Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, OH

Work Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District Board of Education is holding a work session to consider a consent agenda of routine items. The most significant item is approval of the financial forecast for fiscal years 2027-2030. Other items include personnel actions such as retirements, resignations, new appointments, and contract changes, as well as financial transactions like fund advances and purchase order payments.

• Approval of financial forecast (FY27-FY30)
• Retirement of Kevin O'Connell, Social Studies teacher at CHHS, effective 5/31/2027
• New appointments including Evelyn Gonzalez-Kelley (Spanish teacher, $54,390) and Meghan Simpson (Speech Language Pathologist, $30,902.50)
• Fund advances totaling over $600,000 from various grants to the General Fund
• Approval of extended time for five staff members at 85% per diem

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda covering personnel actions (retirements, resignations, appointments, status changes, contracts, leaves, name changes, extended time) and finance items (FY27-FY30 forecast, fund advances, purchase order payments, FY27 appropriations amendment). A strategic plan update on Goals 4 and 5 was presented as information only. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 PM.

• Approved consent agenda including personnel and finance items (5-0)
• Approved retirements, resignations, new appointments, status changes, contracts, leaves, name changes, extended time (5-0)
• Approved FY27-FY30 financial forecast and assumptions (5-0)
• Authorized Treasurer to make fund advances (5-0)
• Approved payment of purchase orders (5-0)
• Approved FY27 appropriations amendment (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:58 PM (5-0)

Regular Session

The Board of Education held a regular session on August 3, 2026, preceded by an executive session to discuss pending litigation with legal counsel. The board unanimously approved a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions, and finance items. Personnel actions included accepting one retirement, six resignations, and approving numerous new appointments, including an Assistant Treasurer, long-term substitutes, and classified staff. The board also approved a list of supplemental athletic coaching stipends for the upcoming school year.

• Approved new Assistant Treasurer Porsha Reeder at a salary of $125,684.
• Approved 23 supplemental athletic coaching stipends, including $8,954 for Head Football Coach Bryce Jones.
• Accepted the retirement of Cleaner Sandra Alexander from Cleveland Heights High School.
• Approved extended time for staff, including 5 days for six employees and 1 day for 13 employees under the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.
• Approved change of status for Robert Drake (Sub Bus Driver to Bus Driver) and Shanyka Parks (General Office to Administrative Assistant).

The Board of Education approved a resolution to place a 6.5-mill additional tax levy for current expenses on the November 2026 ballot. The board also approved the consent agenda, including personnel actions and financial reports, and held an executive session to discuss pending litigation. One resident spoke during public address, calling for more transparency and district cuts before a levy.

• Approved resolution submitting 6.5-mill additional tax levy to voters (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes, personnel changes, and financial reports (5-0)
• Approved retirement of Sandra Alexander, cleaner at CHHS (5-0)
• Accepted resignations of six classified staff members (5-0)
• Approved new appointments including Assistant Treasurer Porsha Reeder ($125,684) and multiple teaching and support staff (5-0)
• Approved supplemental athletic coaching assignments for fall 2026 (5-0)
• Approved change of status for Robert Drake and Shanyka Parks (5-0)
• Approved extended time for staff and Third Grade Reading Guarantee work (5-0)

Special Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a special session on July 21, 2026, approving a consent agenda that included resignations, new appointments, changes of status, a name change, and extended time for staff. The board also discussed a levy proposal and approved a resolution for an additional current expense levy to appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

• Approved resignations of six staff members, including a school counselor and several paraprofessionals.
• Approved new appointments for seven certified staff and three classified staff, with salaries ranging from $15.51/hour to $85,782/year.
• Approved a change of status for Principal Melissa Barrett-Burkeet, increasing her salary from $122,871 to $123,575.
• Discussed and approved a resolution for an additional current expense levy (CPOT) for the November 3, 2026 election.
• Approved extended time for Amanda Sell at 60% per diem for 10 days.

