The Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District is currently commencing one of the most exciting and far-reaching projects in its 100+-year history: Phase 1 of the School Facilities Renovation Plan. The community’s overwhelming passage (59% in favor) of Issue 81 in 2013 paved the way to launch a $159 Million revitalization effort that will completely renovate Cleveland Heights High School and the two of the District’s middle schools (Monticello and Roxboro), replacing outdated and costly building systems and updating the schools to operate efficiently in the 21st Century. Work on the buildings will be completed in 2019. The community will then decide on Phase 2, which will address the facilities needs at the District’s elementary schools.
A Facilities Accountability Committee (FAC) has been selected to monitor and regularly report to the Board of Education regarding the status, progress and expenditure of funds for Phase 1. The Board of Education has attempted to include on the Committee a diverse representation from a cross-section of stakeholders including parents, non-parent residents, business owners, labor members and other community members, as well as to represent geographically and demographically diverse residents. Membership on the FAC is limited to residents, a Board liaison and one city liaison each from Cleveland Hts., University Hts. and South Euclid.
Another way the District has encouraged the CH-UH community to be involved in the facilities planning is through attendance and input at its Community Meetings series, open to residents, staff, parents and students. The series of meetings kicked off February 6 and have been held regularly through summer of 2014.
“Transparency in all aspects, and helpful community input, are vital to our public as we proceed in this exciting time of new designs and buildings to come,” said Director of Communications and Community Engagement Angee Shaker. “Look for the ‘Create the Future’ slogan and logo chosen for Phase 1 of the Facilities Plan in the District's print and electronic communications to signify facilities information. Shaker explained that, “the "Create the Future" slogan and logo were designed to communicate the different aspects of planning, designing, building and completing the new District facilities. We are creating a new future for our District when we renovate and revitalize the spaces in which our students learn.” The image of a school clock-tower sitting atop a black and gold paintbrush was chosen to reflect the historic core of Cleveland Heights High School that will be preserved. The paintbrush is intended to symbolize the action of creating, with the paintbrush handle open for the hands of District staff, students and community members.
