Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District public meetings in 2023
25 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a regular session on December 19, 2023, recognizing student achievements and hearing a student report. The board approved a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions (resignations, appointments, status changes, leaves), field trips, and donations. The meeting also included public comments and a spotlight on the Options Program/Tiger Virtual Academy.
- Approved resignations of Heather Calvert (ELA Teacher) and Karl Neitzel (Social Studies Teacher)
- Approved new appointment of Jacques Smith as Paraprofessional at Roxboro Middle School at $18.16/hour
- Approved field trips for baseball to Cocoa Beach, FL, basketball and cheer to Phoenix, AZ, and HBCU trip to Nashville, TN
- Accepted donations: $125 to Fairfax Elementary, $250 to Monticello Middle, $500 in gift cards to CTE Consortium
- Approved unpaid medical leave for Samir Bolden and SERS disability retirement for Valerie Sanders
Board Retreat
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a retreat on December 9, 2023, approving a consent agenda of personnel actions including retirements, resignations, new appointments, and status changes. The board also discussed facilities as a retreat topic. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved retirements of Sally Mascia (Math Teacher), Timothy Scasny (Journalism/Opportunity Lab), and Gary Wroblewski (PE Teacher), effective 5/31/2024
- Approved resignation of Heather Calvert (ELA Teacher) effective 12/8/2024, and several classified staff resignations
- Approved new appointments including Charles Turnbo (Health Teacher, $51,656), Kim Hansen (PE/Health Teacher, $71,869), and multiple paraprofessionals and custodians
- Approved supplemental assignments: Conrad Steward (Conflict Mediation Advisor, $2,246) and Jeremy Holmes (Ice Hockey Assistant Coach, $3,743)
- Discussed facilities as a retreat topic
Library Board Interviews
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District Board of Education is holding a special meeting to interview nine applicants for a trustee position on the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library Board. Following the interviews, the board is expected to take action on appointing a candidate to the library board. The meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the Board Room at 2155 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, OH.
- Interviews with nine applicants: Alicia Sloan, Amanda Hill, Leah Schell-Barber, Elyse Wilson, Hallie Turnberrez, Stacie Hackel Snow, Tanya Allison, H. Lee Crumrine, Eric Silverman
- Action item: Appointment of candidate for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library Board Trustee
Work Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a work session on November 16, 2023, approving a consent agenda covering personnel actions, field trips, and finance items. The board also received updates from student leaders on the MSAN (Minority Student Achievement Network) program at the high school and middle school.
- Approved retirements of 5 certified and 1 classified staff, including Art Teacher Marc Baker and Library/Media Specialist Katherine Lawrence
- Approved new appointments including 21st Century Paraprofessional Arianna Gonzales-Lowe at $16.07/hour and Paraprofessional-Nurse Jennifer Lu at $18.16/hour
- Approved a $776,879 fund transfer from account 599-9323 to 599-9324
- Approved FY24 appropriations amendment of $27,117.30 for the Public School Preschool Fund
- Approved field trips for HS Girls Basketball to Cincinnati, OH and HS Wrestling to Chicago, IL and Powell, OH
Regular Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education will convene in executive session to discuss pending litigation, economic development negotiations, and confidential matters, then reconvene for a regular session. The regular session includes recognitions, student reports, a school spotlight, public comments, and approval of a consent agenda covering minutes, personnel actions, and other routine items.
- Executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(3), (G)(8), and (G)(5) for litigation, economic development, and confidential matters
- Approval of resignations for 6 classified staff and 2 supplemental staff
- Approval of new appointments including Pamela Kuhn (Intervention Specialist, $85,383) and several classified staff
- Approval of supplemental rescissions for Sarah Adair and Jennifer Thomas at $2,994 each
- Termination of Phaedra Foggy (Lunch Non-Paraprofessional) due to unsuccessful probation
Special Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education is holding a special session to act on a consent agenda of personnel and administrative items. The board will vote on retirements, resignations, terminations, new appointments, contract changes, field trips, a vehicle purchase, and financial reports. All items are routine and bundled for a single vote unless a board member requests removal.
- Approval of retirements for Ann Bradley (School Counselor) and Vincent Nemeth (Physical Education)
- Approval of resignations for 8 staff including Ashley Oliver, Brittany Meeks, and Darla Battiste
- Approval of new appointments including Lillie King (Media Ancillary, $36,964) and Dionne Morrison (Alternative Learning Center Ancillary, $30,367)
- Approval of resolution to purchase a Ford F550 Dump Truck
- Approval of field trips for HS French class to Paris/Madrid and MSAN to Madison, WI
Regular Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education is holding its regular session, which includes a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions, and business/finance items. The board will vote on resignations, new appointments, salary changes, and supplemental contracts. Public comments are also scheduled.