The Board of Education approved a resolution to place a 6.5-mill additional tax levy for current expenses on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The board also approved a consent agenda including personnel resignations, new appointments, and other staff changes. One public comment was heard on the levy. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

• Approved Resolution 26-07-080 declaring it necessary to levy an additional 6.5-mill tax levy for current expenses and requesting Cuyahoga County fiscal officer certifications.
• Approved Consent Agenda (Resolution 26-07-078) including personnel resignations, new appointments, change of status, name change, and extended time.
• Accepted resignations of Diontre Delk (school counselor), Myya Cooke, Claire Hall, Tanya Niraj, Steven Smithingell, and Tyrone Williams (paraprofessionals, mechanic, administrative assistant).
• Approved new appointments for certified staff: Barbara Davison, Tracy Kondrit, Meghan McMahon, Michelle Nagy, Zoe Perrier, Jacob Reising, and Gregg Unverferth.
• Approved new appointments for classified staff: Brenda Brown, Alyssa Clancy, and Taylor Harris.
• Approved summer assignment for Sharlene Peraza as cleaner at $25.65/hour.
• Approved change of status for Melissa Barrett-Burkeet (principal salary step increase) and Donna Anderson and Tahlia Eskridge (classified staff adjustments).
• Approved name change for Kristen Narduzzi to Kristen Hunter and extended time for Amanda Sell (10 days at 60% per diem).

Regular Session

The Board of Education held a regular session that began with an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. The board then approved a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions (resignations, new appointments, status changes), a district calamity day plan, donations, and quarterly contracts. The meeting also included recognition of students with perfect attendance and a public comment period.

• Approved resignation of Victoria Weisberg, Intervention Specialist at Gearity, effective 6/30/2026
• Approved new appointments including Donna Anderson (Cleaner, $16.12/hr) and Alyssa Clancy (Paraprofessional, $17.47/hr)
• Approved change of status for Matthew Cox, Michael Lauer, and Jasmine Walls
• Approved district calamity day plan for the 2025-2026 school year
• Accepted a $35.00 donation to Heights High School from Jayne & Thomas Briggs

The Board of Education approved the consent agenda (Resolution 26-07-076) unanimously, which included acceptance of meeting minutes, personnel changes (resignation, new appointments, change of status), the district calamity day plan, donations, and quarterly contracts. The board also moved into executive session for personnel and legal matters, then reconvened for public session. No public comments were made, and no new or unfinished business was discussed.

• Approved consent agenda including personnel, calamity plan, donations, and quarterly contracts (4-0)
• Approved resignation of Victoria Weisberg, Intervention Specialist at Gearity (4-0)
• Approved new appointments for classified staff, summer assignments, and supplemental assignments (4-0)
• Approved change of status for three classified staff members (4-0)
• Approved district calamity day plan (4-0)
• Accepted $35 donation to Heights High School from Jayne & Thomas Briggs (4-0)
• Approved quarterly contracts for April-June 2026 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:52 p.m. (4-0)

Work Session

The Board of Education is reviewing several personnel actions including staff reappointments, resignations, and new employment offers. The session also includes the approval of financial reports and various fund transfers and advances.

• Reappointment of four certificated staff members for the 2026-2027 school year
• New employment offers including a Roxboro Middle School Intervention Specialist at $66,333
• Supplemental athletic assignments including football and soccer coaching roles
• Transfer of $231,598.76 from the General Fund to Athletics
• Advance of $288,299.04 from the General Fund to Gear Up to 2028

The Board of Education approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions (reappointments, resignations, new hires, status changes, and summer assignments) and finance items (May 2026 financial reports, fund transfers, advances, appropriation adjustments, and final FY26 appropriations). The board also approved temporary appropriations for FY27 after a budget presentation. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved consent agenda including personnel and finance items (5-0)
• Approved reappointment of four certified staff suspended by RIF for 2026-2027 (5-0)
• Approved resignations of Eric Soltis (Assistant Treasurer), Kayla Pettinger, Miranda O'Keeffe, Dorian Pace, and John Susong (5-0)
• Approved new appointments for certificated, classified, summer, and supplemental athletic staff (5-0)
• Approved change of status for India Wilson (principal) and others (5-0)
• Approved fund transfers totaling $254,389.41 from General Fund to Cosmetology, Athletics, and Drama (5-0)
• Approved fund advances totaling $564,831.25 from General Fund to various grant and program accounts (5-0)
• Approved temporary appropriations for FY27 (5-0)

Special Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a special session to approve a consent agenda covering personnel items, including resignations, new appointments, status changes, extended time, and an overnight field trip. The board also reaffirmed a prior resolution. All items passed unanimously.

