The school year has arrived. Parents are rejoicing while most kids are not ready to hang up the summer fun.
The first day of classes for many Stark County-area students is this week.
The Canton Repository asked officials in every area public district to share highlights of what is in store the 2026-27 school year. Here’s what they said:
Alliance City Schools
Construction trades students will get hands-on experience as part of a partnership with the Electrical Trades Center of Greater Stark County.
Twenty-four students will be part of a pre-apprenticeship electric program that will give them lab instruction at the Canton Electrical JATC in Jackson Township. They can earn one year of apprenticeship credit while finishing high school and preparing for high-demand careers.
The district welcomes Shelby Schutt as new principal at Alliance Preschool.
The district completed summer paving projects at several buildings, including Alliance High, Alliance Middle and Elementary schools.
Brown Local Schools
The district has implemented initiatives that have produced positive results in student attendance and academic achievement, school leaders said.
The district also remains committed to student safety, access to mental health services and health care opportunities.
Through a partnership with the Aultman school-based health center, located in the Wellness Center attached to the school, students and families have access to health care offerings, helping remove barriers to learning and supporting the overall well-being of students.
The community will continue to have free access, seven days a week, to the Community Fitness Center in the Wellness Center, reinforcing the district’s commitment to promoting health and wellness.
New staff members include elementary teachers Brooke Courtney and Jenna Cassidy; elementary intervention specialist Lauren Boron; elementary title tutor Landon Waller; middle school teachers Nick Chaddock and Alec Harbaugh; middle school/high school title tutor Ethan Mueller; special education paraprofessionals Dawn Fowler and Tiffany Brown; food services employee LeeAnn Williams; and custodian Wanda Watkins.
Canton City Schools
The district has gone through restructuring amid feedback from parents and the community, as well as a need to trim expenses.
That includes restoring kindergarten-sixth grade elementary schools and returning them to neighborhood-based educational spaces.
The new $30 million Timken Elementary School is set to welcome its first students this fall.
The construction was funded through a 36-year, voter-approved bond issue.
The newest school, on the site of the former Mason Elementary School at 316 30th St. NW, will house more than 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Another other building is under construction at the former Souers Middle School at 2800 13th St. SW. That building, known as Lincoln Elementary, will open the following school year.
The district also will open Bulldog BASE (Blended Autism Services & Education) at Harter. The program is unique to Stark County, with the goal of providing a quality education for students who require different approaches to learning, officials said.
Canton Local Schools
As part of a grant from the Stark County Health Department, nationally recognized resilience speaker Nate Webb will visit Canton Local on Aug. 20.
Webb will share practical strategies for overcoming challenges and making positive choices during the school day. The community also is invited to Webb’s free presentation at 6 p.m.
“We are grateful to the Stark County Health Department for making this opportunity possible,” Superintendent Larry Tausch said. “Helping our students build resilience is an investment in their future, and we’re excited to extend that conversation to our families and community.”
New employees include athletic director Joe Bogdan Jr. and athletic secretary Jennifer Wilhelm.
Other varsity head coaches also were hired, including Badre Bardawil, football; Christine Giffen, girls soccer; Don Stoll, cheerleading; and Greg Eibel, cross country.
Carrollton Exempted Village Schools
Carrollton welcomes 16 new teachers; an elementary assistant principal; cafeteria supervisor; two school counselors; two custodians; and a school nurse.
Now that the district’s entire student body is on one campus, officials hope to expand the outdoor education program utilizing the 150-acre site.
There also are plans to continue to grow the Farm to School efforts with grow towers and fruit trees.
Dalton Local Schools
The district has finalized plans for a new “Play for All” playground designed for kindergarten through eighth graders.
The project has been supported by the community as the district raised funds under the leadership of school physical therapist Carli Braun.
Brianna Reed is the new special education coordinator. Reed has served as an intervention specialist at Dalton High for the past 10 years and brings a passion for students and learning, Superintendent Steve Watkins said.
The district is continuing its partnership with the Counseling Center of Wayne & Holmes Counties to provide on-site behavioral health care and individual/group counseling services. Brooke Castello has joined as clinical counselor, replacing Ann Dennison, who retired.
Fairless Local Schools
Fairless is implementing a new, three-year strategic plan focusing on improving literacy, mathematics and attendance.
