In partnership with the Growing Healthy Habits Coalition, we are proud to recognize Elle Shumney as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Andrew Naumoff Healthy Habits Champion Award!

Elle truly leads by example; whether she’s logging miles before sunrise, training for her next marathon, or inspiring others to prioritize both physical and mental wellness. A dedicated runner, educator, and coach, she demonstrates the powerful connection between staying active and maintaining emotional well-being, even using running as a source of strength through personal challenges.

As an elementary physical education teacher and varsity cross-country coach, Elle goes far beyond the classroom and the course. She instills lifelong healthy habits in her students, encouraging teamwork, confidence, and a love for movement. Not only do her athletes feel her impact, but she also motivates others in the community to join her in races and embrace healthier lifestyles.

Elle also founded the Brick Street Run Club, creating a free and welcoming space for community members to come together, stay active, and support one another.

Her commitment to wellness extends even further; having been selected to run the 2026 New York City Marathon, Elle is raising funds and awareness for youth mental health through Minding Your Mind, helping break stigma and ensure young people feel supported.

Through her passion, leadership, and dedication, Elle continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of students, families, and the entire Orrville community.

Join us in celebrating Elle in this well-deserved recognition!

At Orrville City Schools, we continue to see many positive things happening for students, and we remain focused on the work that matters most. Across the district, our efforts continue to center on strong communication, student engagement, academic achievement, facilities and operations, and meaningful community partnerships. Those priorities continue to guide how we serve students and how we plan for the future.

At the same time, we want to be open with our community about the financial pressures ahead. Our spring financial forecast indicates that recent changes in state law are expected to significantly affect Orrville. Because fixed-sum levies are now included in the 20-mill floor calculation, Orrville is expected to move off the 20-mill floor, which means local property tax revenue is projected to remain mostly flat until after 2030. The forecast also notes that local property taxes have historically accounted for about 52% of the district’s total revenue, making this change especially important for long-term planning.

The state funding picture adds another challenge. The forecast indicates that the funding formula still uses 2022 cost inputs rather than today’s actual costs and that Orrville is projected to see a decrease in state funding beginning in FY27. At the same time, district expenses continue to rise, especially in salaries, retirement and insurance benefits, and healthcare. The report also notes a possible additional concern: if the county adopts the piggyback property tax relief provision, Orrville could lose an estimated $340,000 per year in property tax revenue. That amount is not included in the current forecast, but it is something we will continue to watch closely.

Even with these challenges, our focus remains steady. We will continue to put students first, communicate openly, and make thoughtful decisions that protect children's opportunities while supporting the district's long-term stability. Thank you for your continued support of Orrville City Schools as we plan ahead with care and responsibility.