CH-UH BOE appoints Facilities Accountability Commission members

A rendering of what Cleveland Heights High School might look like after renovations, including removal of the science wing, which currently blocks the original 1920s facade from view. Photo courtesy CH-UH City School District.

At its Jan. 7 meeting, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School Board selected 10 community members, from among 39 applicants, for the Facilities Accountability Committee (FAC), which is tasked with overseeing the district’s facilities master plan. Heights voters approved a $134.8 million bond issue to fund the first phase of the plan last November.

The FAC is to monitor the progress of construction and expenditure of funds for Phase 1 and to report to the Board of Education (BOE) on a regular basis. Specifically, the FAC will monitor the implementation of the plan; review the status of construction, financing and fundraising; monitor proposed and actual construction costs, and review community engagement in regard to school planning, construction contracting and the construction workforce.

The BOE held an open nomination process from Nov. 20 to Dec. 31, 2013 and sought to include a “diverse representation from a cross section of stakeholders.” The members of the FAC are:

Alexis Abramson, a Fairfax Elementary School parent and Heights High graduate, who teaches mechanical engineering at Case Western Reserve University.

Fiona Connor-Kuntz, a resident of University Heights, parent of two CH-UH students, and a teacher and teacher leader at Gearity Elementary School.

Jim Cull, a 32-year resident of Cleveland Heights, who has degrees in chemical engineering, economics and finance, and served on the Lay Facilities Committee.

John Janssen, a parent of four CH-UH students and graduates, with more than 20 years of experience in engineering and construction project management, including serving as project manager for the construction of stadiums, airports, offices and universities.

John Lentz, a pastor at Forest Hill Church, Presbyterian, and parent of three CH-UH students, who is active in the Heights Interfaith Council and Sustainable Heights Network.

Mario Mastrandrea, a participant in the Lay Facilities Committee process, and a teacher of university-level finance and economics, who has overseen facilities operations at Fairhill Center, and is an independent analyst for renewable projects.

Alanna Nicholas, a CH-UH parent and former board member of Reaching Heights, who has an M.B.A. from Ursuline College and works as a business developer. 

Ryan Pierce, a public-education advocate, works in government and foundation relations at Case Western Reserve University and is a volunteer in roles that promote visibility and secure funds for safe, healthy and sustainable programming to revitalize Northeast Ohio.

Seku Shabazz, a 1990 graduate of Heights High, is a registered investment advisor. 

Chanelle Truitt, the parent of three CH-UH students, is a member of the PTA and is a parent ambassador for the district. She works for a small business in Cleveland Heights. 

FAC members will serve until the completion of renovations at the high school, at which time the BOE will either expand the FAC or create a new FAC to monitor renovations to Monticello and Roxboro middle schools. 

The FAC will meet quarterly and will hold its first meeting by Jan. 31. At that meeting, the committee will determine a process for selecting its chairperson and other roles.

In addition to the 10 members selected by the BOE, the mayors of Cleveland Heights, University Heights and South Euclid will each appoint an FAC liaison. Steve Shergalis, director of operations for the district, will serve as the district’s representative.

The district has said that it will post the FAC meeting schedule on its website and that materials, meeting notes and products of the FAC will be made publicly available. 

Deanna Bremer Fisher

Deanna Bremer Fisher is executive director of FutureHeights and publisher of the Heights Observer.

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Volume 7, Issue 2, Posted 10:17 AM, 01.21.2014