• Approved resignations of Amanda Zapotechne (Roxboro Elementary principal), Anna Gregory, Verna Craighead-Green, and Carmen Jefferson
• Approved new appointments including Avriel Chaney ($113,492) and Jason Kustron ($117,127) as assistant high school principals, and India Wilson ($120,996) as Roxboro Middle School principal
• Approved change of status for Melissa Barrett Burkeet to Roxboro Elementary principal ($122,871) and Amanda Sell to instructional specialist ($113,460)
• Approved extended time for five administrators at 85% per diem for 10 days
• Approved Heights High School boys football overnight field trip to Pennsylvania State University, June 17-18, 2026

The Board of Education unanimously approved a consent agenda including personnel resignations, new appointments, status changes, extended time, an overnight field trip for Heights High School football to Penn State, and reaffirmation of a prior resolution. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved consent agenda including personnel items (5-0)
• Accepted resignations of Amanda Zapotechne, Anna Gregory, Verna Craighead-Green, and Carmen Jefferson
• Approved new appointments for Avriel Chaney, Anna Gregory, Carmen Jefferson, Jason Kustron, India Wilson, Rachel Chapman, Victor Podis, and Tahlia Eskridge
• Approved status changes for Melissa Barrett Burkeet, Amanda Sell, Angela Kennedy, Lindsay Smith, and 35 summer assignment staff
• Approved extended time for five administrators at 85% per diem for 10 days
• Approved overnight field trip for Heights High School boys football to Penn State University, June 17-18, 2026
• Reaffirmed continued approval of May 12, 2026, Resolution #3

Special Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a special session to act on a consent agenda of personnel items. The board approved resignations, terminations due to unsuccessful probation, new appointments (including many summer workers), changes of status, extended time, and re-appointments of staff previously reduced in force. The meeting was procedural, with all votes carried unanimously.

• Approved resignations of Sabrina Scott (Roxboro Middle), Katherine O'Keeffe-Swank (Gearity/Preschool), and Jessica Valentino-Artman (Canterbury/Oxford)
• Approved termination of Darrell Reddix (cleaner) and LeToya Russell (SPED paraprofessional) due to unsuccessful probation
• Approved over 50 summer appointments with hourly wages ranging from $15.02 to $24.67
• Approved change of status for Stephanie Thomas from assistant principal to high school principal at $127,561/year
• Reappointed Courtney Dargaj (4th grade, Roxboro Elementary) and Tyra Pegram (7th grade ELA, Roxboro Middle) for 2026-2027

The Board of Education approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions: resignations of three certified staff, termination of two classified staff for unsuccessful probation, new appointments for summer assignments, changes of status for three employees, extended time for 18 staff, and reappointment of two RIF-suspended teachers. The board also reaffirmed a prior resolution. All votes were 3-0.

• Approved resignations of Sabrina Scott, Katherine O'Keeffe-Swank, and Jessica Valentino-Artman (3-0)
• Approved termination of Darrell Reddix and LeToya Russell for unsuccessful probation (3-0)
• Approved new summer appointments for 50+ staff at hourly rates $15.02–$24.67 (3-0)
• Approved change of status for Stephanie Thomas to High School Principal, Edward Handsome to Assistant Custodian, William Mattingly to IT Support Specialist, and Taylor Smith to Administrative Assistant-Accounting (3-0)
• Approved extended time for 18 staff at 60% or 85% per diem (3-0)
• Reappointed Courtney Dargaj and Tyra Pegram for 2026-2027 after RIF suspension (3-0)
• Reaffirmed continued approval of May 12, 2026 Resolution #3 (3-0)

Regular Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education will vote on a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions, education services, business services, and finance. The agenda includes retirements, resignations, new appointments, and summer assignments. A public address from the Director of College and Career Readiness is also scheduled.

