October 1, 200519 yr From the 9/27/05 PD: Don't look for superintendent of Toledo to get Cleveland job Tuesday, September 27, 2005 Better scratch Eugene Sanders' name off the short list of possible replacements for Cleveland schools chief executive Barbara Byrd-Bennett. The Toledo schools superintendent, who was a finalist for the superintendent's job in Washington, D.C., this year, was thought to be a strong candidate to replace Byrd-Bennett. The school board has extended her contract for up to a year, until her replacement is found. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1127813876153040.xml&coll=2
October 24, 200519 yr From the 10/22/05 PD: Byrd-Bennett not yet escorted out the door Rumor of her ouster could be just talk Saturday, October 22, 2005 Janet Okoben Plain Dealer Reporter After inflated attendance figures became the latest scandal in the Cleveland school district, Mayor Jane Campbell told her appointed school board they must become more aggressive watchdogs. But Campbell denies any in volvement in a rumored scheme to oust Chief Executive Barbara Byrd- Bennett this week. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1129973463144530.xml&coll=2
November 1, 200519 yr Dear Mr. Locutus, I can think of nothing more important in both the long and short run than investments in education. How do you suggest we fund education in a state that has deemed the current system unconstitutional? What can be done to help inner cities in Ohio like Cincinatti, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Youngstown, etc? In the current knowledge economy, investments in education represent long run economic development and ideally the enlightenment that enables a particapatory democracy. What are your suggestions to improvement in the realm of inner city education?
November 3, 200519 yr Yes, Locutus was banned weeks ago. He's the only forumer to ever be banned. From the 11/1/05 PD: Cleveland board plans to start CEO hunt before election Tuesday, November 01, 2005 Janet Okoben Plain Dealer Reporter The impending mayoral election seems to have no bearing on the Cleveland school board's desire to quickly fill Chief Executive Officer Barbara Byrd-Bennett's job. The board will interview three search firms this morning, and it is scheduled to vote to hire one of them tonight. Proposals submitted by all three firms indicate they could start work immediately. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1130841304112770.xml&coll=2
November 20, 200519 yr From the 11/17/05 PD: Residents want CEO to be open to parents Thursday, November 17, 2005 Ellen Jan Kleinerman Plain Dealer Reporter The next Cleveland schools chief should understand the city's cultures, open the door to parents and work to improve student achievement. That's what a group of about 35 residents told members of the Search Advisory Committee Wednesday night at the Murtis Taylor Center in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Residents were invited to a meeting to share ideas on what kind of person should become the next schools chief executive officer. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1132228502250090.xml&coll=2 Jackson says he will stick with school board for now Thursday, November 17, 2005 Susan Vinella Plain Dealer Reporter At his first news conference as Cleveland's mayor-elect on Wednesday, Frank Jackson said he will not ask members of the Cleveland school board to resign and reapply for their jobs, as he promised he would during his campaign. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/113222357685791.xml&coll=2
January 12, 200619 yr From the 1/11/06 PD: Cleveland schools form ideal profile of new CEO Wednesday, January 11, 2006 Janet Okoben Plain Dealer Reporter Candidates for the job of Cleveland schools chief executive will hear that this city wants a leader who will set high standards for students, expertly handle the budget and communicate effectively. Cleveland school board members have a lot of other traits they would like to see in the next schools CEO, too, like honesty, integrity, openness and the courage to make tough decisions. The list of 17 ideals was OK'd by school board members Tuesday night and will be used in advertisements for the top schools job by the end of the week. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/113697205336390.xml&coll=2
January 12, 200619 yr I have to wonder if this list will be realistic or if they will expect the perfect candidate at a cut-rate price. I can picture this list being done on "The Simpsons" as one of their City Hall musical bits.
