Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education regular meeting highlights 11-5-2019
NOVEMBER 5, 2019
- Shining Star CLE winner
- Public comments
- Five-year financial forecast
- Operating levy proposed
- Proposed UH residential development
- Other announcements
Members present were President Jodi Sourini, James Posch, Dan Heintz, Malia Lewis and Beverly Wright. Also present were Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby and Treasurer Scott Gainer. The meeting began at 7:05 p.m. after an executive session, and ended at 9:26 p.m.
Shining Star CLE winner
The board recognized Kristen Lyons, winner of the Shining Star CLE contest. The Shining Star CLE competition is a unique solo vocal competition that gives high school students (including home-schooled students) from Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties the chance to compete for college scholarships and perform at the prestigious Ohio Theatre in downtown Cleveland. All participants must have a 2020–2023 graduation date.
Public comments
Two Monticello parents spoke about the inequity in class size and staffing between Monticello and Roxboro Middle Schools. Superintendent Kirby said she and staff are working to address this.
Five-year financial forecast
Mr. Gainer presented and discussed the five-year forecast. The board voted unanimously to approve the forecast. Details can be viewed on the BoardDocs web site for this meeting.
Operating levy proposed
Ryan Routh, chair of the Lay Finance Committee, explained how the committee came to a unanimous recommendation concerning a new operating levy. The committee recommended that the amount of the operating levy be set between $7.9 and $9.5 million. They also recommended that the levy be placed on the ballot in the first half of 2020.
After much discussion, the school board approved a first reading of a proposal to place a $7.9 million operating levy on the March 17, 2020, ballot. The board will vote on the proposed levy at a later meeting.
Proposed UH residential development
University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and Communications and Civic Engagement Director Mike Cook presented the proposed residential development at Cedar Taylor. The school board voted unanimously to accept a letter of intent for the purchase and sale of property so that the proposed development can start.
Other announcements
The district now has an app for smart phones, and district website improvements are forthcoming.
The district received an award from the city of Cleveland Heights for the renovations to Roxboro and Monticello middle schools.
President Sourini announced a January fundraiser with the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 5, 2020.
Upcoming meetings are work sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 3; both are held at 7 p.m. at the board of education building.
LWV Observer: Adele Cohn.