On Monday, August 18, North Royalton City Schools staff came together in the North Royalton High School auditorium for the district’s annual convocation, marking the official start of the 2025–26 school year. Superintendent Michael Laub welcomed teachers, staff, and administrators back with words of gratitude, encouragement, and excitement for the year ahead.
“It is great to see everyone and to have the opportunity to welcome everyone back for the 2025-26 school year,” said Laub. He thanked staff members for the hard work and preparation that takes place each summer to ensure a smooth start for students, who return to classrooms on Wednesday, August 20.
Laub extended a special welcome to new staff members joining the District this fall, calling North Royalton City Schools “a team that is second to none.” He also expressed appreciation to Sydney Jahnigen and members of the high school choir who helped kick off the morning with the singing of the National Anthem.
The superintendent addressed several key topics as the district begins a new school year, including recent developments in the state budget process. He explained that proposed changes could significantly impact the district and public education statewide.
Looking ahead, Laub highlighted the conclusion of the district’s previous three-year strategic plan and the launch of a new plan that will soon be shared publicly after Board of Education approval on Thursday, August 21. A central component of the new plan is the development of a Portrait of a Graduate, designed to bring focus and consistency to the skills and qualities North Royalton students will carry with them beyond graduation.
Laub also emphasized the District’s commitment to Explicit Instruction, a framework that supports high-quality teaching practices and aligns with the science of reading. He noted that administrators recently took part in training on this approach, with additional building-level work to come this year.
In addition to teaching and learning, Laub stressed the importance of fostering meaningful relationships and creating a culture of belonging across the district. To support that effort, every staff member received a “NoRo Starts With Hello” t-shirt, symbolizing a new initiative that promotes connections among students and staff. The first district-wide “Starts With Hello” day will take place on August 27.
“One of the things I believe you do extremely well is build relationships with our students,” Laub told staff. “Students who feel valued, respected and supported are engaged. That engagement creates an environment that takes learning to a different level.”
Laub thanked staff members once again for their dedication. “You are an incredible group and I am proud to be a part of our team. We truly appreciate all that you do. Let’s have a great year!”
Director of Human Resources Pat Farrell recognized new staff and employees who have worked for the district for 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years. Board President Jackie Arendt also welcomed the staff back and thanked them for their dedication to educating the students of North Royalton City Schools. “I truly believe that each of you are ‘seeds of hope’ for our students, parents and community,” said Arendt.
New Staff
North Royalton Elementary School
Stacy Bardwell - Small Group Instructor (LTS)
Krystal Billak - Aide
Jessica Butcher - Attendant
Anna Cappas - Grade 2 Teacher
Amy Fleming - Intervention Specialist
Emma Goliat - Grade 4 Teacher (LTS)
Brigid O’Malley - Speech Language Pathologist
Kristina Rauscher - Preschool Intervention Specialist
Tammy Ricci - Aide
Julia Sedlecky - MTSS/Title 1 Teacher (LTS)
Julia Sherrill - Speech Language Pathologist
Maria Vitko - Kindergarten Teacher (a.m.) (LTS)
Sophia Wolf - Intervention Specialist (LTS)
Hayley Yaros - Aide
Elementary School Familiar Faces in New Place:
Ashley Dlugolinski - Grade 3 Teacher (LTS)
Dave Guciardo - Assistant Principal
Vince Ketterer - Lead Principal
Emily Nagy - Intervention Specialist
Jackie Sperry - Cafeteria Worker
Tiffany Vlahovic - MTSS/Title 1 Teacher (LTS)
North Royalton Middle School
Samantha Beiling - Grade 6 English Language Arts Teacher
Stephanie Bockmuller - Attendant
Katie Bornstein - Grade 8 Intervention Specialist
Kelsey Burdorff - Grade 7 English Language Arts Teacher
Maggie Carter - Small Group Instructor
Sara DiMaria - Cafeteria Worker
Krista Engle - Aide
Natalie Fanelli - School Counselor
Brian Gergely - Assistant Principal
Lynnette Hawkins - Aide
Lindsay Lee - Cafeteria Worker
Delaney Lineweaver - Grade 7 Math Teacher
Myra Lobur Downey - Aide
Haley Looney - Health/Physical Education Teacher
Ryan Madison - Grade 8 Intervention Specialist
Claudia Napier - Art Teacher
Natalie Nassif - Grade 6 Math Teacher
Aikaterini Sarra - Cafeteria Worker
Middle School Familiar Faces in New Place
Brandy Ausflug - Cafeteria Worker
Morgan Boldt - Grade 5 English Language Arts
Nicole Masson - Attendant
North Royalton High School
Bryan Conyers - Math Teacher
Gabrielle Goren - Speech Language Pathologist
Lauren Heldt - Bear Academy Teacher
Kaitlyn King - Math Teacher
Daniel Lloyd - Auditorium Utility Worker
Mark Robakowski - Assistant Custodian
Gina Turella - Aide
Maria Wolanin - School Counselor
High School Familiar Face in a New Place
Brian Fox - Health/Physical Education Teacher
Transportation
Evan Barnett - Mechanic (Half Time)
Transportation Familiar Face in a New Place
John Pate - Bus Driver
District
Steffani Cicerchi - Director of Pupil Services
Beth Steele - District Health Coordinator
John Vilevac - Lead Network & Systems Coordinator
Jonathan Vilevac - Technology Specialist
Staff Recognized for Years of Service
15 Years of Service
Jaime Heisler
Skip Mayer
Brian Myers
Misty Ricco
April Robins
Monica Trunzo
Pam Zeleznik
20 Years of Service
Julie Bogden
Jeff Cicerchi
Jessica Connelly
Stephen DeLong
Cathy Drescher
Jessica Dylong
Tennille Haugh
Liz Jacobs
Amy King
Brad Klingbeil
Amanda McClain
Amy Ness
Carol Nickell
Carolyn Perkins
Gina Perna
Matt Turk
25 Years of Service
Laura Becker
Lora Hertel
Jim Hoover
Beth Ann Kleem
Adrianne Klein
Sharon Merritt
Deanna Mikin
Michele O’Bannon
Bob Rodriguez
Laura Sandy
Traci Schon
Susanna Schwab
Gina Stabile
Amy Vance
Antonietta Wanko
Matt Yappel
30 Years of Service
Betty Callas
Kriste Smith
35 Years of Service
Karen Pissini