February 9, 200619 yr I don't even know where to begin. :whip: Byrd-Bennett to step down with parties, payout Thursday, February 09, 2006 Janet Okoben Plain Dealer Reporter Barbara Byrd-Bennett's goodbye as Cleveland schools chief executive won't be quiet or cheap. Tonight she'll be lavished with gifts from the school board and saluted by luminaries. Mayor Frank Jackson, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Cleveland Foundation President and CEO Ronn Richard are among the invited guests. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com
March 11, 200619 yr From the 3/10/06 PD: School board may delay approval of new CEO Friday, March 10, 2006 Janet Okoben Plain Dealer Reporter The Cleveland school board may not pick a new chief executive on Saturday after all, despite extensive interviews this week with the three finalists and signals that one candidate is leading the pack. Board Chairman Larry Davis said Thursday that he's not sure now what will happen, and he would not elaborate. Just last Saturday, Davis said the new CEO would be announced this Saturday. Members of the search committee were told privately on Wednesday night that a final vote was set for Saturday. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1141983135139430.xml&coll=2
March 13, 200619 yr From the 3/12/06 PD: Board takes CEO search on the road 2 site visits planned; Denihan eliminated Sunday, March 12, 2006 Janet Okoben Plain Dealer Reporter The Cleveland school board will extend its search for a new chief executive by visiting the workplaces of two finalists in Toledo and South Carolina. Four hours of private meetings Saturday morning yielded a decision by the board to continue looking at Toledo Superintendent Eugene Sanders and Nancy McGinley, chief academic officer of Charleston, S.C., schools. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1142156304145160.xml&coll=2
March 21, 200619 yr From the 3/21/06 PD: Cleveland schools' finalists to get a visit Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Janet Okoben and Olivera Perkins Plain Dealer Reporters Almost two weeks after Cleveland's school board chairman promised a decision on a new CEO, officials are still deciding between two finalists. Several factors played into the decision to slow down the process, but none was more important than Mayor Frank Jackson's desire to take more time deliberating. Two teams from Cleveland are headed to Toledo and Charleston, S.C., on Thursday to visit the workplaces of the two finalists. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1142933534138980.xml&coll=2
April 1, 200619 yr From the 3/31/06 PD: School board votes to hire Sanders Salary negotiations, Jackson's nod still pending Friday, March 31, 2006 Janet Okoben Plain Dealer Reporter Toledo Superintendent Eugene Sanders needs only Mayor Frank Jackson's blessing and good contract talks to become the next leader of the Cleveland schools. After weeks of interviews with finalists for the chief executive position, the Cleveland school board voted unanimously on Thursday to hire Sanders, who board Chairman Larry Davis said "seems to be the right fit right now." More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1143797963250490.xml&coll=2
April 1, 200619 yr Im quite envious of Cleveland because they picked quite possibly one of the best superintendents in the nation in Dr. Sanders. He has helped Toledo schools out perform every urban district in Ohio. I wish the new school board members here (who by the way has an agenda) didnt run him away, but thats politics. I wish him good luck in Cleveland...From what I hear about the districts performance there, hes going to need it.
April 1, 200619 yr He will, but I think the district is showing some signs of progress. Anything is better than the tailspin into hell that's marked the district for the past 30 years. It's a shame, because it really was a good district until the mid-1970s. I grew up hearing about how well the school district was holding up despite all the city's problems in the 1960s and 70s. Then came race-busing and a board more interested in helping themselves and giving their friends sweet contracts. You would have thought the suicide of Superintendent Dr. Frederck Holliday in the mid-1980s would have stirred the district to change. But it only got worse. It's a shame. So many kids lives have been destroyed by these people and the resultant poor education they provided. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 4, 200619 yr Hi I usually don't post here but this is a great forum. I am very close to the education issue in Cleveland. In my opinion this article hits the nail on the head, even if it's from Scene Mag. http://www.clevescene.com/Issues/2006-03-29/news/kotz.html
April 5, 200619 yr Welcome! I hope you post more on educational issues with your inside track, as well as any and all other urban stuff you consider important. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 5, 200619 yr Thanks KJP. I'm really glad I found out about this forum. It's very inspiring to hear about other ideas and opinions on our cities. For the last year I've been working at Key Tower. It's beautiful looking out over the lake and the city, seeing all the potential.
April 5, 200619 yr ^Depending on who you work for, I might be inclined to say "my condolences" :wink: Welcome to the forum! clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
April 5, 200619 yr Does the name Margret Hopkins sound familiar to anyone who knows the Cleveland School board. I believe she was the former board president. I just want to know your thoughts about her.
