Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education meeting highlights 3-15-2022
MARCH 15, 2022, work session
- Communication audit analysis
- Memorandum of understanding, teachers’ contract
- Retention of OSBA membership
- Update on pandemic masking
Present were President Malia Lewis, Dan Heintz, James Posch, Jodi Sourini, and Beverly Wright. Also present were Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby and Treasurer Scott Gainer. The meeting lasted about 50 minutes.
Communication audit analysis
Tim Carroll, working with the National School Public Relations Association, presented the findings of the association’s communication audit along with suggestions as to how the district can improve internal and external communication. He stressed that the suggestions can and should be implemented over multiple years. Mr. Carroll also emphasized that the district’s website should focus more on kids learning and teachers teaching. Currently, the web site emphasizes special events, sports, and arts activities. A number of board members considered improving internal communication to be a priority.
Memorandum of understanding, teachers’ contract
The board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with the teachers union that will extend the union contract through June 2025. Board members were pleased that a three-year contract was achieved and that this period aligns contract negotiations with a five-year levy cycle.
Retention of OSBA membership
The board voted to retain its membership in the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA). However, the board expressed reservations, disapproving of some political stances that OSBA has taken, in particular OSBA’s withdrawal from the National School Boards Association. Board members are hoping to be involved in OSBA committees that are important to the district and community.
Update on pandemic masking
The district will become mask-optional on March 17. The board discussed a thoughtful return to a more normal educational experience ruled less by the pandemic.
Upcoming meetings are a regular meeting on April 5 at 7 p.m. and a work session on April 19 at 6:30 p.m.
LWV Observer: Robin Koslen.
Documents for all board meetings can be accessed from the Board of Education webpage: www.chuh.org/BoardofEducation.aspx. Go to “BoardDocs” in the menu; on BoardDocs go to “MEETINGS” in the top menu; click on “Agenda.” Board meetings are livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/CHUHSchools) and recorded for later viewing.