April 7, 2025 Regular Meeting Summary

The Shaker Heights Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on April 7, 2025 (rescheduled from April 1). Highlights from the meeting include:

Call to Order & Welcome

Board President Lora Cover opened the rescheduled meeting with a statement reflecting on the recent tragedy at the Shaker Heights Public Library. She emphasized the need for unity, healing, and community support for all students and families affected. Superintendent Dr. David Glasner echoed her sentiments, stressing the importance of community, compassion and resilience. He commended library and school staff for creating a welcoming, safe space for students in the days following the tragedy.

Honors & Recognitions

Dr. Glasner shared several celebratory moments:

• More than 250 students participated in spring break trips for language study, service, athletics and cultural exchanges.
• 40 students received travel scholarships through the Shaker Schools Foundation’s Travel Assistance Fund.
• Tito Vasquez, a high school intervention specialist, was honored as Shaker Heights Citizen of the Year for assisting a police officer in need.
• A successful Night for the Red & White raised over $42,000 for the Foundation.
• 7th graders held a Renaissance Fair showcasing student-led IB projects.
• The community mourned the loss of Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, a civil rights leader with deep ties to Shaker Heights.

Public Comment

Several community members, staff and students shared feedback, with the majority addressing the proposed reduction in the District’s English Language Learners (ELL) staffing. Others spoke about school safety concerns, student behavior and discipline, and fiscal transparency in relation to District priorities like IB and detracking.

Finance & Audit Committee Presentation

Anita Miller, Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee, presented the committee's findings and recommendation regarding the District’s financial outlook:

Key Takeaways:

• Ohio House Bill 920 limits the District’s ability to increase revenue from property tax levies, even as property values rise. Revenue remains flat while costs (especially salaries and benefits, which make up 80% of the budget) naturally increase.
• The District has not passed a general operating levy since 2014, which is highly unusual. The 3-mill operating levy passed in 2023 was designated for the preschool initiative, not general operations.
• The District is projected to drop below the recommended 90 days cash on hand in FY27 and may face negative cash balances by FY30 unless a new operating levy is passed.

Scenarios Explored:

• The committee analyzed multiple levy timing and millage scenarios.
• The recommended path is to place a 9.9-mill operating levy on the November 2025 ballot, with a second 9.9-mill levy in November 2028 to maintain fiscal stability. This would require Board action in May or June.
• Even with these levies, the District will continue deficit spending, and further expense reductions of at least $1 million annually are needed.

Reasons for Urgency:

• Waiting beyond November 2025 would significantly increase the risk of fiscal instability.
• Without action, the District could face state oversight or loss of local control due to fiscal caution or emergency status.
• The recommendation reflects a desire to balance revenue generation with fiscal responsibility and avoid deeper cuts to programs and staffing.

Facilities Update

Assistant Superintendent Jeff Grosse shared updates on key facilities projects:

Ludlow Preschool Center:

• Renovations are underway at the former Ludlow Elementary building to prepare it for the expanded Early Learning Center, opening Fall 2025.
• Design planning and initial construction activities are progressing, with a strong focus on accessibility, security, and appropriate learning environments for preschoolers.

Woodbury and Middle Years Building:

• Planning continues for re-roofing projects and upgrades to HVAC systems.
• Woodbury’s facilities are being prepped to host the High School Marching Band Camp this summer while High School construction continues.

High School:

• Phase 1 renovations are in progress, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades and improvements to arts and performance spaces.
• The District is coordinating with staff to ensure construction schedules minimize disruption to teaching and learning.
   

Superintendent’s Report & Legislative Advocacy

Dr. Glasner shared updates on statewide school funding issues:

• He and Treasurer Donté Hayes expressed concern over uncertainty with state funding, especially the potential rollback of the Fair School Funding Plan.
• Current proposals could reduce District funding significantly, further stressing the importance of local revenue sources and levy planning.
• The District continues to advocate for fair, adequate state education funding.
   

Upcoming Meetings

• Board Work Session: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
• Next Regular Board Meeting: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
   

Disclaimer: This summary was generated using AI based on the available meeting transcript. While efforts were made to ensure accuracy, it may contain errors or omissions. For official records and full context, please refer to the official meeting minutes or video recording provided on shaker.org.