June 10, 2025 Regular Meeting Summary

The Shaker Heights Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on June 10, 2025. Highlights from the meeting include:

Call to Order & Welcome

Board President Lora Cover called the meeting to order. All members were present. The Board approved minutes from the May 13 Regular Meeting and special sessions on May 2 and May 27.

Honors & Recognitions

Superintendent Dr. David Glasner recognized:

• The Class of 2025 and staff contributions to commencement, especially Laurie Brem.
• End-of-year capstone presentations across multiple grade levels.
• Senior Anna Rosenbaum, recipient of a National Merit Scholarship; she plans to study chemical engineering at the University of Alabama.
• MAC Scholars achievements, including student awards and a Detroit field trip.
• The Girls Track & Field team’s performance at the OHSAA State Meet.
• Middle School students’ participation in the Junior Ohio Model UN conference.

Public Comment

Several speakers advocated for preserving the District’s Latin program at the middle school level, citing its academic and personal impact. A community member encouraged the District to reflect on how it can better support underserved students. 

Woodbury Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Discussion

Assistant Superintendent Jeff Grosse and legal counsel David Riley presented GMP #2 for the Woodbury project:

• GMP #2 covers demolition of the building wings and site preparation for the new construction.
• The project remains within budget
• Tree preservation and utility rerouting are being carefully coordinated.
• The Board later approved this resolution.

Woodbury Design Update

Architects from GPD Group and R.P. Madison presented updated renderings and plans for the new Woodbury building:

• The building design incorporates feedback from the Architectural Board of Review, zoning, and the Facilities Advisory Committee.
• Highlights include a redesigned student dining area, collaboration spaces, updated entries, landscaping buffers and modern brick and stone elements that reflect Shaker Heights’ architectural heritage.
• Classroom wings, a competition pool, gymnasium and music spaces are integrated into the design.
• Accessibility and traffic flow are also being addressed through site planning.

Board Policy Discussion & Action

The Board held required readings of policy revisions, including a proposed change to Policy IKF (Graduation Requirements): Proposes allowing students to receive PE credit for two seasons of interscholastic sports, marching band, cheerleading, or flag corps participation. Seniors (Class of 2026) would be eligible starting in the 2025–2026 school year.

Finance & Budget

Monthly Financial Report

• Cash balance as of April 2025 is down $11.5 million year-over-year due to anticipated salary and expense increases.
• Revenue is $1.2 million under forecast due to delayed property tax payments, many of which are under appeal.
• Year-end (June 30) cash balance is projected to be $51 million.

Additional Financial Approvals

• The Board approved:
  • GMP #2 for Woodbury.
  • The Library Tax Budget for submission to the County Auditor.
  • Authorized depositories for district funds to allow flexibility in managing large deposits.

Legislative & Superintendent’s Update

Dr. Glasner and Treasurer Donté Hayes provided an overview of state budget developments:

• The Senate version of the state budget includes positive movement on the Fair School Funding Plan but uses outdated financial data and retains problematic restrictions on district cash balances.
• Shaker Heights Schools advocates for eliminating caps on cash reserves and maintaining local property tax control.
• Community advocacy continues to be essential, and communications to stakeholders will encourage engagement.

Dr. Glasner also previewed the District’s Leadership Institutes scheduled for June 11-12, which will focus on instructional planning and multi-tiered systems of support.

 

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.