Cardinal BOE Awards 2026-2027 Certified and Classified Contracts
Cardinal Board of Education Meeting/Work Session - May 27, 2026
Meeting Details: The Cardinal Board of Education met for a meeting/work session at the Cardinal Board of Education Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, 44062 at 6:30 pm. The agenda is available online here. Click on the meeting tab in the upper right hand corner and then on the date of the meeting. This meeting is in person only with no livestream or video.
Board Attendance: President Linda Smallwood, Vice President Barb Rayburn, and Members Anita Marlowe, Ruth Natali, and Edna Phile.
Staff Attendance: Superintendent Jack Cunningham, Treasurer Daniel L. Wilson, future Cardinal
Treasurer Kathryn (Katie) Hoffmeister, Athletic Director Jimmy Soltis, Golf Coach Mike Topalian.
1. Opening Items The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll call was taken.
2. Presentations:
Huskie Happenings: (see Agenda for details)
-
Superintendent Cunningham recognized the entire Class of 2026 and wished each student the best of luck in their future endeavors. He recognized the Top 10 students in the class: Evan Everette, Elisabeth Morris, Braeden Dennis, Grayson Yoder, Garrett Omlor, Brynley Kitzmiller, Emma Clinger, and Eve Kaminski. He also recognized the valedictorian, Ali Puruckzy, and the salutatorian, Oliver Kumher.
-
He announced that Eve Kaminski received a scholarship through the Medical Mutual Scholarship Fund. The Columbus Foundation administers this scholarship program, which has been in place since 2005, as part of Medical Mutual's commitment to supporting customer schools and graduating high school students who wish to further their education. Selections were made based on the students' academic achievement and financial need.
-
He announced that several middle school track and field records were set during the season. Both the boys and girls teams took home 2nd Place at the NAC (Northeastern Athletic Conference) Championship meet. The 4x400 Middle School girls team broke the school record with a time of 4:31.29, previously set in 2012, and also placed in the Top 30 for states. Team members are Aubrey Herrera, Gracyn Kitzmiller, Willow Krebs, and Audrina Tilton. Aubrey also broke the 400M race record for the second time this season, with a time of 62.86. The 4x800 Team of Gracyn Kitzmiller, Aliya Springer, Hailey Bennett, and Allison Wojtasik also previously beat the school record with a time of 11:28.4. There were also records broken in pole vaulting - McKenna Fortier and Willow Krebs each broke the women's record, while Blake Hollesh broke the men's by over a 1.5 feet.
3. Hearing of the Public - None
4. Board Item - Resolution
For past, present, and future services to the Cardinal Local School District, the Board of Education of the Cardinal Local School District hereby authorizes and approves the payment of ten (10) days of accrued, unused vacation leave to Mr. Wilson at his current per diem rate (Annual Salary divided by 260 days). Nothing in this Resolution shall divest Mr. Wilson of the benefits contained in his employment agreement with the Cardinal Local School District.
Passed 5-0
5. Discussion Item(s)
-
2027 Graduation Date
Discussion of the 2027 graduation date for Cardinal Local Schools.
For consideration:
-
The start of the 2026-27 school year for students is after Labor Day
-
The required hours for high school students per year: 1,001
-
The last day for students for the 2026-27 school year is June 4, 2027
-
The last evening graduation was in 2015 and took place during Memorial Day weekend.
-
Potential new graduation dates to be considered: Thursday, May 27th, Friday, May 28th, or Saturday, May 29th
Discussion: Mrs. Smallwood said she prefers a Thursday or Friday evening. Ms. Natali asked if there would be problems with graduation conflicting with sports events. Mr. Cunningham said that there might be. Mrs. Smallwood asked the Athletic Director, Mr. Soltis, if there would be conflicts with sports events. He stated that softball and baseball games would be no problem, but the district regional track meet would be an issue on a Thursday or a Saturday evening.
Mr. Cunningham offered to poll the public to see which date is preferred for graduation.
The graduation date for the 2026-2027 school year will be an item on the agenda for the next board meeting.
-
OHSAA Girls’ Golf Program and Coaching Supplemental
Mr. Soltis stated that the Girls Golf team has been participating in matches with the Boys Golf team, and there are more boys now. Also, more girls want to play golf. Golf starts in mid-July and winds down by mid-September, allowing girls to participate in both golf and cross country. Last year there were five girls playing golf, and he anticipates that next year there will be six or seven. He stated that some schools in the NAC (Northeastern Athletic Conference) have Girls Golf teams and they could also schedule matches with schools outside of the NAC.
