Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education regular meeting highlights 1-7-2020
JANUARY 7, 2020
- Recognition of students, teachers, staff, and the board
- Public comments
- Resolution opposing voucher expansion
- Other business
Members present were President Jodi Sourini, Dan Heintz, Malia Lewis, James Posch and Beverly Wright. Also present were Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby and Treasurer Scott Gainer. The meeting began at 7:05 p.m., after executive session, and ended at 9:47 p.m.
Before opening the regular meeting, the board held an organizational meeting. All officers remained in the positions in which they served in 2019. Treasurer Gainer administered the oath of office to newly re-elected board members James Posch and Beverly Wright.
Recognition of students, teachers, staff, and the board
The board recognized students participating in the middle school spelling bee, Power of the Pen, Stop the Hate, and Sing the Hate Out. They also recognized the teachers and administrators working to increase Advanced Placement enrollment.
January is school board recognition month, and Superintendent Kirby praised the board for its work.
Community comments
Equity and district taxes: Two members of the community spoke on equity in student fundraising, and one spoke on high taxes in the district.
Resolution opposing voucher expansion
Mr. Heintz introduced a resolution opposing Ohio’s expansion of EdChoice vouchers. In discussion he noted that the district has lost 15 million dollars to the voucher program. The resolution can be viewed on BoardDocs, which can be accessed from the school board web page (www.chuh.org/BoardofEducation.aspx).
Other business
Julianna Johnston, executive director of the Heights Schools Foundation, and Dr. Susan Carver, president of the Heights Schools Foundation Board of Trustees, presented an update on the foundation.
The board held the second reading for policies group A.
The board unanimously voted to adopt the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school calendars.
Upcoming meetings are work sessions on Jan. 21 and Jan. 25, and a regular meeting on Feb. 4. All are at 7 p.m. at the board of education building.
LWV Observer: Adele Cohn.