North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf Announces Retirement

North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf Announces Retirement

Wendorf closes out storied educational leadership career with 5-Star School Report Card Rating

North Canton, Ohio (April 9, 2025) – After 40 years serving students as a teacher, coach, and administrator, North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf announced his retirement effective July 1, 2025. Wendorf has spent the last nine years as the district’s leader. 

During Wendorf's tenure, North Canton has been consistently ranked one of the top districts in Stark County and the State of Ohio and, for the 2023-24 school year, the district received a 5-Star Rating on its School Report Card from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW). 

“In March 2016, I made a career decision to become the superintendent at North Canton City Schools and the last nine years have allowed me to lead and work in an absolutely outstanding organization and community,” Wendorf said. “The accomplishments and highlights are a result of teamwork, dedication to excellence, and an unwavering commitment to our mission, vision, and values. Our team has built systems and processes that help us continue to acquire excellent results. I have been blessed to work with a fantastic group of people in the staff and leadership team at NCCS.”

In partnership with the Stark County Educational Service Center, and with guidance from Superintendent Joe Chaddock, the Board of Education has begun the search for the district’s next leader, including interviews with internal candidates. The Board of Education plans to vote on Wendorf’s successor at next week’s board meeting. 

“Jeff’s dedication has extended far beyond administrative responsibilities. He has been a visible, compassionate, and tireless advocate for our students, staff, and families. Throughout his tenure, Jeff has led with vision, integrity, and a genuine passion for student success. Under his guidance, academic programs strengthened, facilities improved, and a culture of excellence was fostered in every corner of our schools,” said Jessica Stroia, President of the Board of Education. “As he steps into retirement, we celebrate his professional accomplishments and the spirit he brought to our community, especially his unwavering Viking pride. We wish Jeff all the best in this next chapter of life. May it be filled with the same purpose, joy, and pride he gave us. Once a Viking, always a Viking.”

Under Wendorf, North Canton was one of only 68 school districts out of the 607 in Ohio to earn the highest possible 5-Star overall rating on its Ohio School Report Card for the 2023-24 school year. Hoover High School and North Canton Middle School were both named 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Schools in their respective categories. North Canton’s Intermediate School received bronze recognition from the state of Ohio for its efforts in implementing PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), while the Primary Preschool achieved a five-star Step Up to Quality rating from the ODEW and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.

North Canton boasts a 96 percent graduation rate and provides students 17 AP courses and 58 extra and co-curricular clubs at the high school and middle school. During his tenure, Wendorf helped to grow career tech opportunities for students through the Stark County Career Compact with Jackson Local Schools, Lake Local Schools, and Plain Local Schools. Collectively, the Compact offers over 35 CTE pathway programs to students in grades 7-12. 

The 2023-24 school year marked the opening of two new buildings in the district for primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5) students. Wendorf led the project, from the planning of the bond issue in 2020 to the ribbon-cutting ceremonies after district voters approved the plan to pay for the two new schools, as well as improvements to the football stadium and a new bus garage. In 2023, the district passed the next phase of its facilities project, which includes a new middle school and improvements at the high school. Construction on the new middle school will begin next month. 

Before being hired at North Canton, he worked for the Lake Local Schools district for over 18 years, including eight years as superintendent. Prior to serving in the district’s top position, he was a building administrator and principal for more than 10 years. Wendorf also spent time in administrative roles in Louisville and Marlington schools, and was an instructor and coach at the University of Mount Union. Wendorf received his undergraduate degree from Capital University and his master’s degree at West Virginia University.