Mr. Cunningham stated that the recommendation for a Girls Golf program would be on the agenda for the next board meeting.
6. Superintendent’s Report - Personnel Items (see Agenda for details)
-
Human Resources/Personnel Actions:
Summer Course Teaching Appointments
-
Brianna Blair - two weeks of online math
-
James Kennedy - two weeks of in person math
-
Luke Kruse - Social Studies
Resignation:
-
Brittney Owen, Associate Principal, Effective July 31, 2026
-
Frank Sanzo, Jr/Sr High School Band, Effective July 31, 2026
-
Sarah LaMantia, Elementary Music, Effective August 1, 2026
-
Dakota Ward, Intervention Specialist, Effective August 1, 2026
-
Adam Boyle, Jr/Sr High CAD/STEM, Effective August 1, 2026
-
Arianna Dodds, 7-12 English, Effective August 1, 2026
Updated Retirement:
Supplemental (Athletics 2026-2027):
-
Cross Country - Head Jennifer Fekete - step 2
-
Cross Country - MS Molly Seifert - step 2
-
Football Asst. - HS Mike Loftus - step 1
-
Football - MS Tim Ball - step 2
-
Girls Volleyball - Head Michael Chaffee - step 2
-
Girls Volleyball - JV/Asst. Madison Bean - step 2
-
Girls Volleyball - Freshman Angela Kriynovich - step 2
-
Girls Volleyball - MS 7th Karyn Mazzolini - step 1
-
Golf - Head Mike Topalian - step 2
-
Golf - JV William Ray - step 2
-
Soccer - Head Girls Dakota Ward - step 2
-
Cheer Advisor - MS Kelly Wojtasik - step 1
-
Boys Basketball - Head Kyle Deckerd - step 2
-
Boys Basketball - JV/Asst Devon Johnson - step 2
-
Boys Basketball - MS Jim Gubanyar - step 2
-
Boys Basketball - MS Ashley Hunter - step 2
-
Girls Basketball - Head Jon Cummins - step 2
-
Girls Basketball - JV/Asst. Joe DiMattia - step 2
-
Wrestling - Head Dakota Ward - step 2
-
Wrestling - Asst. Caleb Fry - step 2
-
Boys Baseball - Head Dan Wolf - step 2
-
Track - Head Dakota Ward - step 2
-
MS Volleyball - Volunteer Heather Smith
-
MS Volleyball - Volunteer Diane Baumgartner
-
Faculty Manager Karen Retych
-
Youth Volleyball director Michael Chaffee - $4,000
-
Youth Recreation Sports Director Jimmy Soltis - $25,000
-
Youth Recreation Sports Asst. Madison Bean - $10,000
Seasonal Employment - summer casual employment, up to 29.5 hours per week. Beginning June 1, 2026 thru August 7, 2026 with (2) two nonwork/nonpay days on June 19, 2026 & July 3, 2026
-
Matt Bolton
-
Rogan Cunningham
-
Carson Davis
Additional Pay:
All Passed 5-0
7. Superintendent’s Report- Additional Items
-
Employee Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year
Certified Contracts
-
Continuing
-
Urban, Mikaela - Teacher
-
Strosnider, Rene - Teacher
-
Crea, Kelli - Teacher
-
Drenik, Sarah - School Support Coordinator
-
Seifert, Amy - Counselor
-
Deckard, Kyle - Teacher
-
Blair, Brianna - Teacher
-
Angelo, Kayleigh - Teacher
Classified Contracts:
-
Continuing
-
Peterson, Lynn - Paraprofessional
-
Kolat, Taylor - Paraprofessional
-
Hamrle, Amanda - Paraprofessional
-
Burkholder, Katherine - Transportation
-
Barcikowski, Martha - Paraprofessional
Confidential Contracts:
-
Continuing
-
Fix, Sam - Food Service Manager
-
Grant, Sheila - Accounts Payable
-
Adams, Haley - PR/Communications Lead
All Passed 5-0
B. Summer School Credit Recovery
Cardinal HS provides the following Summer School Credit Recovery Option:
-
June 1, 2026 - June 12, 2026 - In person Summer School Credit Recovery.
-
3 hours a day (9am-12pm)
-
Hire 4 Summer School Teachers
-
Teachers receive $150/student for a ½ credit class and $300/student for a full credit class (this is what is paid currently)
-
Teachers receive an additional $36/hour for 3.5 hours for these 10 in person days (3 hours of teaching, 30 minutes of prep).
