(Middlefield, OH) - It doesn’t take long for you to know when something is good. This was true for Dr. Stephen Norris as he applied for the Cardinal Elementary School Principal position.
“I chose Cardinal because of the demonstrated success the district has had, and I feel that I can help to build on it. Cardinal Elementary School and the Cardinal Local School District are doing so many things well, and I want to be a part of the continued success of the district,” said Dr. Stephen Norris of his hire on July 8, 2026.
For 21 of his 23 years in education, he spent his career as a teacher. Quickly after graduating from Bowling Green State University, he was hired as an 8th-grade Social Studies teacher at Euclid Central Middle School. He then returned to his alma mater, Willoughby South High School, to continue his teaching career. There, he taught everything from 9th-grade Global Geography to CCP Political Science classes at Lakeland Community College, 10th-grade U.S. History, and AP Micro and Macro Economics.
Making the transition from the classroom to the administrative side in August of 2024, Norris served as the assistant principal at North Ridgeville High School before spending time at Fairport Harbor Schools, where he served as the 6–12 grade principal.
“I became a teacher to be able to help students and other members of my school community. Like many teachers, I had a tremendous experience as a student with a teacher who meant a lot to me and has tried to be that type of mentor for many others,” said Norris. “But I also believe strongly in delegated leadership, that is, empowering others to be able to achieve. To me, leadership is the ability to align resources with needs and to guide students and all stakeholders in education toward maximizing our organizational impact. I intend to be a leader in the building that can help to not just create and continue a culture of excellence, but promote and encourage innovative programs that empower students.”
His teaching demeanor goes well beyond the classroom and school buildings. For 12 seasons, Norris coached varsity baseball for the Rebels at Willoughby South. During his time there, the team won four district titles and earned a spot in the Final Four in 2011. According to MaxPreps, Norris recorded a 118-53 record over his 12 seasons.
From the classroom to the baseball field and now into the principal’s office, Norris has spent his career building relationships with students and helping them succeed. He is now bringing that experience to Cardinal Elementary School, where he is excited to begin a new chapter.
“The most exciting aspect of the upcoming school year is sharing the successes of the students and teachers in a way that promotes the achievement of the elementary school,” said Norris when asked what he’s most excited about for the new school year. “Maintaining and expanding our connections to the community, organizations like the Cardinal PTO, and youth sports, as well as our 7-12th-grade students, will be important goals for the 2026-2027 school year.”
“Dr. Norris brings the experience, clear communication, and relationship-building we value at Cardinal Local Schools,” said Jack Cunningham, who started his fourth year as Superintendent at Cardinal Schools. “We’re excited for this instructional leadership he’ll bring to Cardinal Elementary and the way he’ll partner with our district to help every student learn, grow, and be successful in the future.”
One of his top goals for the school year is to continue improving student outcomes in English, math, and other tested areas while also maintaining the staff’s continued excellence in education. On a more personal note, he hopes to grow and value the culture within the school to help build positive relationships both within and outside of the school.
“The most important thing to know is that the educational team at Cardinal Elementary School is available and accessible to the community and is able to meet the needs of all students. Please join us as we complete the hard work of providing a high-quality education to our students,” said Norris when asked what he wants the Cardinal Community to know about him and his work.
When Norris isn’t in the building, he enjoys spending his time with his wife and two daughters. They enjoy visiting their oldest daughter in college while she participates in her art exhibits. Their youngest daughter enjoys playing sports, more particularly softball. Norris has spent the last few summers coaching her on her travel softball team.
Beyond his work in education and coaching, Norris has also found ways to serve his community, including through his role as a city councilman for the City of Willoughby. He is also a chairman for the Planning Commission for Willoughby.