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Mayor Backs Sweeping Cleveland School Mergers Closing 23 Buildings

The board has scheduled a Dec. 9 vote following public comment on the cost-saving consolidation.

Overview

  • CEO Warren Morgan’s Building Brighter Futures plan would operate 29 fewer schools beginning next school year by merging school communities rather than dispersing students.
  • The proposal reduces PreK–8 schools from 61 to 45 and high-school buildings from 27 to 14, and phases out 18 district-owned buildings and five leased sites.
  • District leaders project at least $30 million in annual savings toward a $150 million budget gap, driven largely by reductions in school-based administrative positions.
  • Mayor Justin Bibb and a coalition of pastors endorsed the plan, while the teachers union and several council members sought more time and specifics on safety, transportation, start times and the future of closed properties.
  • The board will take public comment on Nov. 19, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, with one package up for a Dec. 9 vote that includes mergers such as Collinwood High School into Glenville.