Northmor Local Schools is preparing to welcome students back with a mix of familiar traditions, new faces and fresh opportunities. The district’s Fall 2026 newsletter offers families a detailed look at the year ahead while celebrating the students, teachers and teams whose work continues to shape the Golden Knight community.
The First Bell Approaches
Superintendent Chad Redmon opens the newsletter by welcoming students at both ends of their Northmor journey, from preschoolers and kindergarteners entering school for the first time to members of the Class of 2027 beginning their senior year.
The district’s Family Welcome Night will be held Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Freshman and new high school student orientation begins at 5:30 PM, followed by orientation for seventh-grade and new junior high students at 6:15 PM. Families can meet teachers and bus drivers, drop off elementary supplies and student medications, pay fees, purchase spirit wear and obtain information about school meals.
The first day of school is Wednesday, Sept. 9. Kindergarten students will begin on a staggered schedule, with all kindergarten students attending together for the first time on Friday, Sept. 18.
Familiar Faces Return in New Roles
Several of Northmor’s newest staff members already have deep connections to the district. Hailey Barnhart, a 2019 Northmor graduate, is returning as a kindergarten teacher. Chloe Berg, another Northmor graduate, is also joining the kindergarten team. Miranda Farson begins her teaching career in a new fourth-grade position after previously serving Northmor students as a paraprofessional and registered behavior technician. She describes herself as a fifth-generation Northmor, formerly Johnsville, graduate.
Other new staff members include fifth-grade English language arts teacher Cody Taylor, social studies and government teacher Steve Farley, educator Alana Rogers and cafeteria staff member Mary Luers. Junior High and High School Principal Justin Hershberger also announced that Mackenzie Cox will move from the elementary school to teach eighth- and ninth-grade English language arts. Students in grades seven and eight will begin using a new English language arts curriculum aligned with Ohio’s Science of Reading requirements.
Strong Finances Meet an Uncertain Outlook
Northmor closed Fiscal Year 2026 in a strong financial position, according to Treasurer Gina Deppert.
The district’s General Fund received approximately $16.59 million in revenue and recorded about $15.48 million in expenditures. Its year-end cash balance grew from roughly $5.58 million to $6.68 million, an increase of more than $1.1 million. That positive result comes as the district prepares for changes in Ohio school-funding laws.
The newsletter reports that recent state legislation has changed how school property taxes are calculated and limited future revenue growth. Because Northmor operates at Ohio’s 20-mill floor, current estimates indicate the district could receive nearly $5 million less in property-tax revenue through Fiscal Year 2031. Deppert said the district will continue monitoring the changes while using conservative financial planning to protect educational programs and long-term stability.
Students Make Their Mark
The newsletter also looks back at student accomplishments from the past several months. Northmor fifth-graders Annabella O. and Callan M. earned second- and third-place state honors, respectively, in their division of the National School Bus Safety Poster Contest. Seventeen Northmor fourth- and fifth-grade art students submitted entries. High school band members Jack Shireman and Kayla Young represented Northmor in the 2026 All-Ohio State Fair Band. After four days of rehearsals, the students performed nearly 50 selections during 11 days at the Ohio State Fair.
Northmor’s Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates students continued their partnership with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8054 in Mount Gilead by cleaning outdoor and indoor areas at the post. The partnership will continue as students prepare for Northmor’s Military Night on Sept. 11 and assist with Veterans Day activities in November.
The JOG program’s Imagination Library also continues to provide two books to every student in first, third and fourth grades, with students helping to budget for, select and prepare the books for distribution.
A Banner Year for Golden Knight Athletics
Northmor enters the fall season after another exceptional year in athletics. The Golden Knights captured the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference All-Sports Trophy for the second consecutive year and the third time in the conference’s nine-year history. The baseball team completed a 25-6 season and reached the State Final Four for only the second time in school history. Its postseason run included sectional, district and regional championships and a victory over then top-ranked West Jefferson. The softball team earned a school-record 18 victories, captured a third consecutive sectional title and finished as district runner-up. The girls track team won its second consecutive KMAC and district championships.
Northmor’s fall football season begins at home against Upper Sandusky on Friday, Aug. 21, at 7:00 PM. The home schedule also includes Military Night on Sept. 11, Homecoming on Sept. 25 and Senior Night on Oct. 16.
The newsletter includes complete schedules for football, volleyball, golf and cross country, along with athletic pass and ticket information.
Everything Families Need for Fall
The 20-page publication also contains the complete 2026-2027 school calendar, cafeteria prices, school technology resources, enrollment and funding information, staff contacts and reminders about student forms. Elementary lunches will cost $2.75, high school lunches will cost $3.00 and adult lunches will cost $4.50. The cafeteria will continue offering free breakfast, and families may apply for free or reduced-price meals through PaySchools.
Northmor’s complete Fall 2026 newsletter is available below.