Superintendent Mike Heard said the plan maintains two goals from the former initiative that focus on communication and resources.
“While the goals in this new plan have shifted from the old plan, the overall mission and vision remain the same: Our mission is to ‘Educate and Empower Fairless to Soar to Excellence.’ Our vision statement is Fairless is the community where families want to learn, live, work and grow,” he said.
Jackson Local Schools
Jackson, building on more than $6 million is utility cost savings through an energy conservation program, is replacing aging fluorescent lighting with hybrid LED lights in some areas of the high school.
With Superintendent Chris DiLoreto retiring at the end of the school year, the administrative team has shifted.
Matt Ziders is moving from principal at Jackson High to associate superintendent and will replace DiLoreto. John Reindel has moved from principal at Sauder Elementary to chief academic officer.
Jackson High’s new principal is Joe Knopick. Jacquelyn Pitzo is moving from guidance counselor to assistant principal at Jackson High. Sauder Elementary’s new principal is Jordan Parks.
Emmalee Jarvis is the new dean of students at Strausser and Amherst elementaries.
Work connecting two neighborhoods to make pedestrian and bicycle traffic easier to Jackson Memorial Middle School and Sauder Elementary School is almost complete. A sidewalk was added along the north side of Mudbrook Street NW from Drexel Avenue NW to Cheryl Lane NW near the middle school.
A crosswalk will be installed to connect the new sidewalk to the existing one on the south side of Mudbrook. A sidewalk also will be added along the east side of Wales Avenue NW from Mudbrook north to Ponteberry Street NW and the Greenbriar Hills allotment.
Lake Local Schools
Lake Local Schools will begin implementing a multi-year restructuring of its administrative leadership team designed around upcoming retirements.
Jeff Breit will transition to assistant superintendent. Joey Brightbill will move from principal of Lake Elementary to the administrative office, where he will begin preparing to take on expanded leadership responsibilities.
Justin Brosey will become principal of Lake Elementary, and Talia Pavlich is the new assistant principal at the elementary school.
“This restructuring will allow us to continue providing strong support for our students and staff while creating an efficient and financially sustainable administrative structure for the district over the next several years,” Superintendent Brett Yeagley said.
More than $700,000 has been raised to make significant improvements to athletic facilities through the Field of Dreams fundraiser. The donated funds will allow the district to move forward with plans to install artificial turf on the varsity softball and baseball fields. No district funds will be used for either project.
Lake Local has also received private donations in excess of $50,000 that will support upgrades to the Performing Arts Hall, enhancements to the STEAM program at Lake Middle High School, and continued growth and expansion of the robotics programs at both the middle high school and elementary school.
The district also is transitioning to the StopFinder app to provide families with access to bus transportation information, including schedules. All student bus stop information will be available through StopFinder.
Louisville City Schools
There are new start times.
High School doors open at 7:15 a.m. The first bell is at 7:30 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:19 p.m.
The middle school’s first bell is 7:40 a.m., the same time as doors open. Dismissal is at 2:57 p.m.
Louisville Elementary students can enter the school at 8:25 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:05 p.m. North Nimishillen Elementary opens at 8:15 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:10 p.m.
Marlington Local Schools
Several new leaders are on board, including Wade Warner, Washington Elementary School principal; Greg Travis, middle school principal; Christopher Mossa, high school assistant principal; and James Williams, director of transportation.
The district’s focus remains on providing students with a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment where they can grow academically, socially and emotionally, Superintendent Dan Swisher said.
This year’s district theme, “Every Minute, Every Moment, Every Memory,” reminds staff that each day presents an opportunity to make a positive impact.
Massillon City Schools
A new playground, featuring updated equipment and rubber surfacing will be installed at Massillon Intermediate School so children of all abilities can play.
This September, the Washington High auditorium will undergo a major lighting upgrade, replacing outdated incandescent house and theater lights with energy-efficient LED technology.
The new LED system will improve lighting quality for audiences and performances while reducing energy use and operating costs. LEDs use about 10% of the energy required by incandescent lighting and generate less heat, leading to additional savings in air conditioning costs.
Tony Carr will serve as the Washington High principal, replacing Dave Lautenschleger, who now is principal at Tuscarawas Valley Middle and High School.