• Retirements: Sabrina Scott (Roxboro Middle), Sean Sullivan (Gearity), Jacqueline Thornton (Noble)
• Resignations: Michael Scott (Rox Mid principal), Elizabeth Cawley (CHHS), Kalah Saunders (Baumgardner)
• New appointments: Kathleen Kotnik (school psychologist, $85,324), Derrell Reddix and Makhi Tucker (cleaners, $15.61/hr)
• Summer assignments: Kindergarten Readiness Bootcamp teachers and paraprofessionals at $44.00/hr and $19.12/hr
• Change of status: George Watters promoted to Head Custodian III at Oxford Elementary ($28.76/hr)

The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including retirements, resignations, new appointments, field trips, donations, and contracts for roofing at Canterbury Elementary and HVAC at Fairfax Elementary. The board also approved the CH-UH Public Library tax budget for FY27 and amended policies 3122.01 and 4122.01. No public comments were made, and no new or unfinished business was discussed.

• Approved consent agenda (Resolution 26-06-062) including personnel actions, field trips, donations, and business services items.
• Approved retirements of Sabrina Scott, Sean Sullivan, and Jacqueline Thornton.
• Approved resignations of Michael Scott, Elizabeth Cawley, Kalah Saunders, Anton Hlabse, and Chanda Loper.
• Approved new appointments including Kathleen Kotnik as school psychologist, Derrell Reddix and Makhi Tucker as cleaners, and numerous summer and supplemental assignments.
• Approved roofing improvements at Canterbury Elementary via Warren Roofing & Insulation Co.
• Approved RTU replacement at Fairfax Elementary via Trane U.S., Inc.
• Approved the CH-UH Public Library Alternative Tax Budget for FY27.
• Approved amended Board Policies 3122.01 and 4122.01 (Resolutions 26-06-064 and 26-06-065).

Work Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a work session that began with an executive session to discuss employee matters and legal disputes. The board then approved a consent agenda covering personnel appointments, retirements, resignations, contract changes, and continuing contracts.

• Approved new appointments including Louis Durban (CHHS math teacher, $68,992) and Samuel Hall (elementary music teacher, $65,583)
• Accepted retirement of Instructional Coach Kay Milkie from Baumgardner, effective 5/29/2026
• Approved change of status for Jennifer Banisadr from Instructional Coach ($77,513) to Instructional Specialist ($88,377)
• Granted continuing contracts (tenure) to 17 certificated staff for 2026-2027 school year
• Rescinded supplemental contracts for track coaches Halle Tomasek ($3,942) and Sharita Crook ($8,672)

The Board of Education held a special meeting and unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included personnel actions such as new appointments, retirements, resignations, tenure grants, and administrator contracts. They also approved financial reports for April 2026, a memorandum of understanding with EAPSC, and acknowledged second readings of two policies. The board entered executive session for personnel and legal matters, then reconvened for the public session.

• Approved consent agenda (4-0)
• Approved new appointments: Louis Durban (Math Teacher, $68,992), Samuel Hall (Music Teacher, $65,583), and 3 classified staff
• Approved 17 staff for tenure effective 2026-2027
• Approved 14 administrator contracts (3-year, 2-year, or 1-year)
• Approved re-assignments for 6 administrators (e.g., Byrd to Director of Enrollment & Analytics)
• Approved retirement of Kay Milkie (Instructional Coach) effective 5/29/2026
• Approved resignation of Shane Wynn (Paraprofessional) effective 5/18/2026
• Approved MOU with EAPSC (Resolution 26-05-058)

Special Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a special session on May 12, 2026, approving a consent agenda that included retirements, resignations, new appointments, and extended time for personnel. The board also conducted first readings of policies 3122.01 and 4122.01, and approved a resolution regarding suspension of policy 9160 for Heights 100.

• Approved retirements of Payroll Supervisor Arlene Mohammadpour and Lunchroom Supervisor Jacqueline Price
• Accepted resignations of Assistant H.S. Principal Karen Hansen and High School Principal Brandon Towns from CHHS
• Approved new appointments including Michael Scott as Roxboro Middle School Principal at $125,450
• Approved extended time for Brittney Owen and Michael Scott at 85% per diem for 10 days
• Approved resolution suspending policy 9160 for Heights 100

