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. For Perry Schools, 2025 was a year when the district appointed new leaders to a variety of key positions and expanded a career explorat ion lab at its Middle School. Superintendent Todd Porcello provided a summary of the district’s major accomplishments last year and top goals for 2026. Leading the way In 2025, Perry Schools welcomed a new leadership team. “Our work grows from the foundation established by the leaders who paved the way, and we’re grateful for their commitment to Perry Schools,” Porcello said. “With the steady support of our School Board, we stay focused on what matters most, doing what’s best for kids, every single day.” The new group of leaders began to take shape in April, when Porcello was selected as the district’s new superintendent. He began duties as superintendent on Aug. 1, a day after Jack Thompson retired as the district’s top leader. Porcello previously had served as Perry High School principal for 13 years. Other leadership appointments made in the district last year included: • The selection of Scott Niedzwiecki as new principal at Perry High School; and Matt Platt as the school’s assistant principal. Niedzwiecki had served as assistant high school principal under Porcello. Platt formerly worked as an intervention specialist at the same school. Niedzwiecki and Platt provide the high school with “a powerful combination of stability, community awareness, and an unwavering commitment to student success,” Porcello noted. “They understand Perry, our vision, our families, and our students, and they work every day to create a high school environment where every learner feels supported and empowered,” he said. • Chris Basich was chosen as new principal of Perry Middle School. He succeeded Robert Knisely, who retired. Porcello said Basich “brings a level of positive energy and student-centered leadership that is already making a difference at Perry Middle School.” “His commitment to personalized learning ensures that every student is known, valued and challenged,” the superintendent said. • Arianna Mougianis was appointed as the district’s director of learning and innovation. “This role has a focus on elevating instructional practices and expanding opportunities for students,” Porcello said. “Mougianis brings a forward-thinking approach to curriculum, technology integration and professional learning that aligns with the district’s long-term vision.” After Betty Jo Malchesky retired as assistant superintendent on July 31, the district took the opportunity during the central office transition to restructure that role, Porcello said. “The position was replaced with a director of learning and innovation to more directly align the title and responsibilities with the district’s instructional and innovation priorities,” he said. Grant proves helpful In 2024, the district was awarded an Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment Grant totaling $952,335. These funds were used in part to supply the new Paxton Patterson Lab at Perry Middle School, which features a variety of career exploration lab opportunities. Students can investigate different career pathways, including medical, engineering, fashion design, welding and culinary. Perry Middle School student Isaiah Gruber displays a 3-D frog that he printed in the school's new Paxton Patterson Career Lab. Students can use the lab to investigate different career pathways, including medical, engineering, fashion design, welding and culinary. (Courtesy of Perry Schools) Opened in the 2024–25 school year with eight modules, the Paxton Patterson Career Lab has expanded to 20 modules in 2025–26. That increase reflects the district’s continued commitment to workforce readiness, Porcello said. “Our new Paxton Patterson Career Lab is giving students the chance to explore potential careers through hands-on, real-world learning,” he said. “These modules spark curiosity, build confidence and help students discover pathways they may not have considered before. “It’s an exciting step forward in preparing our learners for the future.” Purple Star Award The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recognized Perry High School for its demonstrated commitment to serving military-connected students and families with the Purple Star Award. “This distinction reflects our strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and families, as well as our ongoing effort to recognize and honor the many alumni who have served our country,” Porcello said. “We are proud to honor those who serve our nation.” Home renovation success In 2025, Perry School District sold a home on Main Street in Perry Village that was upgraded by the High School’s home renovation class. It marked the second time in three years that the district sold a house that was renovated by the class. The current home renovation class has begun working on its next project on White Angel Drive in Perry Township. Students already have installed new windows, Porcello said. “Completing and selling our second renovated home, and now purchasing our third, is a tremendous milestone for our Home Renovation Program,” he said. “This hands-on experience gives students the chance to work in real environments, build practical skills, work alongside professionals and see the impact of their work from start to finish. “It’s learning with purpose, and it prepares our students for future careers while giving them confidence in what they can accomplish.” 2026 goals Some of the district’s goals include: • New laboratory Perry Schools will use more of its Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment Grant funding to construct a new Automation 4.0 and Robotics Lab. The district is hoping to launch this laboratory in August of this year. “The creation of our Automation 4.0 and Robotics Lab is a powerful example of what can happen when schools, universities and businesses collaborate,” Porcello said.  “Supported through grant funding, this partnership is giving our students access to cutting-edge technology and authentic problem-solving experiences that prepare them for the future they are stepping into. “It’s an investment not just in equipment, but in expanding what’s possible for our students.” • Shared vision Over the coming months, the district is launching its Listening, Learning, and Leading Forward Plan. This is a comprehensive initiative designed to honor Perry Schools’ past, engage its present, and envision what’s next for the district’s students and community. This districtwide effort will gather authentic input, strengthen shared understanding and lay the groundwork for the next chapter in its journey, defining the Priorities, Promises and Portrait of a Graduate for the years ahead, Porcello said. “The Shared Vision process is an opportunity for our entire community to shape the future of Perry Schools together,” he said. “By bringing forward the voices of students, staff, parents and partners, we’re building a roadmap that reflects our values and our aspirations. “This is about more than planning — it’s about ensuring every decision we make truly supports our kids and strengthens the foundation of our district for years to come.” ...read more read less