EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series looking at what Lake County communities, agencies and school districts experienced in 2025 and what is facing them in 2026. Students and teachers in the Kirtland School District spent another year achieving academic success and getting involved in their commu nity, according to Superintendent Chad VanArnhem. Academic achievements included a five-star rating from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, VanArnhem said, placing the district in the top 7 percent of Ohio school districts. He said it also got a score of four out of four on the Special Education Profile. “While we all understand that a truly outstanding school system is defined by much more than just a report card, it does provide us with valuable insights into our students’ achievements,” he said. “I am very proud of our students and staff.” High school students got business experience helping to run the Buzz Stop Spirit Store as part of an entrepreneurial class. VanArnhem said that students have worked on naming, branding, inventory design, price development, promotional materials, planning and printing for the shop. He added that the store is open during “larger community events,” and work is underway on a website. Additional business experience came to students in Kim Ruggieri’s business class. They provided competitive analysis research for Casa Rosa Cucina, a restaurant that opened in Kirtland in the spring, and provided advice on how to promote the restaurant. VanArnhem said that other examples of community engagement have included: • Elementary school students honoring first responders and eating lunch with them on Sept. 11 • Kirtland High School student Josh Stewart remodeling the stage and storage area at Hornet Hall for an Eagle Scout project • Students throughout the district participating in a food drive; Kirtland Middle School students participating in Toys for Tots; and staff and students participating in blood drives. Community organizations like the Kirtland Area Service Council, The Well, Kirtland Kiwanis and the Kirtland Parent Teacher Association have also shown support for the schools, VanArnhem said, while alumnus Paul Guy sponsored charter buses so that cross country runners and the football team could travel to state competitions. The district has continued to focus on student and staff wellness, he added, including opportunities for students and staff members to move around. VanArnhem said that he and other district staff presented on wellness at a national health conference in Columbus in the fall. “Research supports that regular physical activity for students can help with their attention, learning, behavior, mental health and physical health,” he said. “I am very proud of our staff for providing these opportunities for our students.” Kirtland’s elementary and middle schools also participated in Start with Hello Week in September to address social isolation. VanArnhem added that other district achievements this year included: • All three Kirtland schools receiving U.S. News and World Reports Best Schools rankings badges for being in the top 40 percent of the state; • Kirtland Elementary School getting a gold award from the Ohio Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Showcase for the seventh straight year, and Kirtland High School getting a bronze award; and • Kirtland High School student Charlie Whittaker being named a 2026 National Merit Scholarship Competition Semifinalist. Three Kirtland Middle School students were also invited to the Henry Ford Museum near Detroit, Michigan, to showcase inventions at the Invention Convention in June. The Kirtland Schools Buzz Stop Spirit Store is pictured. Superintendent Chad VanArnhem said that high school students students run the spirit store. (Courtesy of Chad VanArnhem) Finances VanArnhem called school funding uncertainty the district’s biggest challenge in 2025. Though state cuts were not finalized, he said that proposed legislation could have cost the district millions of dollars each year. He said that the district will lose about $422,000 a year after county leaders voted in October to adopt an optional homestead tax exemption and owner-occupied tax exemption to address property taxes. District leaders have shared their concerns with local officials. While the district’s budget looks “strong” right now, VanArnhem said that can change quickly if there are legislative changes. “This is similar to last year as we continue to look at cost saving measures to avoid deficit spending while not taking away from quality instruction,” he added. One of the four pillars of the Kirtland Schools strategic plan is “well-managed finances.” VanArnhem said that the district seeks fiscal responsibility by monitoring spending, using shared services and using zero-based budgeting, and has not had to ask for new general fund money since 2012. He said that the district’s challenges in 2026 will depend on potential legislative changes to school funding. District leadership The Kirtland School District hired Mary Pat Pavicic as the new Kirtland High School principal ahead of the 2025-26 school year, replacing Victor Puskas in the role. The Kirtland School Board will have new faces in the coming year. Board members Shannon Green and Jonathan Withrow did not seek re-election in November. Community members Christina Andow and John Warren won their seats in the Nov. 4 general election, according to Lake and Geauga county elections board results. Andow and Warren will start four-year terms in January, along with current board member Joshua Hayes, who was re-elected in November. Their two board colleagues, Sheila Dikowicz and Matt Whittaker, are halfway through four-year terms. Goals for 2026 One upcoming event will be a community book read on Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation.” VanArnhem said that the Feb. 2 event will include “a panel of local experts that include a police officer, magistrate, school counselor and pediatrician.” He added that multiple copies of the book are available in the Kirtland Public Library. “I truly believe it is one of the most powerful books I have read as an educator and parent,” VanArnhem said. “The data on damage being caused to children by smartphones and social media is alarming. This book provides adults with tools and an understanding of how to protect our children.” He encouraged community members with children or who supervise children to read the book or attend on Feb. 2. The event will be held at 6 p.m. at Hornet Hall. VanArnhem said that in the upcoming school year, the district will continue to follow its four pillars: personalized learning, a safe and secure environment, well-managed finances and community engagement. “I truly feel that I am beyond fortunate to be a part of this amazing district and community,” VanArnhem said. “We truly have great students, staff and families in a supportive community which makes this district special.” ...read more read less