, the community’s commitment to education and the challenges faced during that time.

In the 1960s, Nordonia Hills experienced rapid growth. Residential development increased school enrollment, putting pressure on the district’s resources and facilities. However, the community’s response was remarkable. They supported levies and bonds to fund the construction of new schools, demonstrating their dedication to providing quality education for every student.

Superintendent Boliantz’s report emphasized that this dedication was not new. It dates back to the district’s earliest settlers in the Western Reserve, who valued education so highly that they built schools soon after settling. Boliantz highlighted the “cooperative enterprise” of these early schools, where families contributed labor and materials to create learning spaces. This spirit of collaboration laid the foundation for Nordonia’s growth in the following years.

The report also pointed to financial stewardship as a key priority. Boliantz wrote that the district must use its resources effectively to ensure maximum educational benefit. This principle is still relevant today as we navigate modern challenges like inflation and the need for updated facilities.

While reflecting on the district’s past, Boliantz also called for a forward-thinking mindset. He urged that the district remain “constantly in flux – probing, changing, evaluating.” His vision encouraged embracing change while maintaining the core principles of educational excellence and community engagement.

Today, these values continue to guide us. We rely on partnerships with businesses, higher education institutions, government agencies and community organizations to support our students. Our history shows the power of collective action and shared responsibility. By working together, we will continue to build a bright future for all of Nordonia Hills.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to education. Together, we are creating a future our community can be proud of. ∞