- Approval of resignations for certified and classified staff, including Karlin Warren and Travon Brown
- New appointments include Sonya Howell as Intervention Specialist at Roxboro Middle School ($66,434) and Jeffrey Porter for Auto Tech at Heights High ($14,756)
- Supplemental coaching contracts approved, e.g., Ernest Bremer as Boys Basketball Head Coach at Heights High ($8,235)
- Salary changes for five staff, e.g., Robert Adamson from $98,306 to $99,709
- Rescission of supplemental contract for Dennis Kless ($561.50)
Work Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education will hold a work session to consider a consent agenda with personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, new appointments, salary changes, and status changes. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.
- Retirements: Kathryn Craig (Teacher, 5/31/2024), Laverne Jones (Administrative Assistant, 1/8/2024)
- Resignations: Samantha Day, Sharae Durrah, Gregory Nachman, Denise Holcomb, Tascha Renfroe
- New appointments: Jacqueline Blockson (Long Term Substitute, $205.24/day), Emily Lampe (Tutor, $25/hr), Tascha Renfroe (Building Substitute, $37,432), plus classified staff and coaches
- Salary changes for 50+ staff, e.g., Katherine Strine to $95,545, Jonathan Adams to $98,306
- Supplemental assignments for athletics and activities, e.g., Karen Battle (Girls Basketball Head Coach, $8,235)
Regular Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a regular session, beginning with an executive session to discuss pending or imminent court action with legal counsel. The board then approved a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions, education services, and finance items. The agenda also included a presentation on Gearity Elementary's STEM program and an opportunity for public comments.
- Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes, personnel, education services, and finance items
- Accepted resignations of four classified staff members (e.g., Delilah Shedrick, Nathaniel Lightfoot)
- Approved new appointments including a long-term substitute art teacher at $260.52/day and paraprofessionals at $16.07/hour
- Approved supplemental assignments for 2023-2024 across multiple schools (e.g., team leaders at $2,994, TAP at $1,123)
- Held executive session to discuss disputes subject to pending or imminent court action
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 retirements, resignations, new appointments, changes of status, a name change, extended time, and a resolution to dissolve a teacher's contract due to job abandonment. All motions carried unanimously.
- Approved retirement of Nurse Paraprofessional Zhalecia Motley effective 8/16/2023
- Approved resignations of Special Education Paraprofessional Antoine Ligon and Security Monitor Timothy Starks Jr.
- Approved new appointments including 2nd Grade Teacher Marissa Argie at $76,736 and School Psychologist Brenda Abdelrasoul at $305.78/day
- Approved supplemental athletic coaching stipends: $5,615 for Football Assistant Coach Bernard Russ, $3,743 for Soccer Girls Assistant Coach Ryan Langan, $2,994 for Football Assistant Coach Adrian Searight
- Dissolved employment contract of Teacher Jo Anna Dancy due to job abandonment effective 8/22/2023
Work Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a work session on August 15, 2023, and approved a consent agenda covering personnel, business services, and finance items. The agenda included resignations, new appointments, changes of status, and name changes for staff. All items were approved by a single motion, with no items removed for separate discussion.
- Approved resignations of 6 classified staff, including paraprofessionals and lunch non-paraprofessionals.
- Approved new appointments for certificated staff, including teachers and tutors, with salaries up to $51,656.
- Approved new classified staff hires, including paraprofessionals and administrative assistants, with hourly rates up to $23.18.
- Approved supplemental athletic coaching assignments, including head cross country coach at $3,743.
- Approved changes of status for several staff, including bus driver promotions and probationary period completions.
Regular Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a regular session on August 1, 2023, approving a consent agenda that included meeting minutes, personnel actions, and business services. The board also recognized summer programming teams and heard a spotlight on Heights High School's summer professional development and Class of 2027 transition. Public comments were limited to 45 minutes with a 3-minute speaking limit per person.
- Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes from July 6, 10, 11, and 18, 2023
- Accepted retirement of Michael Rich (Tradesperson: Mechanic) effective 7/31/2023
- Accepted resignations of Nicole Gardner (Intervention Specialist) and Margo Murphy-Speight (Math Teacher)
- Approved new appointments including teachers, substitutes, and paraprofessionals with salaries ranging from $14/hour to $83,661
- Approved 2023-2024 school year bus routes and bus stops
Regular Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a regular session on July 11, 2023, where it approved a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions, business services, and finance items. The board also recognized students and staff with awards and heard public comments. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved new appointments including teachers, substitutes, and a school nurse with salaries ranging from $37,432 to $68,633
- Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Jackson Public Schools for TSL Education Grant recruitment and retention
- Approved quarterly contracts for April-June 2023 with vendors including CDW, Community Solutions, and Education Alternatives
- Accepted donations: $249 to Oxford Elementary from Read-A-Thon and golf equipment valued at $4,449.84 to Heights High Athletics
- Declared transportation impractical to six non-public schools including Ruffing Montessori and Mandel JDS
Special Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education is holding a special session to consider a consent agenda of personnel actions, including resignations, status changes, leaves, new appointments, and extended time. The board will also convene in executive session to discuss employee matters. No other substantive business is listed.
- Approval of resignations for 7 staff members, including teachers and office personnel
- Approval of new appointments, including Dean of Students at Roxboro Middle School ($65,834) and School Nurse at Gearity Professional Development School ($68,267)
- Approval of change of status for two employees to Administrative Assistant roles
- Approval of a leave of absence for Sarah Schlafer from 8/17/2023 to 5/31/2024
- Executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(1) for employee matters
Special Session
This is a special session of the Board of Education with a single substantive item: adjourning into executive session to discuss personnel matters such as appointment, employment, or compensation. The rest of the agenda is procedural (roll call, reconvening, adjournment). No decisions or public discussions are scheduled.
- Executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(1) for employee or official matters
- Roll call to open the special session
- Reconvene in open session after executive session
- Adjournment
Work Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a work session on June 27, 2023, where they approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions and financial items. This included accepting resignations, appointing new staff, approving contract changes, extended time, and financial reports. The meeting was largely procedural, with all items passed by a unanimous vote.
- Approved resignations including Director of Curriculum and Instruction Christina Bauer (effective 7/7/2023)
- Approved new appointments including Michael Jenkins as Director of Curriculum and Instruction ($122,885 salary)
- Approved financial reports and five-year forecast for May 2023
- Authorized CFO to make appropriation adjustments through June 30, 2023
- Approved extended time for four administrators at 85% per diem
Regular Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a regular session on June 13, 2023, where it approved a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions, education services, business services, and finance. The board also recognized award-winning art students, the Academic Challenge Team, and staff members, and heard a presentation from Noble Elementary School on family and community engagement.
- Approved resignations of Karen Hansen (Dean of Students) and Michael Taylor (PE Teacher), effective 7/1/2023
- Approved new appointments including Karen Hansen as High School Assistant Principal at $108,271/year
- Approved 2023-2024 insurance proposal for property, liability, and fleet insurance
- Approved out-of-district field trips to Bowling Green, OH and San Francisco, CA
- Approved athletic coaching stipends for 2023-2024, including football head coach at $8,235
Special Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a special session on May 22, 2023, to act on a consent agenda covering personnel matters. The board approved the retirement of Interim High School Principal Alisa Lawson-McKinnie, resignations of two teachers, new appointments including a middle school principal and summer staff, extended time for several employees, and a last chance agreement for a certified staff member. All items were approved unanimously by the four board members present.
- Approved retirement of Interim High School Principal Alisa Lawson-McKinnie, effective 7/31/2023
- Approved resignations of Spanish Teacher Kelcey Saunders and Vocal Music Teacher Brynna Mango, effective 7/1/2023
- Approved appointment of Rebekah Sharpe as Middle School Principal at Roxboro Middle School, salary $109,546
- Approved summer assignments including teachers at $42.00/hour and paraprofessionals at $15.75-$17.80/hour, grant-funded
- Approved extended time for 8 staff members, including 10 days at 85% per diem for Rebekah Sharpe
Work Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a work session that began with an executive session to discuss pending or imminent court action with legal counsel. After reconvening, the board approved a consent agenda covering personnel and finance items, including resignations, a termination, new appointments, contract changes, and administrative contracts. The meeting was largely procedural, with all votes unanimous.
- Approved resignations including Elementary School Principal Florence Masella (effective 6/23/2023) and Spanish Teacher Mark Dougherty (effective 6/6/2023)
- Approved unilateral termination of Paraprofessional Rachael Longstreet effective May 15, 2023
- Approved new appointments including Supervisor of Federal Programs and Grants Laura Bates ($358/day) and Speech Language Pathologist Emily Haynes ($68,033/year)
- Approved administrative contracts for 14 staff, including Assistant Superintendent Felisha Gould and Director of Business & Operations George Petkac
- Entered executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(3) to discuss disputes subject to pending or imminent court action
Work Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a work session on May 2, 2023, and approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, a termination, new appointments, status changes, and leaves of absence. The board also approved numerous summer school and camp positions, many grant-funded, and a softball assistant coach.