Other administrative changes include AJ Vennetti becoming junior high principal; Mike Williams, Intermediate School assistant principal; and Dustin Wilson, Massillon Intermediate School dean of students.
Natalie Voytek will serve as a special education coordinator, and Brian Pachis is the athletic director.
Minerva Local Schools
Minerva High School has a new vocal music teacher and choir director.
Sam Darrin succeeds Debra Imler, who retired after 33 years as a vocal music teacher and choir director.
“Darrin brings extensive classroom experience to the Lions, having previously served as the choir director at Streetsboro Middle and High schools. In that role, he directed five choral ensembles and provided private coaching to student soloists preparing for competitions. His background also includes significant work in musical theater, having served as an assistant director, choreographer and pit orchestra conductor for various productions,” said Minerva Superintendent Mark Scott.
The district plans to break ground soon on the softball project to install new playing turf and dugouts. The project has been made possible through community donations. Work is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2027 spring season.
The newly formed Minerva Rotary Interact Leadership Club, a student-led service organization sponsored by Rotary International and Minerva Rotary Club, recently helped beautify Minerva’s parks in preparation for Minerva homecoming.
Northwest Local Schools
From facility improvements to curriculum enhancements and new staff members, the district continues to invest in opportunities for every student, Superintendent Shawn Braman said.
One of the most visible projects is construction at Northwest High School, which began in February.
A major highlight is the addition of a state-of-the-art weight room. Also under construction is a dedicated wrestling room to accommodate the growth of the youth wrestling program.
An arts storage extension behind Puffenburger Hall also is being constructed. The performing arts programs continue to grow, as has the need for additional storage, Braman said.
The football stadium’s synthetic turf was replaced. Astroturf completed the installation.
Plans also call for the renovation or replacement of the sports annex, which houses the stadium locker rooms and concession stands. The project will begin at the end of the fall athletic seasons.
A new English language arts curriculum will be implemented at both the middle school and high school.
The district is partnering with Stark Educational Partnership to introduce the YouScience career readiness program for middle school and high school students.
Osnaburg Local Schools
East Canton High was redesignated as an Ohio STEM School by the Ohio STEM Committee in February, making it the only Stark high school to hold the distinction, which is granted for five years.
Teachers and STEM leaders Lisa Gothard and David Samblanet represented the district before the Ohio STEM Committee and have led the school’s STEM work, which emphasizes problem-based learning, career-connected experiences, and deep partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and institutes of higher education.
“This redesignation is a tremendous point of pride for East Canton and our entire community. It affirms that ourstudents are learning in one of the most innovative high schools in the state. … I want to especially recognize the leadership of Lisa Gothard and Dave Samblanet, whose vision and daily work with our faculty made this possible,” Superintendent Kevin Finefrock said.
The middle school was awarded bronze recognition from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce forits successful implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
East Canton Elementary School completed a renovation to offer preschool services through a partnership with Kid Watch Paradise Church, and opened a second, cross-categorical classroom serving students with learning differences.
Perry Local Schools
Work has begun on the new Perry Middle School, which will serve students in grades five to eight. The building is set to open for the 2028-29 school year.
Perry has adopted ParentSquare for district communication.
New tennis courts have been constructed, and new turf was installed in the football stadium.
Plain Local Schools
Little Eagles Preschool has implemented an updated, research-based curriculum aligned with kindergarten and first-grade academic standards. The new approach strengthens the connection between preschool and the primary grades.
Following a yearlong review of K-12 special education services, Plain Local is aligning staffing, resources and programming. The updates will provide students receiving special education services with a more consistent, equitable and effective learning experience.
Derek Nottingham will join the district as treasurer, bringing nearly 20 years of public school finance experience, most recently with Louisville City Schools. Kyle Sasala is athletic director after most recently holding the same position at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron. This change follows the retirement of longtime athletic director and head football coach Scott Garcia.
Several current Plain Local leaders will also transition into new roles. Deirdre Coar will move from Frazer Elementary to principal at Taft Elementary. David Thompson, career tech music production instructor and Fine Arts Department manager, will become principal of Frazer Elementary. Erica Hershberger, a longtime Plain Local educator, Teacher Pathways leader and lead mentor, will become principal of Barr Elementary. Barr Principal Camille Anderson will transition to preschool director following Diane Ringer’s move to the Stark County Educational Service Center.