May 26, 200619 yr Notes from last weeks Planning Commssion Meeting Conceptual approval sought for the West Side Relief High School DRC 06-038: N.E. Corner of West 65th Street and Clark Avenue, West Side Relief High School, New Construction This is a conceptual review with no action required. Richard Bowen and Associates, and OWP/P presented the proposed West Side Relief High School. The two-story building that will house approximately 1200 students and 60 +/- faculty/staff members for grades 9 through 12. There will be 33 general studies classrooms, 1 competition gym and 1 practice gym. The building will consist of three small high schools within one building. That equals roughly 412 students per school. There will be parking available for 189 students. Visitors and staff will have 112 parking spaces. There will be a GCRTA drop off area on West 65th Street, west of the building, although there has not been any discussion with them as of yet. There is also a football practice field proposed for the eastern edge of the property. This will require the relocation of some of the roads currently located there. Apparently, a major sewer line runs under the current location of Walworth Avenue that prohibits any construction directly above it. Walworth will be relocated to the intersection of West 59th Street and run south until it hits the railroad tracks. From there, it will connect with the schools staff parking lot. There is proposed to be a large turnaround area for trucks that will not be able to enter the relocated Walworth. Instead, all truck traffic will only use the West 55th Street location. The face of the buildings will likely be made of brick, representing the make-up of the buildings in the area. (The conceptual renderings do not show this.) Most of the land has been acquired already. The commission’s major concern was the linkage from the school to Zone Recreation Center under I-90. They suggested the school district work with the city and other partners to address this area. One additional concern was the northern edge of the property that is adjacent with I-90. The architects said they are still working on that area of land.
May 26, 200619 yr Why the hell does a school need parking for STUDENTS??? The Red line and various busses are right there. GEEZ. that land could be used for the building itself or urban court yards that the surrounding communty could use when school is NOT in session!
May 26, 200619 yr This is officially my first post on urbanohio. Pretty cool website, but I'm still partial to good old cleveland.com. Anyways, the Westside relief high school is a definate must. And, it definately must have parking. These kids drive. Every suburban school has tons of parking, why shouldn't the Cleveland schools provide parking? I think that the closing of West Tech has created an overpopulation problem for Lincoln-West, JFRhodes and ESPECIALLY that zoo called John Marshall.
May 26, 200619 yr ALSO, MyTwoSense, have you ridden the red line? Ummm, we need less punk kids riding that thing. They are obnoxius and discourage commuters from using public transportation. If only we had more transit cops...........
May 26, 200619 yr GEEZ. that land could be used for the building itself or urban court yards that the surrounding community could use when school is NOT in session! They can not build on the land where the proposed parking is because of the sewer line. And since there is a humongous recreation center on the other side of the freeway that has to much land and not enough programing, why create more? Although, the freeway is a barrier, and it is unlikely many people in the heart of the Stockyard neighborhood actually go to Zone.
May 28, 200619 yr GEEZ. that land could be used for the building itself or urban court yards that the surrounding community could use when school is NOT in session! They can not build on the land where the proposed parking is because of the sewer line. And since there is a humongous recreation center on the other side of the freeway that has to much land and not enough programing, why create more? Although, the freeway is a barrier, and it is unlikely many people in the heart of the Stockyard neighborhood actually go to Zone.[\quote] ALSO, MyTwoSense, have you ridden the red line? Ummm, we need less punk kids riding that thing. They are obnoxius and discourage commuters from using public transportation. If only we had more transit cops........... Oh for the love of pete's sake!! Yes I ride the redline many times a week to and from the airport. there are obnoxious adults that ride Public Transportation..like the ones that don't realize that their cell phone has a microphone and there is no need to yell! and those that let children intimadate them. Its not transit cops problem...its the parents problems for rasing kids with bad manners and social skills. We need everybutt in a seat we can! Ok..thanks for sharing that information. I feel better knowing there is an "reason" why this cannot be built.
