Nordonia Hills City officials outline wide budget‑reduction package; counseling and transportation cuts draw concern

District staff presented a detailed set of proposed budget reductions during the Feb. 18 Nordonia Hills City Board of Education work session, including teacher reductions at middle and high school, layoffs of paraprofessionals, cuts to clinical counseling, changes to custodial staffing and possible changes to transportation routes.

Kyle and committee leads described the package as a response to declining enrollment and projected budget pressure; staff repeatedly emphasized that some proposals depend on the outcome of a future levy and the governor’s budget. The administration showed multiple committee reports (middle school, high school, building utilization, transportation and a budget‑efficiency committee) that fed the recommendations.

Key proposals discussed (as described by staff): middle school reductions of four teaching positions (one each in math, science, English and social studies), which the administration said would increase middle‑school class loads and require teachers to carry about 20% more teaching time. At the high school, staff outlined a 5.5‑teacher…