Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board member Mike Cicero will not run for re-election, citing the need to devote more time to his family and legal practice. His is one of three seats up this fall. Currently serving his first four-year term, Cicero is the only University Heights resident on the board and believes the board needs someone from the community to be an advocate for their children. "University Heights residents disconnect from the district if there is no representation on the board," he says.

The last four years have seen an elementary school closure, a lawsuit, budget cuts and now the need to replace a well-liked and effective superintendent. Yet, Cicero says these events have not been any more difficult than those faced by previous boards. He expects the next four years will bring deeper budget cuts and school funding issues due to the economic recession.

"Zeal and energy are not enough," Cicero says. "You have to be able to make very tough decisions and have a good working knowledge of how public education is structured in Ohio."

Ron Register, completing his second term on the board, plans to run for re-election this fall. "I see the need to continue to work and support the transformation process which the district has been involved in over the past few years," he says. "At this point, I am the only member with the history, and I would be doing a disservice to us all not to continue for another term."

Kal Zucker, who is completing his first term, is undecided. "I feel it is far more important for me to stay focused on the current decisions I am making as a board member than on my own political career"

Zucker praised Cicero’s work on the board and said he "will be sorely missed."