June 15, 200618 yr Looking for law students By SHAWN A. TURNER 3:12 pm, June 15, 2006 The Cleveland Bar Association and Cleveland school system today announced a program that will send lawyers into Cleveland schools to help teach civics. Dubbed “The 3 Rs” for rights, responsibilities and realities, the program is an effort to reinvigorate Cleveland’s maligned school system and help bolster performance on the civics portion of the Ohio Graduation Test, which Hugh E. McKay, who was installed as bar association president today, described as “woefully low.” More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com Clinic gives Cleveland schools $2.6M Related Links Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Municipal School District By LESLIE STROOPE 12:42 pm, June 13, 2006 The Cleveland Clinic has donated $2.6 million to the Cleveland municipal school district to help strengthen its sixth through 10th grade math and science curricula. The money comes as part of a $10 million cash and services pledge the Cleveland Clinic made to Cleveland city schools in 2005. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com
August 28, 200618 yr From the 8/27/06 PD: Sanders: 'People really, really care' Sunday, August 27, 2006 Eugene Sanders, 49, became the Cleveland School District's chief executive on July 1, replacing Barbara Byrd-Bennett. Sanders spoke with The Plain Dealer after several weeks on the job. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/115666780055560.xml&coll=2
September 18, 200618 yr Cleveland district to begin 2 initiatives Dropouts school, peer-tutoring planned Monday, September 18, 2006 Ellen Jan Kleinerman Plain Dealer Reporter The Cleveland Municipal School District soon will launch two initiatives to bolster academics: an elementary peer-tutoring program and a charter high school for dropouts. The district aims to begin both programs in October. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/education/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/115856852752870.xml&coll=2
September 18, 200618 yr I'm glad to hear that they are implementing some fresh strategies. I also like that Eugene made that appearance at East HS last week after the fight.
October 14, 200618 yr From Cleveland vs. The World: http://clevelandplanner.blogspot.com/2006/10/september-15-2006-cleveland-planning.html Planning Commission notes - four new west side schools approved 2. DRC 06-081: 4315 West 140th Street, Artemus Ward K-8 School, New Construction, Final Review The new building size is 64,298 sq ft. It will house 450 students and 41 staff, and will have 51 parking spaces. It is replacing a school built in 1949. The concerns addressed by the Commission previously (the angled portion of the building, parking access, location of service dock, cut-through/service entrance, central portion of the east elevation and its lack of animation) have all been addressed and resolved. The angled portion has been straightened out. The curb cut to West 140th Street to the Kindergarten drop-off and parking has been eliminated. Approved with the condition that no chain link fence be installed around the perimeter. 3. DRC 06-082: 4550 West 150th Street, R.G. Jones K-8 School, New Construction, Final Review This new 64,298 sq ft building will house 450 students, 41 staff members and have 51 parking spaces. The school will continue to have the 1.65 acre community garden. It is replacing a school built in 1951. The concern addressed previously (pedestrian pathways from the neighborhood to the school) were addressed. Other revisions include the reconfiguration of the parking lot and relocation of the kindergarten drop off, and the relocation of the flag pole along the walkway from the parent drop-off to the main entry. The building was shifted to the north. There is now a sidewalk to the playground and a security vehicle access drive through the center of the site Kuri: Noted that she is uncomfortable with the similarity of R.G. Jones and Artemus Ward, both done by the same architectural firm. 4. DRC 06-062: 3800 West 140 th Street, Garfield K-8, New Construction, Final Review This is a new building designed by Bowen and Associates. It is replacing one built in 1924. It is 61,770 sq ft in size and will house 426 students, 38 staff members and will have 57 parking spaces. The existing community garden will be retained. Previously the Commission asked that the south portion of the entry drive be moved to provide a buffer and easier pedestrian access to the entry and the community garden. This was done. Other revisions include the the addition of a walkway along the north property line and to the south of the school connecting the play area to West 140th Street, a community artwork wall tile area to the stone feature wall on the east elevation, and a canopy has been added over the entry doors to the individual kindergarten classrooms. 5. DRC 06-090: 1600 Buhrer Avenue, Buhrer School K-8, New Construction, Final Review This is a new building of 53,747 sq ft. It will house 350 students. 33 staff and have 47 parking spaces. It is replacing a school built in 1969. When this (and the previously mentioned schools) were conceptually approved in the June 20, 2006 meeting, the Commission asked that the architects reconsider the need for three separate parking lots to provide more green space and to study the use of the pedestrian bridge over I-71 as part of the entry area for the school. Revisions include the addition of a clearly defined walkway from the pedestrian bridge to the playground with lights that will illuminate it at night.
