CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metropolitan School District plans to hold a series of meetings to discuss recommendations that would have the district undergo drastic changes to ensure students remain a top priority despite the district’s limited financial resources.
“These recommendations, which are based on extensive data analysis and community feedback, are only for K-8 schools,” district officials said. “A similar process for high schools will take place in the fall.”
CMSD CEO Eric Gordan will share the recommendations with residents during six community meetings beginning May 15 through June 1.
According to district officials, the recommendations would lead to the closure of four schools and the relocation of five others.
Willow, Iowa-Maple, Michael R. White and Case would close, officials said. Kenneth W. Clement Boys’ Leadership Academy, Valley View Boys’ Leadership Academy, Tremont Montessori, Boltan and Dike School of Arts would be relocated. Officials said the two all-boys schools be consolidated, as well as Bolton and Dike. District officials said the four schools are older buildings with low enrollment and received a D or F on recent state report cards.
The recommendation calls for the renovation or construction of five new buildings for children in the following seven schools: Clark, Walton, Denison, Charles A. Mooney, Joseph M. Gallagher, Marion C. Seltzer and Douglas MacArthur Girl’s Leadership Academy. According to the district, Clark and Walton would be consolidated, as well as Denison and Mooney. The five selected schools would move from older buildings to more modern ones, the district stated.
“We have some difficult decisions to make,” Gordon said. “But we believe these are the most responsible things to do. We are trying to do what’s best for the District.”
The district stated it used input from seven prior community meetings as well as from online sources to formulate the recommendations.
A meeting schedule and more information about the recommendations can be found here.
