Katy Gisztl’s morning routine may look a little different from that of most Cuyahoga Heights Schools staff members. At 6 a.m., it’s off to the races.

Katy responds to staff absences and begins arranging substitutes, making sure classrooms are covered and students’ needs are met. It is one of many responsibilities that happen before most people even arrive at school and one of the many reasons Katy was named the district’s September Staff Spotlight. The Cuyahoga Heights Board of Education recognized her at its September 28 meeting.

Once the school day begins, Katy and fellow Administrative Assistant Ms. Zorc are often the first point of contact for students and families entering Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School.

“We answer questions, provide information, and help families navigate through school processes,” Katy said. “Ms. Zorc and I like to think of ourselves as the ‘Dream Team’ that provides the elementary school with ‘Rainbows and Sunshine’ in our office!”

That description fits the atmosphere Katy helps create. She greets students, staff, and families with warmth, a contagious smile, and a sense of humor that makes it nearly impossible to leave the office without smiling yourself.

Behind that welcoming front office is a long list of responsibilities. Katy handles student enrollment, attendance, and dismissal procedures while also providing administrative support to the principal and staff. She consistently goes above and beyond for CHES students, teachers, staff, and families, whether supporting the PTO, helping solve an unexpected challenge, or trying to reason with the pesky, cranky office copy machine.

For Katy, however, the best part of the job is simple: the people.

“The staff is amazing, and I am blessed to work with a great group of professionals who are passionate about their work and also make work fun,” she said.

Her appreciation extends to the students she sees each day. Working in the elementary office has given Katy a unique perspective on the children and families who make up the Cuyahoga Heights school community.

“The students in our district are all very unique and have so much potential,” Katy said. “They show up eager to learn, build friendships, and engage in our school community.”

The position has also reinforced something Katy has long valued personally: empathy.

“I think I have always been an empathetic person, but this position has reinforced my ability to stop and see situations from perspectives other than my own,” she said.

That ability is especially important in a school office, where no two days are alike, and unexpected situations are part of the job. Katy approaches those moments with a personal mantra that has helped guide her through challenges both inside and outside of work: “Everything is figureoutable.”

“It has helped me work through both personal and professional challenges throughout my life,” she said.

Katy brought plenty of professional experience with her when she joined Cuyahoga Heights Schools. Before working at CHES, she spent 20 years in the corporate world as a human resources director. If she were not working in education, she said she would likely return to a human resources role.

Today, however, her kindness, generosity, reliability and positive attitude help make the CHES office a warm and welcoming place for everyone who walks through its doors. In many ways, she helps create the safe, nurturing environment at the heart of the district’s mission.

Outside of school, Katy has lived in Brooklyn Heights for 27 years with her husband, Rodney. Their son, Connor, graduated from The Ohio State University in May and is beginning his career close to home in Valley View. Their family also includes Oswald, a “spoiled” cat.

Katy enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on Ohio State football, reading, and listening to audiobooks. She also volunteers at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. 

Much of what Katy does each day happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout the building. From answering an early-morning absence to welcoming a family into the office, helping a student through the day or assisting a staff member with an unexpected need, Katy plays an important role in making CHES a place where students can learn, grow, and reach new heights.

Cuyahoga Heights Schools extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Katy for the care she gives so freely and for the many ways she supports and strengthens the school community each day.