November 16, 200618 yr From the 10/31/06 PD: Schools' building plan in question Enrollments falling faster than expected Tuesday, October 31, 2006 Janet Okoben Plain Dealer Reporter As the exodus of students from the Cleveland schools becomes more and more pronounced, the future of the district's $1 billion school construction program has come into question. About 54,300 students are enrolled this year. That number is expected to drop to 45,530 by the 2010-2011 school year. Factor in that charter school enrollment in the city has climbed to about 12,000 students and you get some idea why the brand-new Hannah Gibbons-Nottingham Elementary, which opened in August, is 100 students short of capacity. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1162287731173250.xml&coll=2
January 22, 200718 yr Pass this on to anyone you know who might want to take advantage of the voucher program. From PluggedInCleveland.com: Cleveland School Voucher Application Help Session St. Mark School of Old Brooklyn February 10, 2007 If you live in Cleveland, you might be able to receive financial help to send your child to a high-quality private school! St. Mark Lutheran School at 4464 Pearl Road will offer a free Cleveland School Voucher Help Session to area families on Saturday, February 10, from 9am to 1pm. A representative from the Cleveland Voucher Program will be present to answer your questions and assist you with the application process. There will also be a representative with information from the Lead Safe Living Campaign and free Child ID Fingerprinting Kits. Please call 216-749-3545 or go to www.orgsites.com/oh/stmarklutheran for a list of what you need to bring to complete your application. Applications are due February 28th! Cleveland School Voucher Application Help Session posted on Saturday January 20, 2007
January 24, 200718 yr The schools in America are very well funded. I lived in India for a year, and during that time I went to school in what was basically a mud hut, with no fans, no lights, no blackboard, and a dirt floor. The temperatures during the daytime would hit 100 degrees. During lunchtime, it was a struggle to keep the cockroaches off your food. And if you answered a question incorrectly during class, the teacher would beat you with a stick :whip:, in accordance with Indian pedagogical traditions. :drunk: Still there are people studying in that environment, and going on to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and what not. All this talk of inner cities schools iin America needing more money is garbage. Those who have the propensity to study will get ahead, even in 3rd world conditions. Therre is perfectly sufficient funding in inner city schools. In many of these schools, they get more money altogether (with federal and state grants and what not) that the overall spending per student exceeds that of nearby suburban districts (e.g. Washington DC). It's not fair to say the schools are crap. The schools have crappy performance because the kids they take aren't that bright to begin with. That may not be a PC thing to say, but those are the facts. The teaching in urban schools gets dumbed down because most of the students need to be taught at a lower level, and taught more slowly. That was what my friend told me who worked in inner city schools in MI after graduating from college. So parents whose kids are bright and show academic promise pull their kids out of the urban public schools and put them in private schools or they move to the suburbs. Also, a lot of the urban kids are just troublemakers. They get violent and beat people, especially the "nerds" who do well academically in class. That's even more incentive for people to flee the cities. So called "poor" people here in America complain about how hard they have it, but pretty much all of them except the most destitute panhandlers have it better off in terms of material wealth and opportunities here in the "ghettos" of America than my relatives back in India, who are rich by Indian standards. When it comes to poor performance of urban American students, I agree that something needs to be done. But the solutions offered by the Republican and Democratic parties are not going to work. The Republicans talk of increased "Accountability" from school teachers is meaningless, because the schoolteachers aren't the problem, its the kids they have to deal with. And the Democrats talk of putting more money into the districts (as a payoff to schoolteachers unions) isn't going to deliver results either (e.g. Washington DC schools still have poor performance). I hear you. The keywords are "propensity to study". The horse just does not wish to drink the water from that particular pond at that point of time. Providing strawberry flavored water in a shiny bucket while massaging the horse in a spa setting ain't gonna make any difference. That's all.
February 1, 200718 yr Exciting news for Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Some really great idea in here, some recycled from the past and some fresh ideas as well. Personally, I like the idea of ensuring every child has a tutor or a mentor. Bold plan geared to raising scores, graduation rates Thursday, February 01, 2007 Ellen Jan Kleinerman Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland schools chief Eugene Sanders has an ambitious -- some would say radical -- plan to transform this struggling urban district. He will detail his strategy to the public during a 10:30 a.m. speech today in the downtown Administration Building auditorium. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com
February 1, 200718 yr Definitely some interesting ideas in there. It will be interesting to see the nitty-gritties about finances, maintaining curricula across schools, etc. Still, nice to see someone advocating testing new ideas.
