LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education meeting highlights
DECEMBER 17, 2024, regular session
- Awards and recognitions
- Public comment
- Board actions
- Policy readings – religious expression
- Superintendent’s report
- Treasurer’s report
- President’s report
- Committee reports
Present were President Jodi Sourini, Gabe Crenshaw, Dan Heintz, Malia Lewis, and Phil Trimble. Also present were Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby and Treasurer Scott Gainer. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. and adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Awards and recognitions
Mr. Heintz announced the winners of the student holiday card contest, which received more than 100 submissions. The winners are Noble Elementary fifth grader Christian Dates, Monticello Middle School seventh grader Elom Donou-Adonsou, Canterbury Elementary fourth grader Nina Bilek. The first-prize winner is eighth grader Samaria Smith Williams from Roxboro Middle School.
Superintendent Kirby recognized Tiger Team Members of the Month.
Public comment
Angel Fasolo asked that the board endeavor to not violate the civil rights of students and staff and that district funds be spent on educating students, not on litigation for civil rights violations. She read from the court dockets for two pending lawsuits against the district that established that the litigation would continue through 2026. She requested a call for action from board members and other district leaders to stop any ongoing violations of student civil rights.
President Sourini responded that the board will promptly, thoroughly, and equitably investigate and respond to allegations of violence or inappropriate behavior, but the board’s position is that legal matters must be allowed to come to a conclusion before the board will take any action against named individuals.
Board actions
The board thanked departing coach Mac Stephens for his service.
The board declared an urgent necessity in order to authorize a contract outside of statutory competitive bidding procedures to purchase the Opengate Weapons Detection System for the high school, Delisle Center, and middle schools. The board thanked staff for their efforts in researching and implementing the new system. Ms. Kirby added that Student Cadre leaders have become active participants in the school safety initiative.
Policy readings on religious expression
Mr. Lombardo announced readings for two policy changes with the first readings on Dec. 17 and second readings on Jan. 7. Both relate to religious expression and include Policy 2265, “Protections of Individual Beliefs, Affiliations, Ideals, or Principles for Political Movements and Ideology,” and Policy 5200 “Attendance.” These would amend the policies for absence due to medical or religious reasons. The revised attendance policy would permit students to be absent without consequence for up to three days in the school year for religious expression at the request of the parents.
Superintendent’s report
The district received a $1 million grant from the federal department of justice to fund social, emotional learning, and climate support work. Character Strong training, which equips educators and support staff to provide targeted social and emotional learning and behavioral interventions, is occurring.
Superintendent Kirby noted several December events. The winter concert was well received and attended. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) family financial aid night took place, as did a session for juniors on how to complete college applications. The Career and Tech Education student-run Cosmetology Salon opened on campus. The TriC East College, Career, and Connections Day event will be held Dec. 18 for eighth graders.
Noble and Oxford schools continue to work with Church on the Heights and the Steak Club to expand food access through a food market at Church on the Heights. Monticello families have been invited to participate.
Attendance nudge letters were sent to families of students with attendance concerns.
The new weapons detection system should be in use in the high school the first week after winter break.
Treasurer’s report
The treasurer’s webpage now has a section entitled “Finance at a glance” that summarizes general fund resources and expenditures. The goal is to allow the public to easily access and understand the district budget. The webpage itself is a first draft and suggestions for improvement are welcome.
President’s report
President Sourini attended the Cleveland Heights State of the City address and the University Heights Civic Awards dinner. University Heights named John Diligente teacher of the year. She also attended walk-throughs of five Career and Tech Education programs. Finance was the topic of the Dec. 7 board retreat.
Committee reports
Board members attended the equity and athletic committee meetings and the Cleveland Heights sustainability meeting.
LWV observer: Paula Goodwin
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.