The Kirtland Local School District Board of Education has approved Missy Godina as the new principal of Kirtland Elementary School (KES) for the 2024-2025 academic year. The decision, made on Tuesday, July 9, comes after an extensive search process that attracted 25 applicants.
Godina succeeds Katy Nagaj, who has accepted a position as the Director of Teaching and Learning at a nearby district's central office. During her four-year tenure, Mrs. Nagaj led KES through the challenges of the pandemic and implemented several successful programs.
"It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as the principal of KES for the past four years," said Nagaj. "I am grateful to have been surrounded by the dedicated and hardworking staff as well as the supportive families, as we all worked together to help our Hornets grow and achieve!"
The search for a new principal involved initial screenings of six candidates, with two finalists presented to a panel of parents, staff, and administrators. Godina emerged as the top choice, bringing with her over two decades of diverse experience in education.
Godina's career includes roles as an intervention specialist teacher, elementary school principal, high school assistant principal, instructional coach, and special education coordinator at Euclid City Schools and Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She has established herself as a strong instructional leader, having led various professional development initiatives, including training for the school's newly adopted CKLA reading program.
Upon her appointment, Godina expressed her enthusiasm: "I am so grateful for the opportunity to take on the role as Principal at Kirtland Elementary School. I am committed to collaborating with students, staff, and families to foster the minds of Kirtland's youngest learners."
Colleagues speak highly of Godina, describing her as hardworking, collaborative, and dedicated to student success. Her background in both regular and special education is expected to be a valuable asset to KES and the district as a whole.
“We are very excited to welcome Mrs. Godina to Kirtland,” said Superintendent Chad VanArnhem. “We are fortunate to have someone with her background, knowledge and experiences to lead Kirtland Elementary School. She has a strong work ethic and has successfully led in a variety of educational positions. We are excited for the students, staff and community to meet her.”
Godina received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an Inspired Leaders Principal Licensure Program all from Cleveland State University.
She is a lifelong Euclid resident where she still resides with her husband Joe and three children.
As Kirtland Elementary School prepares for the new academic year, the community looks forward to welcoming Mrs. Godina and continuing its tradition of educational excellence under her leadership. She will be available in Hornet Hall during the school’s Ice Cream Social on August 14 at 5 pm.