February 1, 200718 yr wow, bold initiatives indeed! good for Sanders going big and proposing these progressive changes.
February 1, 200718 yr Help for everyone Thursday, February 01, 2007 Cleveland students who don't go to one of the new "options schools" would still gain under these changes recommended by CEO Eugene Sanders. He wants the changes to happen as soon as possible. Traditional high schools, grades nine-12 Required internships or community service. A mentor or tutor for every student ... ... More at http://www.cleveland.com/clevelandschools/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1170324844208500.xml&coll=2
March 14, 200718 yr From the 2/2/07 PD: Schools chief gathering 'an army of believers' Friday, February 02, 2007 Ellen Jan Kleinerman and Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporters Cleveland schools CEO Eugene Sanders' mission on Thursday was to recruit "an army of believers" to support his vision to transform the district. The crowd of about 400, most of them invited guests, responded with knowing nods and standing ovations. Sanders' message in his first State of the Schools address was: Cleveland can either stay on the same dismal course or "roll out bold, new ideas and initiatives." More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1170409451299160.xml&coll=2
March 14, 200718 yr From the 2/5/07 PD: Watchdog says Sanders is balking Bond panel requests documents Monday, February 05, 2007 Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporter Spokesmen for a watchdog agency charged with keeping tabs on the $1 billion Cleveland school construction project are complaining that CEO Eugene Sanders isn't giving them the cooperation they need. Alfonso Sanchez, acting chairman of the Bond Accountability Commission, and member Robert Jackson say Sanders refuses to give them $150,000 he promised last summer and is insisting that the district has the final say over what records they should be given. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1170667873146970.xml&coll=2
March 14, 200718 yr From the 2/7/07 PD: Cleveland pupil tally much better But auditor still finds report errors Wednesday, February 07, 2007 Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland school officials still miscounted student attendance last year but were much more accurate than in the past, according to a state audit released Tuesday. "Although the district has made significant improvements toward resolving attendance reporting problems, we still have concerns," State Auditor Mary Taylor said in a written statement. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1170842856260010.xml&coll=2
March 14, 200718 yr From the 2/13/07 PD: Schools, watchdog make peace Rules set on construction oversight Tuesday, February 13, 2007 Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland school officials and a special watchdog agency reached agreement Monday night on how the schools' $1 billion construction program is to be scrutinized. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1171359524256130.xml&coll=2
March 14, 200718 yr From the 2/21/07 PD: CEO says schools safe after fights, shooting Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Brie Zeltner Plain Dealer Reporter Fights at two Cleveland schools and a shooting left school and safety officials trying to reassure parents and community members Tuesday evening that the school district is safe. Cleveland School Chief Executive Eugene Sanders and Cleveland Public Safety Director Martin Flask told parents and the community at a specially called news conference that the violent incidents would be investigated and that schools would be open and safe. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/117205061744360.xml&coll=2
March 14, 200718 yr From the 3/11/07 PD: Taking a tougher stance on contractors Cleveland schools' rules aim to diversify work force Sunday, March 11, 2007 Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland school officials, under fire for not hiring enough minorities and city residents to work on their $1 billion construction program, have issued tougher rules to contractors to better diversify the work force. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1173602571214610.xml&coll=2
April 10, 200718 yr From the PD: Lincoln-West teacher gets national award Thursday, April 05, 2007 Olga Gueits, a chemistry and technology teacher at Lincoln-West High School, has been named the recipient of the National Science Teachers Association Shell Science Teaching Award, with a prize of $10,000. She was recognized for having a positive impact on her students, school and community through exemplary science teaching.
April 14, 200718 yr From the 4/14/07 PD: Schools may seek additional millions Construction estimates outdated, officials say Saturday, April 14, 2007 Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland school officials may ask voters to approve an additional $120 million bond issue for the district's construction project amid speculation that schools will be closed or knocked off the drawing board because of falling enrollment. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1176539916101780.xml&coll=2
April 15, 200718 yr Cleveland voters agreed to pay $335 million to build and renovate schools in 2001. Every local dollar brings in $2 of state money for qualifying projects This means they had a BILLION dollars to fix the schools and they are still short? Clevelanders won't pass another bond until they see at least minimal improvement in the schools, and that isn't going to be for a while...Eh, the article is depressing... unanticipated expenses for clearing out asbestos I hate this quote, you have 60+ year old schools...How is this unanticipated? Do they even walk through the buildings anymore?