- Approved retirement of School Nurse Roseann Varcelli effective 6/30/2023
- Approved resignations of 7 certified and 1 classified staff, including teachers and an intervention specialist
- Approved termination of Cleaner Ronald Hogue due to unsuccessful probation
- Approved new appointment of Alexis Dixon as Lunchroom Non-Paraprofessional at Noble Elementary at $13.98/hour
- Approved summer assignments including Tiger Cub Camp and Summer School staff, with teachers at $42.00/hour
Regular Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a regular session on April 4, 2023, at 2155 Miramar Boulevard. The board approved a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, personnel actions, education services, business services, and finance. The agenda also included recognitions, a student report, and a school spotlight, but no separate public hearings or major policy discussions were listed.
- Approved resignations: Christina Myslenski (Teacher, Health/PE, effective 6/5/2023), Yasmine Bell (Cleaner, 4/1/2023), Nakita Davis-Payne (Lunch Non-Paraprofessional, 4/3/2023), Ann Williams (Paraprofessional, 4/18/2023)
- Approved new appointment: Ray Ohlinger, ELA/Math Support at Oxford Elementary, $75,782 salary, grant-funded, effective 4/5/2023
- Approved change of status: Freddie Crawford promoted from Assistant Custodian to Head Custodian-Grade III at Noble Elementary, $26.70/hour, effective 4/5/2023
- Approved field trips: Heights High Students of Promise to Atlanta, GA and Tuskegee, AL (April 30-May 5), Talent Search Students to Columbus, OH (April 27-29)
- Approved donations: $412.05 to Roxboro Elementary, $630.25 to Heights High Robotics Club, 15 gift cards ($750) to District Art Show
Work Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education will hold a work session to discuss and likely approve a consent agenda covering personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, a termination, new appointments, and contract changes. The board will also consider resolutions for construction bids, a transportation impracticality declaration, and financial reports. A discussion on the MetroHealth/Community Learning Center update is scheduled.
- Approve retirement of Reeva Perse, Speech Language Pathologist, effective 7/1/2023
- Approve new hires including Samuel Ameen (Confidential Administrative Assistant, $48,468/yr) and Matthew Batie (Baseball Head Coach, $2,936)
- Approve termination of Christina Rodgers, Cleaner, due to unsuccessful probation
- Award bids to Jamieson Ricca Company (Noble windows), Tusing Builders (Millikin roof drain repairs, Noble roof replacement)
- Approve $76,608 increase in Miscellaneous Federal Grants Fund appropriations
Work Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a work session on January 24, 2023, where they approved a consent agenda covering personnel, education services, business services, and finance items. The board also entered executive session to discuss pending or imminent court action with legal counsel. The meeting was largely procedural, with all votes unanimous.
- Approved Community Clinical Affiliation Agreement with Cleveland State University School of Nursing
- Approved resignations of Lindsy Self (School Counselor), Jalen Coleman (Paraprofessional), Hassan Harris (Cleaner), Taylor Ware (Nurse-Paraprofessional)
- Approved termination of Nicholle Dixon (Lunch Non-Paraprofessional) due to unsuccessful probation
- Approved new appointments including paraprofessionals and athletic coaches with salaries ranging from $2,936 to $8,074
- Approved salary changes for 11 staff members effective January 14, 2023
Regular Session
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held a regular session on January 3, 2023, primarily acting on a consent agenda that bundled approvals for meeting minutes, personnel actions, and finance items. The board also recognized School Board Recognition Month and heard a spotlight on Roxboro Middle School's Read-a-Thon. Public comments were welcomed under stated guidelines.
- Approved resignations of Jennifer Chatman, Denise Toney, and Candace Tyree
- Approved termination of Nikita Pope due to unsuccessful probation
- Approved new appointments including Amanda Easley ($25/hr) and Nathan Westrich ($36,698)
- Approved tax advance for 2023 from Cuyahoga County
- Approved payment of purchase orders
Organizational Meeting
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education held its organizational meeting to elect a Board President and Vice President for 2023, appoint a Treasurer Pro Tem, and approve a consent agenda of routine annual items. All motions passed unanimously. The agenda is largely procedural, covering standard administrative approvals.
- Elected Board President and Vice President for 2023
- Appointed a Board member as Treasurer Pro Tem
- Approved 2023 IRS mileage rate of 65.5 cents per mile
- Approved $1,500 total petty cash and change funds
- Approved list of District Legal Counsel firms