Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education meeting highlights 6-7,9-22

JUNE 7, 2022

 

  • Tudor Taylor Corridor
  • Recognitions and awards
  • Personnel agreements
  • Policy Group C
  • MetroHealth 
  • Sex-based harassment (SBH)

 

Present were Board President Malia Lewis, members Dan Heintz, James Posch, Jodi Sourini, and Beverly Wright, Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby, and Treasurer Scott Gainer.

Tudor Taylor Corridor

Brian Anderson, business development manager for the City of Cleveland Heights, introduced a multi-year project for the Tudor Taylor Corridor. The initial phase of the project will focus on the apartments and stores in the Taylor Tutor property. This project is still at the visioning stage. The city is pursuing money for what is considered a historic preservation project. The Taylor Tutor buildings are listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Cleveland Heights City Council authorized a memorandum for working with WXE Development on the project.

Anticipated phases of this project include a vision for “Cain Park Village.” The hour long presentation can be downloaded from BoardDocs on the city's website.

Mr. Posch said he sees value in this project to revitalize the community. Mr. Heintz said he appreciated the historic preservation aspects and stated the need to address parking concerns, the needs of families, and a residential mix of people who would live in the restored buildings.

Brian Anderson and Matthew Weimer of WXE Development stated they would give periodic updates of the project as it progressed. They emphasized that the project is at the community engagement stage, and they are still seeking ways to fund the project. Mayor Seren has stated his support for the project.

Recognitions and awards

Chelsea Gipson, rising 9th grader, was the district winner and 2nd place winner in the 14th Annual Stop the Hate Contest.

The six members of the swim team made Academic All-American. Team members Helen Barr, Patricia Chen, Emmet Fluharty, James Huff, Noah Pereira, and Andrew Teets set a new Heights High swim record. 

Personnel agreements

The board approved a consent agenda that included agreements for new contracts with all three CHUH bargaining units for the next three years. The board members were pleased that the negotiations were successful and stressed that this meant that a levy would probably not be sought for several years.

Policy Group C

At the final reading and approval of Policy Group C, board members noted a more complete definition of weapons and clarification of the student requirements to report information regarding weapons in schools.

MetroHealth 

Superintendent Kirby announced that MetroHealth at-school care continues this summer for all CHUH students. Students may receive physicals, routine lab tests, care for chronic conditions, and more at the clinic at Heights High School.

Sex-based harassment (SBH)

Ms. Kirby reported that invitations have gone out for the SBH advisory group to be convened in late June. The Dress Code Committee has been identified. Discussions are being held regarding the search for a Title IX compliance officer to oversee the district’s processes relating to SBH. Timelines for completion of work on identified areas of SBH focus are on track. Focus points will be included in summer training for the start of school.

Treasurer’s report

The board approved the CHUH Public Library Alternative Tax Budget for 2023 with Mr. Heintz abstaining.

Mr. Gainer stated that the recent passage of HB 126 will make it more difficult to file complaints regarding county assessment of property values. It is important to monitor progress of this bill.

To clarify questions relating to school funding and finance, Mr. Gainer presented explanations of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), General Fund and Fiscal Year. See the presentation on BoardDocs or at www.chuh.org/3Things.aspx.

The June 28 work session will have updates for finances.

Ohio House Bill 99

Answering the passage of HB 99, legislation allowing the arming of school personnel, the board approved a resolution, proposed by Ms. Lewis, opposing the new law and asserting a commitment to a weapons-free school environment. Board members each gave very strong opinions regarding the safety of children and Ohio Legislature’s dereliction of duty in passing HB 99. Ms. Lewis plans to share the resolution with other school boards and with cities.

JUNE 9, 2022 - special meeting

The board held a special meeting to approve an appropriations increase in the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Fund. The board also accepted a North Electric, Inc. bid to upgrade Smart Panels at the district’s four elementary schools.

See BoardDocs for the agenda. There is no video of this meeting.

LWV Observer: Rosemarie Fairman.

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.

Read More on Schools
Volume 15, Issue 7, Posted 9:41 AM, 06.21.2022