At GlenOak High School, Kevin Allan, dean of students at Middlebranch Elementary and a former Oakwood Middle School teacher and lead mentor, will join the administrative team as academy principal. Jerad Buck will transition to the curriculum department while continuing to serve as career tech coordinator.
RG Drage
Building renovations included asphalt sealing, replacement of air conditioning rooftop units, roof replacement, a server upgrade, skylight replacement, updated building signage and upgrades to auditorium lighting.
The recently added HVAC Lab area continues to provide an opportunity to gain the skills and industry credentials in a new state-of-the-art facility with the industry’s best equipment and tools. The expansion is due to the growth in the HVAC program and overall enrollment, Director Dan Murphy said.
The early college program, “Zip to an Associates” with the University of Akron, is thriving since increasing students per grade to 50. The two-year program gives students the opportunity to earn an associate degree while attending Drage at no cost.
Murphy is excited about the career center’s new partnership with the local JATC Electrical Apprenticeship and the construction program. The partnership will include electrical trades training by journeymen electricians. The program will expand to take an additional 25 students per year beginning in 2027.
Sandy Valley Local Schools
The high school welcomes new Principal Beau Balderson, who has served as the district’s athletic director and assistant principal for the past two years.
With Balderson’s transition, Sandy Valley welcomes Drew Meister as the district’s new athletic director and assistant principal. Meister brings 25 years of experience in education, coaching and school leadership.
“He understands the importance of building relationships, supporting students, and creating opportunities for students to excel both academically and athletically,” Superintendent Matt Whitted said.
The Cardinals have a new leader on the football field, as Torrance Carle has been named head football coach and returns to Ohio after teaching and coaching in North Carolina. A graduate of Minerva High School, Carle brings 13 years of coaching experience.
“Coach Carle’s experience, character, and commitment to student success align perfectly with our district’s values,” Whitted said. “We are confident he will have a positive impact on our student-athletes, both on and off the field.”
Sebring Local Schools
The district has new leadership in Superintendent Scott Cassidy and Treasurer April Habeger.
Nearly all student school supplies will be provided at no cost, thanks to community partners, including United Way Women United, Danny’s Cans, Trinity Lutheran Thrivent Action Team and Sebring Fire Department.
Students will have the opportunity to enroll in a new cultural tourism and cuisine course, creating a career pathway in hospitality, tourism and restaurant entrepreneurship. The district will also place an increased emphasis on its REWARDS intervention program to strengthen reading skills and improve student performance on Ohio’s English language arts assessments.
Roof replacement on the McKinley High gym is expected to be completed in time for the start of school. Once finished, every roof on the McKinley campus will have been replaced within the past two years, backed by a 50-year warranty.
Tuslaw Local Schools
Adam McKenzie is taking over as superintendent. Previously, he served as principal at Tuslaw Elementary and the high school. He replaces Melissa Marconi, who retired.
Justin Shackle will move to middle school principal, replacing Rich Dinko, who became curriculum director and federal programs coordinator.
JP Sexton will be the new middle school assistant principal. Sexton comes to Tuslaw from Perry Local, bringing 26 years of teaching experience.
Broc Dial will start the year as the new high school assistant principal.
The district installed a new video scoreboard, thanks to community donations. The scoreboard will be used for all home soccer, football and track events. And the district recently unveiled its newly renovated performing arts center, which features new seating.
West Branch Local Schools
The new Wellness Center has opened. The 5,600-square-foot addition to the high school gym has space for athletic training classes and features new equipment.
The old weight room, the Meiter Building, has been repurposed and remodeled. There are now locker rooms for all outdoor sports for both male and female athletes.
The project cost about $1.1 million.
With a rise in enrollment in fourth grade, the district added an additional fourth grade instructor.
Lucas Cooper is the district’s new treasurer. He previously worked with the Columbiana County Educational Service Center. Adam DeMonte, previously at Alliance City Schools, is the new special services director.
The Early Learning Center will start the school day 10 minutes earlier this school year. Class begins at 8:50 a.m.
Reach Amy at amy.knapp@indeonline.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: What’s new this year for Stark-area schools? Your complete roundup
Reporting by Amy L. Knapp, Massillon Independent / The Repository
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By Amy L. Knapp, Massillon Independent | USA TODAY Network
