North Royalton City Schools employees came together August 17 for the district’s annual Staff Convocation, marking the start of the 2026-2027 school year and Superintendent Jeff Cicerchi’s first year leading the district. The morning brought teachers, administrators and support staff together to welcome new colleagues, recognize longtime employees and focus on the work ahead as students return to classrooms.
Board of Education President Jackie Arendt welcomed employees on behalf of the Board of Education, while Business Manager Pat Farrell introduced new staff members and employees taking on new roles throughout the district.
More than 40 new employees were welcomed to North Royalton City Schools this year, joining the elementary school, middle school, high school and transportation departments. The district also recognized several current employees who have moved into new positions, including new building and district leadership roles.
The convocation provided an opportunity to recognize employees reaching significant service milestones. Eight employees were honored for 15 years of service, 16 for 20 years, nine for 25 years and 14 for 30 years. Shirley Burns was recognized for 35 years of service to the district, while Karen Jones and Paula Ross were each honored for 40 years of service.
Cicerchi used his first staff convocation as superintendent to talk with teachers and staff about the direction of the district and the role every staff member plays in helping North Royalton students succeed. “We need to know where we are going. We need to know why we are going there. You need to understand how you fit,” Cicerchi shared with staff.
That direction is rooted in the district’s mission to “inspire and empower every learner to become future-ready” and its vision of a learning community where students are valued, supported and prepared for their future in a rapidly changing world.
Cicerchi also centered his message on the idea of “Mission Over Ego,” encouraging team members to keep students and the district’s shared purpose at the center of their work.
During a personal portion of his presentation, Cicerchi shared a story connected to the teaching profession and the influence educators have on the lives of students. His message to staff was simple: “Teach Like It’s a Privilege… Because It Is.”
The morning also provided an opportunity to introduce the district’s Portrait of a Bear to the full staff as North Royalton begins bringing the framework into schools during the 2026-2027 school year.
The Portrait of a Bear identifies six competencies the district wants students to develop throughout their educational experience: Adaptability, Communication, Critical Thinking, Empathy, Leadership and Learner’s Mindset. The framework connects directly to the district’s mission and provides a common understanding of the competencies students will need as they prepare for life beyond North Royalton City Schools.
As employees prepared to welcome students back for another school year, Cicerchi closed with a message about working together and his approach to leading the district. “Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year. I am excited to listen, learn, and lead with all of you as we inspire and empower every learner to become future-ready.”
New Staff Members
The district introduced a wide range of new hires across all schools and departments:
Elementary School
Andrew Bradley - Psychologist
Lauren Bucciere - Intervention Specialist (Pre-K)
Jessica Butcher - Aide
Ashley Dlugolinski - Grade 2 Teacher
Paityn Gutkowski - Intervention Specialist
Kayla Kaye - Aide
Addison Keitlen - Grade 2 Teacher (LTS)
Marley Kovach - Attendant
Lena Mekruit - Grade 1 Teacher (LTS)
Julie Pavelich - Aide
Nataliia Rudenko - Aide
Julia Sedlecky - Grade 2 Teacher
Tiffany Vlahovic - MTSS/Title 1 Teacher
Rachel Walentik - Intervention Specialist
Sophia Wolf - Intervention Specialist
Middle School
Evan Adams - Grade 5 Social Studies
Derek Baker - Psychologist
Dean Chuppa - Aide
Denean Franz - Data Entry Clerk
Amritha Sailesh Karathody - Aide
Taryn Cieslak - Intervention Specialist
Allison Klingbeil - Small Group Instructor
Jessica Lehecka - Attendant
Jack Matthews - Utility Custodian
Ilysia McCoy - Utility Custodian
Crystal Petry - Cleaner
Joseph Smith - Cleaner
Jordan Smith - Intervention Specialist
Nancy Stepro Ward - Attendant
Kayla Sokolowski - Grade 7 Social Studies Teacher
Jennifer Swanson - Aide
High School
Jennifer Beck - Cafeteria Worker
Judd Lutz - Assistant Principal
Madison O’Malley - English Language Arts Teacher
Max Ross - English Language Arts Teacher
Joe Schlesinger - Health/PE Teacher
Florica Todut - Cafeteria Worker
Chad Toth - Assistant Custodian
Nathan Zadzilka - Vocal Music Teacher (MS/HS)
Transportation
Sharon Brito - Bus Monitor
Nicole Clymer - Data Entry Clerk
Larry Winslow - Bus Driver
Elementary School Familiar Faces in a New Place
Katie Bober - Assistant Principal
Charlene Duncan - Attendant
Crystal Ezzo - Intervention Specialist
Maria Rosaria Marzano-Ripa - Cafeteria Worker
April Robins - Special Education Coordinator (PreK - Grade 5)
Michelle Toth - School Counselor
Middle School Familiar Faces in a New Place
Rita Ghanem - Cafeteria Manager
Alex Guzina - 11-month Administrative Secretary
Julie Shust - Assistant Cafeteria Manager
Jasminne Wessel - Principal
Matt Yappel - Assistant Principal
High School Familiar Faces in a New Place
Brandy Ausflug - Cafeteria Work
Kathy LaManna - Attendant
Melissa Rhodes - Psychologist
Lisa Weinheimer - Assistant Cafeteria Manager
District Familiar Faces in a New Place
Erin Calabrese, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction
Years of Service Recognitions
15 Years of Service
Matt Ciha
Lisa Deka
Kathleen Filippelli
Karen Gliebe-Svoboda
Jane Lawry
Sean Osborne
Colleen Scharf
Matt Stricker
20 Years of Service
Connie Andjelkovic
Abigail Caywood
Brian Clark
Lynn Egizii
Ellen Grayson
Soo Ryun Henry
Kristin Hubbell
Melissa Kildoo
Annemarie Kish
Stacie Leatherman
Andrea Lemmer
Paul Salyards
Lauri Scott
Aaron Wheeler
Laura Whitehead
Joann Woods
25 Years of Service
Debbie Cammarata-Syroney
Jill Gutia
Amy Gyorok
Monica Hoelter
Barb Miller
Gordana Mitrovic
Michelle Sablyar
Dawn Saringer
Cathy Szabo
30 Years of Service
Alison Dietrich
Kirk Ambrose
Kelly Atkins
Sue Butcher
LeeAnn Cichon
Chris Connelly
Cathy Dostal
Betsy Engel
Paul Hayburn
Nancy Hill
Jenn Nemeth
Cindy Richards
Sheryl Rowe
Diane Watson
35 Years of Service
Shirley Burns
40 Years of Service
Karen Jones
Paula Ross