The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including personnel actions (retirements, resignations, new appointments, and extended time) and a resolution suspending policy 9160 for Heights 100. The board also acknowledged first readings of two amended policies (3122.01 and 4122.01). All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved consent agenda including retirements of Arlene Mohammadpour and Jacqueline Price (5-0)
• Approved resignations of Karen Hansen, Brandon Towns, Payge Bass, Ariana Best, and Quaasha Miller (5-0)
• Approved new appointments for Karen Hansen, Christopher Keating, Brittany Owen, and Michael Scott (5-0)
• Approved extended time for Brittney Owen and Michael Scott (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 26-05-054 suspending policy 9160 for Heights 100 (5-0)
• Acknowledged first reading of amended Policy 3122.01
• Acknowledged first reading of amended Policy 4122.01

Regular Session

The Board of Education will hold a regular session following an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. The agenda includes a consent agenda approving retirements, resignations, new appointments, and other routine items. Public comments will be heard, and student representatives will report on high school news.

• Executive session to discuss employee appointments, compensation, and pending litigation
• Retirements of Hannah Reid and Karen Work-Heinsbergen (instructional specialists) and others
• Resignation of Lindsay Baar, Coordinator of Student Services
• New appointment of Yulander Knox-Taylor as Cleaner at $15.61/hour
• Summer assignments for PreK camp and IEP team members at $44.00/hour

The Board approved a reduction-in-force (RIF) eliminating 27 positions and suspending contracts for 21 named employees due to financial reasons, effective the 2026-2027 school year. The Board also approved a consent agenda including personnel changes, field trips, donations, and an electricity purchase agreement. A resolution opposing federal cuts to public education funding was passed unanimously.

• Approved elimination of 27 positions due to RIF (5-0)
• Approved suspension of 4 administrative contracts due to RIF (5-0)
• Approved suspension of 10 certified staff contracts due to RIF (5-0)
• Approved suspension of 7 classified/non-teaching contracts due to RIF (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including retirements, resignations, new appointments, and leaves (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Ohio Schools Council for Electricity Purchase Program (5-0)
• Approved resolution opposing federal cuts to public education funding (5-0)
• Approved final reading of 15 policies in Group C (5-0)

Special Session

The Board of Education convened a special session and immediately voted to enter executive session to discuss personnel, property sale, legal disputes, confidential matters, and security protocols. No public business was conducted.

• Executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(1) for personnel matters
• Executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(2) for property sale at competitive bidding
• Executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(3) to meet with legal counsel on pending litigation
• Executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(4) for confidential matters
• Executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(6) for security arrangements and emergency protocols

The Board of Education held a special meeting that consisted entirely of moving into executive session and then adjourning. No substantive public decisions were made; the only actions were approving the executive session and adjourning the meeting.

• Approved motion to enter executive session (4-0, Resolution 26-04-042)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (4-0, Resolution 26-04-043)

Work Session

The Board of Education held a work session that began with an executive session to discuss personnel, property sale, legal disputes, confidential matters, and security protocols. The board then approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions (retirements, resignations, new appointments, status changes, and name changes) and finance items. No other substantive discussion or decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Approved retirement of Andrea Clay, Paraprofessional at Noble, effective 5/29/2026
• Accepted resignations of 8 staff members including Speech Language Pathologist Reeva Perse and 7 paraprofessionals
• Approved new appointments: Adeline Foster ($52,392) and Najah Thornton ($72,337) as Intervention Specialists at Cleveland Heights High School
• Approved numerous summer assignments and substitute positions at $44.00/hour
• Approved status changes for custodial and bus driver positions

The Board of Education held a special meeting and approved the consent agenda, which included personnel actions (retirements, resignations, new appointments, and status changes) and financial items. The board also approved payment of purchase orders totaling over $1.26 million, including tuition for out-of-district students and emergency repairs. A moment of silence was held for a student who passed away, and the board acknowledged second readings of several policies.

• Approved consent agenda (Resolution 26-04-040) including personnel and finance items (5-0)
• Approved retirement of Andrea Clay, Paraprofessional at Noble, effective 5/29/2026
• Approved resignations of 8 staff members, including Reeva Perse (Speech Language Pathologist) and 7 paraprofessionals
• Approved new appointments for 2 certified staff, 1 classified staff, and numerous summer assignments
• Approved changes of status for 5 classified staff, including promotions to Assistant Custodian and Head Custodian
• Approved name change for Taylor Bryant to Taylor Burdine
• Approved March 2026 financial reports
• Approved payment of purchase orders totaling $1,262,068.01, including $1.245M for out-of-district tuition and $17,068.01 for emergency repairs

Regular Session

The Board of Education will vote on a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel retirements, resignations, new appointments, and other routine items. Public comments are limited to 45 minutes with 3-minute speaking slots. The meeting also includes recognition of art show winners, reading challenge participants, and staff members of the month.

