What an amazing start to the new school year! Kirtland High School (KHS) has once again been recognized among the top public high schools in Ohio, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings released on August 18. (Rankings for our elementary and middle schools will be released at a later date.)
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support our community continues to show our schools. That Hornet Pride was recently on full display thanks to the Kirtland Area Service Council, which generously donated gift cards to each principal for student school supplies, and our incredible PTA volunteers, who helped our newest kindergarteners navigate their very first day. Thank you to everyone who makes a difference for our students!
As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to using the four pillars of our strategic plan to guide our instruction and daily practices throughout the year.
Pillar 1: Personalized Learning
Our staff will continue to find new ways to tailor learning to meet our students’ needs. We will continue with the implementation of our newer math curriculum in all three buildings that has produced significant student achievement gains! The high school social studies department will be implementing a few new textbooks along with our foreign language department, to enhance their curriculum.
We are also dedicated to supporting the whole student. The middle and elementary schools will use their fitness rooms for movement breaks during study halls, physical education classes, and for student interventions. Research shows that physical activity breaks can improve focus, learning, and behavior, while also supporting physical and mental health.
Pillar 2: A Safe and Secure Environment
Keeping our campus safe remains a top priority. We are continuing to make safety upgrades and hold quarterly district safety meetings with school staff, police, and fire departments. Recently, we hosted a table top drill with staff, guided by the Kirtland Fire and Police Departments. We are also incredibly fortunate to have a full-time Student Resource Officer on campus every day.
To our community and students: if you hear or see something concerning, please notify a building administrator or the police immediately.
Pillar 3: Well-Managed Finances
We take great pride in using your tax dollars responsibly. Through shared services, zero-based budgeting, grants, and other fiscally responsible practices, the school district has not needed to pass a levy for new general fund money since 2012.
Legislative changes have presented ongoing uncertainties with school funding. The district has faced financial losses through the Piggyback Provisions implemented at the county level and at the state level due to HB 96, HB 129 and HB 335. With the loss of funding and with declining student enrollment, the district reduced four teaching positions, one aide, reduced the hours of two classified positions and increased pay to participate fees for the 2026-2027 school year. These difficult decisions have made a significant improvement on the school district’s financial forecast which flattened the rate of expenditures and lessened the amount of deficit spending. Long-term fiscal stability will be based on continued fiscal responsibility, other legislative changes and future levy renewals. The Kirtland Local Schools will have a renewal levy on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Pillar 4: Engaging the Community
The level of community support truly sets Kirtland Schools apart. Beyond the groups mentioned earlier, the Kirtland Service Department, police, and fire departments have been instrumental in their support, and we look forward to a continued strong partnership.
We want to make sure you have a chance to be heard, too. I will be hosting three Coffee & Conversations with the Superintendent events at Honey’s:
These are great opportunities to ask questions and hear about what's happening in the district.
Finally, I am so proud of our students who give back to the community. Last year, the Class of 2026 earned 5,695 hours of community service!
Thank you for your continued support, and go Hornets!
Dr. Chad VanArnhem, Superintendent