Cleveland Heights-University Height Board of Education meeting highlights 7-17-12
JULY 17, 2012
- Meadowbrook-Lee project
- Bellefaire lease agreement
- Facilities plan
- Career and technical education
All board members were present.
Meadowbrook-Lee project
Mayor Edward Kelley and the Meadowbrook job development group presented the proposed Meadowbrook-Lee project. Because the city owns the property, it currently generates no property taxes. The mayor petitioned the board to consider an 11-year tax abatement of 80 percent in order to sell this property. The company that developed Bluestone on Mayfield and was involved in the Kenilworth Mews development has proposed an upscale mixed-use building with first floor offices and retail. It will be a “green” building and will make an impact on the community and the local economy. Tax abatement has been petitioned for and approved on this property before, but the projects failed. However, because of the nature of the new project, Mayor Kelley felt it was important again to approach the board. The board was interested in the proposal and would contact the mayor.
Bellefaire lease agreement
The board approved extension of the existing Bellefaire lease agreement, which will conclude the remaining year at the site.
Facilities plan
The board discussed the facilities report and the reaction to the proposed bond issue received at the July 16 community forum. The board unanimously decided to postpone the levy until next year when they feel they will have a better plan and community support.
Career and technical education
John DiSabato, coordinator of career and technical education, gave a presentation on the Tri-Heights Prep Consortium, a program instituted in 2011–12 comprising a partnership with the Shaker Heights, Warrensville Heights and Cleveland Heights high schools, with Cleveland Heights being the lead district. The courses offered provide training in a designated skill, and students take academic classes as well. An advisory committee is composed of the districts’ superintendents. The operating costs are weighted with funds from Perkins Grants, and tuition from Shaker Heights and Warrensville Heights. Cleveland Heights, the receiving district, is responsible for the initial expenses. The career and technical programs are health services, transportation and engineering science. Each of these is divided among the small schools at Heights High. Legacy teaches auto, engineering and exercise science; Mosaic teaches audio engineering and cosmetology; and Renaissance teaches business management and criminal justice. DiSabato explained that the program must be marketed, even as a middle school exploratory program. At this time, classroom teachers promote the classes, but because enrollment has been low some classes have been cancelled for the year. Partnerships should be developed with local hospitals, universities and businesses. Marketing must include a new website with Tri-Heights specifics. The consortium must include strong programs, inform all eighth graders about program availability, and have survey courses in the tenth grade. The board said more research must be done.
LWV observer: Lillian Houser.
These meeting summaries are abstracted from LWV observers’ written reports. The summaries have been edited and prepared by Anne McFarland, Charlene Morse, and Maryann Barnes. To receive e-mail postings of full reports, send an e-mail to mbarnes9515@gmail.com or join through Google groups using “lwv-chuh observer reports” as a search phrase.
These reports contain member observation and selected highlights of public meetings and are not official statements of the Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters Cuyahoga Area. This disclaimer must accompany any redistribution of these reports.