Norton City Schools authorizes several NEOnet contracts
NORTON – The Norton City Schools Board of Education approved several contracts with NEOnet (Northeast Ohio Network for Educational Technology) during the regular meeting on April 22, including: $20,412 for an internal communications equipment service order; $19,035 for managed internal broadband services; $23,520 for a VoIP agreement; $20,411 to eRate for installation of two high school core switches; $116,631 for internal communications equipment; and $11,180 for internet access.
In other business, the board approved:
• a leave of absence for high school teacher Emily Boyer, effective May 9;
• the employment of high school math teacher Tyler Pacifico, effective Aug. 17;
• the employment of Holly McLaughlin for summer literacy specialist and Jourden Knotts and Brittany Johnston for intervention specialists;
• the student handbooks for primary, elementary, middle and high schools;
• advertising for bids for summer roof replacement/repair for Norton Elementary;
• an agreement between Norton City Schools and Connection Education for the Leap program for the 2025-26 school year for $165 per student; and
• the Norton City Schools Chromebooks agreement form at a cost of $25 for each student in grade 4 and $30 for each student in grades 5 through 12.
The board also recognized the following Students of the Month: Duke Venables, primary; Keegan Pfahler, elementary; Cecelia Stratos, middle school; Dominick Riggs, high school; and Kennedy Cooper, high school compact.
The Norton City Schools board will next meet at 7 p.m. on May 19 in the Middle School Panther Room.
Patricia Faulhaber
Hoban launches program for students with moderate disabilities
AKRON — Archbishop Hoban High School announced a new academic program designed to support students with moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities. Holy Cross Pathways, named in recognition of the school’s connection to and sponsorship by the Brothers of Holy Cross, will launch in fall 2025, and applications are open for incoming ninth-grade students.
Holy Cross Pathways provides a structured, supportive learning environment led by two full-time teachers, an intervention specialist and a student instructional aide. The school’s Office of Student Services oversees the program, which is managed by Associate Principal of Student Services Jennifer Mattes.
“As a Catholic school rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, Hoban was founded with the mission to educate the hearts and minds of students of all backgrounds and abilities,” said Mattes. “We are proud to serve a diverse student body, and this program further illustrates our Holy Cross values of inclusiveness, hope and family.”
Holy Cross Pathways extends specialized learning opportunities to students who require modified curriculum and instruction. While core academic content is tailored to meet individual needs, students participate in elective courses alongside their peers to foster inclusivity and community.
Upon completion of the four-year program, students earn a high school diploma and are equipped for the next stage of life.
For more information, including program requirements and applicant criteria, visit hoban.org/pathways. To apply for Holy Cross Pathways, contact the school at pathways@hoban.org.
Scholarship opportunity available for high school seniors pursuing public service careers
SUMMIT COUNTY — Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro is promoting a $2,000 scholarship opportunity to high school seniors passionate about a future career in public service. The Ohio Counties Scholarship is sponsored by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) Research and Educational Foundation. Applicants should plan to attend a university, community college, training program or vocational school in Ohio and plan to seek a career in public service.
Public service includes a wide range of roles, such as caseworkers, police officers, court staff, prosecutors, information technology specialists, city planners and more.
To apply, students must be high school seniors with at least a “B” average or equivalent overall GPA, a U.S. citizen and a resident of Ohio. Applicants will submit a minimum 350-word essay on how they believe county governments in Ohio are improving residents’ lives, focusing on the county they live in. Applicants must also submit an official copy of their transcript and two letters of recommendation from teachers, community leaders or elected officials.
Throughout the state, there will be one scholarship offered to a student in each of the five CCAO districts.
“As much as I cherish my experience in the private sector, fully committing to be a public servant has brought me immense joy throughout the years and has allowed me to deeply connect with our community,” said Shapiro. “I urge local students with great aspirations and caring hearts to take advantage of this great scholarship opportunity. As county executive and current CCAO treasurer, I look forward to the impressive submissions from our Summit County high school seniors.”
To apply, visit ccao.org/aws/CCAO/pt/sp/re-foundation. The application deadline is May 2.