The Nordonia Hills Board of Education reviewed the Path We Choose document at the July 12, 2010 Board meeting.  This document identifies what has already been done to save money, what reductions have been made and what cuts will be necessary if no new funds are approved.

Superintendent, Wayne Blankenship stated, "We have been prudent with tax payer dollars,we have made reductions where every possible, and always seek to get the lowest price possible on supplies and materials." 

Here is short list of what has been done to reduce costs - for a detailed list click on the link below:

Reductions Prior to February 2010 - An early retirement program, building and department budgets were cut 10%, eliminated 3 elementary teaching positions, and administrative pay freeze - reductions of over $1.2 million dollars

Reductions After February 2010 - Eliminated 1.8 high school teaching positions, eliminated 2.6 elementary teaching positions - resulting in reductions of over $224,000 dollars

Most Recent Reductions -teacher pay freeze and an increase in payment for health care premiums, additional building and department budget cuts of 5%, reduced technology and support services, reduced counselor services, reduced adminstrative days, and reduced professional development - resulting in reductions of over $ 1.3 million dollars

Nordonia Hills City Schools are very similiar to most schools in Ohio - facing a projected deficit of $3.8 million dollars in 2012.  We are required by law to implement unfunded state and federal mandates - one recent example was the implementation of all day kindergarten - the additional cost is for this is estimated at over $500,000.  So even with the reductions identified above - the schools must provide these additional services with no additional revenue, resulting in the need to go to the taxpayers for additional funds.

For a detailed look at what has been done to reduce costs and upcoming cuts in services and programs review the Path We Choose document by clicking here