Cuyahoga Heights Schools’ Maintenance Supervisor Jim Zurbola oversees district facilities, maintenance operations, and transportation needs. This includes managing building systems, coordinating vendors, and supporting daily operations to ensure that both staff and students have safe, functional environments. He also steps in as a substitute school bus driver when needed.
"I enjoy the variety of work each day brings and the sense of accomplishment that comes with solving problems and keeping everything running smoothly,” says Zurbola. “No two days are ever the same.”
“Jim can always be counted on to respond promptly to the constant calls on his two-way radio and phone for everything from adjusting room temperatures to setting up for special events, making mechanical and equipment repairs, and handling countless other requests,” said Sohir Soliman, substitute custodian and cafeteria worker, who nominated Zurrbola for the Staff Spotlight. “He meets each need with patience and professionalism. His tireless commitment makes our district a better place for staff, students, and visitors alike."
Zurbola arrives each day with a smile, ready to bring humor and positivity to the workplace, often delivering quick-witted jokes that keep the maintenance staff laughing. It’s not unusual to find him staying after work hours or responding on evenings and weekends to handle facility needs. “Patience and teamwork make a huge difference in keeping things running smoothly,” he explained.
Zurbola joined the district 10 years ago from Nordonia City Schools where was a bus mechanic for 16 years and an assistant maintenance supervisor for four years. He was also a mechanic for the Maple Heights City Schools for three years.
Living by the mantra “take pride in what you do”, Zurbola says that he’s learned that “Doing things right the first time and with care always pays off.” He draws inspiration from the courtesy, respectfulness, and appreciativeness the students show for keeping the schools safe and operational. “I’ve also seen how dedicated they are to their academics and athletics, and that makes the work the maintenance staff does behind the scenes even more rewarding,” Zurbola added.
If he weren’t in his current position, Zurbola says he would probably own a small auto restoration shop where he would indulge his passion to bring classic cars back to life. In his spare time, he likes to take spur-of-the-moment road trips, and do yard work around his Sagamore Hills home. He also loves spending time at the Lake Erie islands, camping, and relaxing around a good bonfire. A Cleveland Browns season ticket holder, he enjoys going to football games and has hopes that someday the Browns will play in a Super Bowl!
The self-proclaimed coffee-aholic values working with Superintendent Matt Young and Assistant Superintendent George Burich, to plan future projects to improve the schools to support the students and staff. He also enjoys mentoring and helping others learn hands-on skills and confesses that his greatest pet peeve is when tools or equipment aren’t put back where they belong, and when vehicles are dirty. “But my office is a different story—you’ll usually find papers spread out everywhere,” he concluded.