January 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Summary

Call to Order

The January 13, 2026 Organizational and Regular Meeting of the Shaker Heights City School District Board of Education was called to order at 6 p.m. The meeting was held in person and livestreamed for public viewing. The Board conducted its annual organizational business before transitioning into the regular meeting agenda.

Oath of Office for New Members

In accordance with Ohio law, newly elected and re-elected Board members were sworn in prior to assuming official duties. Lora Cover, Katherine Nielson and James Reed each took the oath of office, formally beginning their terms of service on the Board of Education.

School Board Appreciation

January is School Board Appreciation Month. Second grade students from across the District attended the meeting to share handmade cards and messages of appreciation, representing each elementary school. Students also extended invitations to Board members to attend upcoming fifth grade IB exhibitions. The Board received certificates of appreciation from the Ohio School Boards Association.

Board Nominations & Elections

The Board conducted its annual elections for officer positions. Doug Wang was nominated and elected President of the Board of Education. Lora Cover was nominated and elected Vice President. Both elections were approved by roll call vote.

Facilities Update

District leadership and representatives from Gilbane provided an update on the Woodbury Elementary renovation project. The presentation included an overview of project phases, construction sequencing and timeline milestones. Abatement and selective demolition are largely complete, with foundation and underground work beginning. The project team shared that construction is currently on schedule to meet an August 2027 opening and is currently tracking within the approved budget.

Woodbury Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) 4

As part of the Woodbury renovation, the Board reviewed the fourth Guaranteed Maximum Price package, which includes masonry and structural steel work. The project team explained how breaking the work into multiple GMPs supports schedule efficiency and long-lead material procurement. GMP 4 aligns with the previously reconciled design development budget.

Elementary Schools Renovation and Engagement Plan

Architects from GPD Group and Robert P. Madison International presented information on the scope of work and project timeline for the Lomond and Mercer renovations. A member of the District Communications team shared a plan for community engagement during the elementary design process.

Adoption of Revised 2026-2027 School Calendar

The Board reviewed and approved a revised 2026-2027 school calendar. The revision reflects adjustments necessary to align with operational and instructional planning needs.

Library Trustee Appointment

The Board approved an appointment of Emily Cole-Kelly to the Shaker Heights Public Library Board of Trustees, continuing the District’s partnership with the library system and its shared commitment to student learning and community engagement.

2026-2027 Tax Budget Hearing and Adoption

The Board approved the tax budget for submission. This action allows the District to meet statutory requirements and continue fiscal planning for the upcoming school year.

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.