• Approval of retirement for Robert Manning, Head Security Monitor at CHHS, effective 7/17/2026
• New appointments include three classified staff at Gearity and Oxford schools with hourly wages from $15.02 to $17.64
• Athletic supplemental assignments approved for lacrosse, baseball, and track coaches with salaries up to $3,942
• Resignations accepted for four staff members including a certified intervention specialist and three classified staff
• Termination of Carmella Williams, Paraprofessional - SPED at Gearity, due to unsuccessful probation

Work Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions (resignations, new appointments, status changes, extended time) and finance items, including a $300,000 amendment to the Food Services Fund and payment of purchase orders totaling $15,226. The board also approved a resolution authorizing third-grade English language arts testing in paper format for 2026-2027 and received a Pre-K update as a discussion item.

• Approved $300,000 FY26 appropriations amendment for Food Services Fund
• Approved payment of $12,106 to North Ridgeville City Schools for transportation services and $3,120 to Nicole Gerami LLC for SLP services
• Approved resignation of Amanda Zapotechne, Coordinator of C&I, effective July 28, 2026
• Approved new appointment of Amanda Zapotechne as Roxboro Elementary School principal at $124,746 salary
• Approved resolution authorizing third-grade English language arts testing in paper format for 2026-2027

Special Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a special session on March 11, 2026, approving a consent agenda that included personnel and education services items. The board accepted the resignation of Laura Bates, Supervisor of Federal Programs and Grants, effective March 20, 2026, and approved 8th-grade field trips to Washington, DC for Roxboro and Baumgardner Middle Schools on March 17, 2026. The board also gave final approval to Policy 5112 (Entrance Requirements) and a new Policy 5115 (Early Entrance Requirements for Kindergarten and First Grade). The meeting concluded with a vote to adjourn into executive session to discuss employee matters and pending legal disputes.

• Approval of resignation of Laura Bates, Supervisor of Federal Programs and Grants, effective 3/20/2026
• Approval of 8th-grade field trips to Washington, DC for Roxboro and Baumgardner Middle Schools on 3/17/2026
• Final reading and approval of Policy 5112 (Entrance Requirements)
• Final reading and approval of new Policy 5115 (Early Entrance Requirements for Kindergarten and First Grade)
• Adjournment into executive session to discuss employee matters and pending legal disputes

Regular Session

The Board of Education is meeting to approve a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel changes, and routine business. The consent agenda includes the retirement of a teacher, several resignations, new appointments for custodial and paraprofessional staff, and coaching assignments for spring sports. The board will also hear a student report and public comments.

• Retirement of Karen Hodson, fourth grade teacher at Rox El, effective 5/30/2026
• Resignations of four classified staff and one supplemental staff member
• New appointments: Matthew Cox (cleaner, $15.61/hr), Michael Lauer (assistant custodian, $26.35/hr), Madison Shumaker (lunch non-paraprofessional, $15.02/hr)
• Summer school coordinator appointment for Lisa Husain at $42.00/hour
• Athletic coaching appointments including track, lacrosse, flag football, and softball coaches with salaries ranging from $3,154 to $8,672

Special Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education will hold a special session to discuss first readings of Board Policy 5115 on early entrance requirements for kindergarten and first grade and Policy 5112 on entrance requirements. The board also approved a consent agenda including a $74,464.88 FY26 appropriations amendment.

• First reading of Board Policy 5115: Early Entrance Requirements for Kindergarten and First Grade (birthdays prior to January 1)
• First reading of Board Policy 5112: Entrance Requirements
• Approval of FY26 appropriations amendment totaling $74,464.88 (Public School Support Fund $50,000, Auxiliary Services Fund $24,464.88)
• Consent agenda approved by unanimous vote (5-0)

Board Retreat

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a retreat on February 21, 2026, at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. The agenda included only procedural items (roll call and adjournment) and a discussion of district goals. The sole action was a motion to adjourn, which carried unanimously.