April 15, 200718 yr They better ask for funds for academics not new buildings. This is ridiculous. Yes the price of steel and other construction materials have increased, but they should have banked on that before they asked for what they did. Bottom line they are asking for 120 million on top of the 1billion+ they already got in a shrinking school district that is underperforming in what's apparently America's "poorest" city. I'd say the odds are against them on this.
April 22, 200718 yr Interesting article from the CWRU newspaper: -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Observer, April 20, 2007 Volume XXXIX, Issue 25 Cleveland on Fire: Radical plan may provide solutions for Cleveland schools Jeffrey Verespej, Columnist Lack of funding, old facilities, unqualified teachers, racial issues, and staff cuts. The reasons and excuses created to attempt to explain why public schooling in Northeast Ohio is failing are endless and completely incorrect. While the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) bears the brunt of bad publicity and dismal academic performance, other suburban districts are increasingly facing the same problems without a realistic solution. Charter schools, dress codes, and single-gender education will make improvements, but will not produce the impact necessary to turn around the district. Instead, the creation of a county-wide integrated school district will lift the academic woes of all areas in Northeast Ohio. Students in the CMSD cannot succeed in the current environment that they are in. The culture of poverty-stricken streets spills into the hallways of the schools and destroys the education process. In order to level the playing field for all students, the schools need to be desegregated. This may sound very similar to the disastrous busing situation that resulted from Brown v. Board of Education – a complete mistake because of its emphasis on race, which makes no difference in educational performance. What does make a difference, however, is the socioeconomic background of each pupil. A regional school district should integrate across the country by economics – not by race. Studies have proven that school districts with 20-30 percent of students from economically depressed backgrounds can raise the scores of the poorer students while still maintaining or raising the performance of students from a wealthier background. The plan for the new school system would design districts that maintained this 70:30 ratio at all schools. This would desegregate students who are economically disadvantaged and level the playing field. Wake County Public Schools in North Carolina – which pioneered this idea – has nearly 95 percent of its students testing at or above state standards. Although it is an undeniably daunting and radical task, the creation of the Cuyahoga County school district is possible and important. Opponents of this idea will point to the challenge of creating a school district for over 1.3 million people, cultural tensions, logistics of busing and facilities, and a lack of public support. The last argument must be tackled with one of the largest public information campaigns in the region's history. This campaign would explain every aspect of the idea ranging from why the system is vital to the tiny details of the desegregation process. Public support is necessary for the implementation and can be achieved through an open and honest process provided by public officials. People from different sides of town are culturally different even if they are of the same socioeconomic status, so this issue is the most contentious. However, as has been proven in Wake County, there has not been an exodus or protest beyond the initial apprehension. Furthermore, the system will not be designed so that all the less wealthy students are bussed out into the suburban communities, but rather all students will be moved around to create uniformity. The creation of magnet schools will draw the best students from all areas of the county in a variety of subjects and this will propel our children into the most prestigious colleges in the country. Lastly, to help with the issue of bussing students across the county, each school bus will make a limited number of stops where many students will wait – at the local library, school, or city hall. Some issues that are especially difficult to deal with are sports, activities, and jobs at the high school level. When students are not down the street from home, it is more difficult to partake in after school activities. However, this problem can be partially alleviated using a double-bus system – one that leaves immediately after the school day, and an express bus that leaves around 5 p.m. and gets students close to their homes. This transformation would go much farther than standardized testing in Northeast Ohio. As the schools are run today, a majority of families use the local school district as a major determinant of where they live. However, once those lines are re-drawn and all schools are essentially equal, there is a better chance that families will stop moving out and as Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said, "neighborhoods of choice" can be created. Furthermore, this would produce a region where families want to live and move to, which will retain and attract strong companies to Northeast Ohio. Lastly (and most importantly), this approach would finally give the children of our city a chance to develop and succeed. Although this is the most extreme proposal to fix Cleveland's educational woes, this is the only one that is transformative enough to create change. It has the potential to lift failing inner-city schools out of the basement and at the same time retain the strengths of many existing schools. This plan also comes at a cost to none and a gain to many – that is a regionally-oriented thought process at its most basic level, and it must happen for Northeast Ohio to move ahead of the curve in the 21st century.
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