Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education work session highlights 9-4-2018
SEPTEMBER 4, 2018
- Public comments
- High school construction update
- Enrollment
- Board president’s comments
- Reaching Heights report
- Board approvals
President James Posch, Vice President Jodi Sourini, Dan Heintz, Malia Lewis and Beverly Wright were present. Superintendent Dr. Talisa Dixon and Treasurer Scott Gainer were also present. The meeting began at 7:08 p.m. after an executive session and adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
Public comments
School closings due to temperature: Ari Klein, president of the teachers union, thanked the superintendent for closing the schools for several days due to high temperatures.
High school construction update
Scott Bindel, senior project manager of Gilbane Building, reported that work is progressing on landscaping, sidewalk cracks, ball fields and HVAC.
The flooring above the gym was anticipated to be one-half-inch thick but exceeded two inches in several areas. This required an increase in the cost to replace the floor.
Enrollment
Superintendent Dixon said that 5,000 students are currently enrolled in the district. Online registration is up and running.
Board president’s comments
Mr. Posch commented on the testing calendar (now on the website), enrollment, Tiger Nation signs, and other topics. He asked the superintendent to investigate how the words task force, committee and commission should be used, and whether some changes should be made in how the district uses them.
Reaching Heights report
Reaching Heights Director Krista Hawthorne reported on Reaching Heights. The annual budget is $135,000 to $165,000, with 50 percent coming from grants. The Heights musical program is March 5, 2019, and the spelling bee is May 1. More can be found at https://www.reachingheights.org/.
Board approvals
The board passed a memo of understanding with the Cleveland Heights High Alumni Foundation. The memo outlines the mutual understanding that exists between both bodies that allows for continuing collaboration and pursuit of mutual interests.
They also passed a resolution asking cities to raise the age for buying tobacco products, including vaping products.
The board accepted donations of approximately $800.
Upcoming meetings are a work session on Sept. 25 and a regular board meeting on Oct. 2. The meetings are at 7 p.m. at the board of education offices. A joint meeting with Cleveland Heights city council will be held Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Cleveland Heights City Hall.
LWV Observer: Adele Cohn.
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These reports contain member observation and selected highlights of public meetings and are not official statements of the Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland. This disclaimer must accompany any redistribution of these reports.