• Meeting was a retreat, not a regular business meeting.
• Agenda included a discussion item on 'District Goals' but no specific proposals or votes on that topic are recorded.
• The only action taken was a motion to adjourn, moved by Dan Heintz and seconded by Kathi Howard-Primes.
• All five board members voted in favor of adjournment: Dan Heintz, Phil Trimble, Gabe Crenshaw, Tom E. Hodgkiss-Lilly, and Kathi Howard-Primes.

Work Session

The Board of Education approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions and a financial forecast for FY26-FY29. The meeting began with an executive session to discuss pending litigation with legal counsel. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved financial forecast for FY26-FY29
• Approved retirement of Robert O'Deens, math teacher at CHHS, effective 6/1/2026
• Approved resignations including Rebekah Sharpe, middle school principal at Roxboro Middle, effective 7/31/2026
• Approved new appointments including Taylor Harris as long-term substitute at Gearity at $260.56/day and Ashley Aiken as school bus driver at $21.94/hour
• Approved change of status for Edward Handsome from cleaner at $18.66/hour to skilled laborer at $23.34/hour

Regular Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a regular session on February 3, 2026. The board approved a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions (retirements, resignations, new appointments, and status changes), a field trip, and resolutions declaring transportation impractical for certain schools. A first reading of the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar was also presented for discussion.

• Approved retirement of Head Custodian Tony Dean (Baumgardner), effective 5/1/2026
• Approved new appointments including long-term substitutes at Oxford Elementary and Gearity Professional Development School, and a district substitute nurse
• Approved field trip for DECA State Competition in Columbus, Ohio
• Approved resolutions declaring transportation impractical for Proactive Behavior Services, Menlo Park Academy, and Julie Billiart Brecksville
• First reading of proposed district calendar for 2026-2027 school year

Work Session

The Board of Education held a work session that included an executive session to discuss employee matters and legal disputes. The board then approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions (retirements, resignations, new appointments, salary changes, status changes, and leaves) and finance items. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions or public hearings.

• Approval of retirement of Principal Michele (Shelley) Pulling from Roxboro Elementary effective 6/30/2026
• Approval of resignations of Andre Cash (Skilled Laborer) and Emelia Holdbrook-Smith (General Office - Attendance)
• Approval of new appointment of Jaimar Patton as Cleaner at Baumgardner Middle School at $15.61/hour
• Approval of salary changes for seven employees, including Garrett Dasco from $50,766 to $55,152
• Approval of change of status for 26 classified staff members from probationary to regular status

Regular Session

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education is meeting to approve a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions (resignations, new appointments, status changes, salary changes, leaves, extended time), and education services (field trips). The board will also hear public comments and recognize School Board Recognition Month.

• Approval of resignations: Jerrica Oliver, Nurse Paraprofessional at Boulevard/District, effective 12/8/2025
• New appointments: Mary Jackson, Virginia McCormac, Beth Gobieski, Carla Bailey, Marie Hanna, Jane Hallisy, Timothy McDonald as Academic Success Tutors or Long Term Substitute; Michelle Anderson, Emerson Bloomberg, Patricia Wilburn as AVID Tutors or Paraprofessional
• Change of status: Chayla Barnes, Frederick Brown, Jonathan Ross, Verna Stanford; supplemental assignment changes for Sarah Parker and Lisa Simon
• Change in salary: Mikia Searcy from $105,877.04 to $106,617.04
• Approval of field trip: CHHS Lessons of the Holocaust, Washington, DC

Organizational Meeting

This is the annual organizational meeting of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education. The board will elect a president and vice president, appoint a treasurer pro tem, and administer the oath of office to three newly elected members. A consent agenda of routine business items, including setting meeting dates, board compensation, legal counsel, and financial authorizations, will be approved by a single vote.

• Oath of office administered to newly elected board members Dan Heintz, Thomas Hodgkiss-Lilly, and Kathi Howard-Primes
• Election of Board President and Vice President for 2026
• Approval of board member compensation at the maximum rate permitted by Ohio law
• Approval of the alternative tax budget for FY27
• Authorization of a $3 million maximum for blanket purchase orders