Dear Students, Families, and Staff,
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable summer.
Our dedicated maintenance staff has been working tirelessly to prepare all our buildings for your return, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. We're also thrilled to announce significant technological upgrades across the district. Our Wi-Fi infrastructure has been completely upgraded and replaced, and new desktop computers are currently being installed for all staff members. These improvements will provide a more robust and efficient learning and working environment for the entire school community.
Our campuses are buzzing with activity as our talented band students and various fall sports teams begin their preparations for an exciting season. Their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and we look forward to supporting them throughout their seasons.
This year, our district's overarching goal is to foster a culture of encouragement. By building each other up, we can create a stronger, more supportive school community. This means actively recognizing the efforts and achievements of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the invaluable contributions of our families. When we encourage one another, we build trust and open lines of communication, ensuring that every member of our district feels seen, heard, and valued.
Our focus on encouragement will manifest in concrete ways. We will be working together to create an environment where teachers, staff, students, and parents all feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking for help, and celebrating successes, both big and small. By intentionally practicing encouragement in our daily interactions, we can cultivate a powerful sense of community that will positively impact student learning and well-being. Together, let's make this year a testament to the power of a supportive and encouraging school culture.
We are all looking forward to a successful and enriching school year. Let's work together to make it a great one!
Sincerely,
John Montanaro Superintendent
2025-2026 Important Dates
The first day of school for students is August 21st.
Falcon Band Night is August 23rd at Falcon Pride Stadium. Show starts at 7pm. Admission is $7 general admission and $5 for students and seniors.
FOOD SERVICE
Online applications for Free and Reduced Lunch will be open August 11, 2025 . Go to the food service page on this website
Jefferson Elementary and Rock Creek Elementary Schools
Opening of School 2025-2026
August 19- Kindergarten Night @ 5:00-5:30
August 19- Meet the Teacher Night Grades 1-6
Grades 1-2- 6:30
Grades 3-4- 7:00
Grades 5-6- 7:30
Kindergarten Beginning of the Year Schedule
August 21, 22, & 25 Kindergarten Screening by appointment
August 26- First day for kindergarten (Last name A-K)
August 27- First day for kindergarten (Last name L-Z)
August 28- All kindergarten attends
Junior High School
The Junior High 7th Grade and New Student Orientation will be on
Monday, August 18th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
Senior High School
Freshmen/ New Student Orientation for the High School: August 19th from 4:00-6:00 pm
JALSD DISTRICT Contact Information
Jefferson Area Local School Board Members
SCOTT ARDARY
scott.ardary@jalsd.org
(440) 812-4455
Term Ends: 12/31/2021
Served Since: 2014
NICOLE NOSCAL
nicole.noscal@jalsd.org
Term Ends: 12/31/2027
Served Since: 2024
JUSTIN SMITH
Term Ends: 12/31/2025
Served Since: 2025
JOSEPH TREDENT
joseph.tredent@jalsd.org
Term Ends: 12/31/2023
Served Since: 2018
HENDRIK WOLFERT hendrik.wolfert@jalsd.org
Term Ends: 12/31/2025
Served Since: 2022
Administration:
DISTRICT OFFICE
121 S Poplar Street
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
(440) 576-9180
(440) 576-9876 (fax)
Superintendent:
Mr. John Montanaro
Secretary to the Superintendent:
Mr. Brandon Hanna
Supervisor of School Improvement:
Mr. William Mullane
Student Success Administrator:
Mr. Jeremy Huber
Community Liaison Administrator
Homeless Liaison:
Mr. Steve Candela
Phone: 440-805-9200 / email steve.candela@jalsd.org
Support for Exceptional Children Special Education Director:
Ms. Tiffany Mayorga
Food Service Supervisor:
Ms. Lisa Loomis
Technology Coordinator:
Mr. Mark Pickard
TRANSPORTATION AND MAINTENANCE OFFICE
Transportation Supervisor:
Ms. Seanna Butler
15 South Sycamore Street
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
(440) 576-5732
BUS GARAGE
23 South Sycamore Street
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
Maintenance Supervisor:
Mr. John Montanaro
Maintenance
Mr. Matt Hein
(440) 576-0116
JALSD BUILDING CONTACT INFORMATION
Jefferson Area High School
Mr. Richard Shields, Principal
Mr. Marc Fritz, Asst. Principal
Ms. Lisa Paul, Guidance Counselor
Mr. Greg Juhola, Athletic Director
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-4731
Jefferson Area Junior High
Ryan Martin, Principal
Mr. Marc Fritz, Asst. Principal
Ms. Rhea Drost, Guidance Counselor
207 W. Mulberry St.
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-1736
Jefferson Elementary School
Mr. Alex Anderson, Principal / Director of Elementary Education
Ms. Julie Meyer, Dean of Students
204 W Mulberry Street
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
440-576-2646
Rock Creek Elementary School
Ms. Adrienne Fritz, Principal
3134 N Main Street
Rock Creek, Ohio 44084
440-563-3820