On March 29, Cindy Richards, fourth-grade teacher at North Royalton Elementary School, was recognized as the Teacher of the Year. She has worked in the District for 25 years.
According to Principal Kirk Pavelich…
Cindy is an absolute rock star when it comes to planning meaningful and engaging lessons with her intervention specialist co-teaching partner. Relationships with students serve as the foundation for Cindy’s classroom, as she works tirelessly to provide everyone an equal opportunity to achieve at their fullest potential. Her rapport with students is phenomenal, as they place their complete trust in her since they can readily see just how much she cares about each and every one of them. Each and every day, Cindy’s kindness shines through toward her students and every single staff member she comes in contact with. No matter the challenges she may face personally on any given day, you can always count on Cindy to have a smile on her face, a positive attitude to share and encouraging words to students and colleagues alike.
Cindy will do whatever she is asked at all times because she is a team player who cares deeply about not only the success and achievements of her students, but also in making our District the very best place it can be for everyone who is a part of it. She is an outstanding department leader at our building, overseeing all of the fourth-grade teachers. Leading this group was no small feat, as Cindy was faced with the challenge of bringing a very experienced group of educators together when we moved from our three schools to our new school. She pulled this task off in such a way that every single member of her department absolutely adores her and would do anything for her.
Cindy will also readily step in and volunteer for any assignment or committee because she cares so deeply for the North Royalton City Schools and North Royalton Elementary School. Quite simply, she will do whatever it takes to make the District and the school a phenomenal place for anyone and everyone who comes in contact with it.
“Cindy is simply one of the most positive people I have met since coming to the District,” said Superintendent Michael Laub, North Royalton City Schools.  “I truly appreciate her approach with our students and her teammates around her.  She is clearly a leader in our District!”
North Royalton City Schools also announce Staff Person of the Year. On March 31, Mary Oldag, administrative secretary at North Royalton Middle School, was recognized as the Support Staff Person of the Year.  She has worked for the District for 24 years.
According to those administrators who have worked closely with Mary…
Mary has impacted the District positively from the time she was hired at Albion Elementary. She has worn a number of hats over the years, and always with a smile and warm heart. Mary approached opportunities to assume new roles and responsibilities in the District with grace and a level of commitment like no other.
Mary is patient and kind. From joyfully welcoming and working with our students with the most intensive needs each morning, to calming our students during self-regulation breaks, Mary demonstrates her deep commitment to our kids. She is also very dedicated to the success of our school. When we were going through a lot of office transitions, she put in the extra hours needed to ensure tasks were completed so we could function each day. She goes out of her way to make new staff feel welcome. We couldn’t ask for a better team member at North Royalton Middle School.
Mrs. Oldag is dedicated to the North Royalton City Schools and our students like no other.  She goes about her work with a smile on her face and is always willing to take a moment to ensure that a student or staff member has what he or she needs to be successful.  There is absolutely no doubt that our school community is lucky to have her!
“Mary has been an incredible help over the past year as we transitioned leadership in the building both administratively and clerically,” said Superintendent Michael Laub, North Royalton City Schools.  “It has been a challenge to navigate all of that change, but Mary has not allowed the building to skip a beat.  Her hard work and dedication is clear and impactful!”