-
June 15, 2026 - June 26, 2026 - Students finish classes virtually
-
If students who need to recover credits either don’t enroll in Summer School or fail the summer school course in which they enrolled, they will be placed back into the class for the following school year.
-
Families of students who enroll in but fail the Summer School course will be responsible for payment for the course.
Discussion: Mr. Cunningham stated that the program consists of two weeks of in person instruction, and two weeks of online classes. Ms. Natali asked how students are transported. Mr. Cunningham stated that parents drive them, but if they needed a ride the district would pick them up.
Passed 5-0
-
NEOnet Contract Renewal
Discussion: Ms. Phile asked that the contract be updated to change the name of the Treasurer. Mr. Cunningham stated that if the contract is signed today the name is correct, as Mr. Wilson is still the treasurer. She then requested that there be discussions in the future about bringing the services back to the district, or seeking a vendor other than NEOnet. Mr. Cunningham asked that in the future she bring these questions to him first.
Passed 5-0
D. Food Service Jr/Sr High Oven
Passed 5-0
E. Resolution for the Purchase of a School Bus
"Ohio Schools Council Cooperative advertising and receiving bids for school bus chassis and bodies
WHEREAS, the Cardinal Local School District Board of Education wishes to advertise and receive bids for the purchase of 1 - 72 passenger unitized conventional school bus chassis and body.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Cardinal Local School District Board of Education wishes to participate and authorizes the Ohio Schools Council to advertise and receive bids on behalf of said Board as per the specifications submitted for the cooperative purchase of 1 - 72 passenger conventional school bus chassis and body.
Part of the FY2027 Capital Improvement Plan."
Passed 5-0
F. CHS Fall Play 2026
Recommendation for approval of the 2026 CHS Fall play titled, "The Play That Goes Wrong, High School Edition" by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields.
Passed 5-0
G. ESC (Educational Services Center) Professional Learning Cost Summary
1. ESC Professional Learning Cost Summary Training/Workshop 8/26, 27, 31 and Sept 1, 2026- Funding source: Title II 2026-27 PD program. Training Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Writing Revolution.
Passed 5-0
Mr. Cunningham gave the board an update about test scores in the district. He stated that test scores are showing improvement, and he would have further information at the June board meeting.
8. Treasurer Report
-
Then and Now Board Approvals
-
BE IT RESOLVED that, on the recommendation of the Treasurer, the Cardinal Local School District Board of Education, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.41 (D), hereby: i) approves the authorization of Then and Now Certificates for the purchase orders listed below; ii) determines that that both at the time that the below-listed contracts or orders were made and at the time of completing this certification, sufficient funds were available or in the process of collection, to the credit of a proper fund, properly appropriated and free from any previous encumbrance; and iii) authorizes the drawing of warrants for the items listed below:
Passed 5-0
9. Legislative Update - none
10. Auburn Career Center Update - none
11. Hearing of the Public - Non-agenda Items - none
Mr. Cunningham invited the board to attend the end of the year assembly to recognize teachers on May 29.
Mrs. Smallwood thanked the Treasurer, Daniel Wilson, for his service to the district.
Mr. Wilson thanked the board and stated that he was confident that the new treasurer would do a fine job for the district.
12. Upcoming Dates/Meetings
-
May 28th: Students' Last Day of School
-
May 28th & 29th: Varsity Track and Field Regional Meets at Cuyahoga Heights High School @ 4:30 p.m. and 11:00 a.m.
-
May 29th: Teacher Records Day
-
June 1st: Athletic Boosters Meeting at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School A.D.'s Office @ 6:00 p.m.
-
June 2nd: Policy Committee Meeting at the Board Office @ 10:00 a.m.
-
June 6th: Cardinal Athletic Boosters' Golf Outing at Pleasant Hill Golf Course @ 11:00 a.m.
-
June 10: Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
-
June 11th: Tidy Up the Trails (Community Service Opportunity for 7-12th Grade Athletes) at Veterans Legacy Woods from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
-
June 12th - 14th: Swiss Cheese Festival at Cardinal Sports Complex
-
June 24th: Board of Education Meeting at the Board Office @ 6:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
Next meeting: June 10, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Board Offices, 15982 E. High Street, Middlefield, OH.
More information here: https://www.cardinalschools.org/page/board-members
Observer: Dorrie Keough
Editor: Harry Rees
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Submitted: May 31, 2026
The League of Women Voters of Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.