Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education work session highlights 6-19-2018
JUNE 19, 2018
- Middle school facilities update
- Board approvals and contract awards
- Minority participation in AP courses
- OCR review of discipline practices
President James Posch, Vice President Jodi Sourini, Dan Heintz, Malia Lewis and Beverly Wright were present. Superintendent Dr. Talisa Dixon and Treasurer Scott Gainer were also present. The meeting began at 6:05 p.m. and adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Middle school facilities update
Project Management Consultants reported on progress in the Monticello and Roxboro middle schools. At Monticello, the plumbing, HVAC and electrical subcontractors have started temporary services and cutting and capping. At Roxboro, the electrical subcontractor has begun putting temporary power and electric services in place. At both sites, demolition and abatement are continuing. PSI (a consulting firm working with the construction company) is on site to monitor the abatement activities. Because most of the demolition is complete, no unexpected issues are likely to arise. A full report can be found on BoardDocs at the district website: http://www.chuh.org/BoardofEducation.aspx
Board approvals and contract awards
The board approved the Heights Libraries alternative tax budget and sent it to the county. They also approved contracts for construction of the high school baseball/softball field dugouts, repair of the Roxboro tennis courts, and improvement of the Oxford playground.
Minority participation in AP courses
Alisa Lawson-McKinnie, tenth-grade assistant principal, reported a 39 percent increase in minority registration in advanced placement (AP) courses for 2018-2019 as compared to 2017-2018.
OCR review of discipline practices
Karen Anderson, student services director, reported on the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) compliance review. In 2014, the district became part of an OCR compliance review concerning potential discrimination in disciplinary action taken against black as compared to white students in regard to all disciplinary practices. The OCR found that the district’s disciplinary practices were carried out in a discriminatory fashion because black students were disciplined more frequently and more harshly than similarly situated white students. Systemic inconsistency in disciplinary sanctions and practices was present in regard to black and white students.
In response to the compliance review findings, the district’s discipline task force has developed and will implement a new Student Code of Conduct Guide, based on OCR-specified criteria. The guide was developed under the guidance of UpSlope Solutions, a consulting group with expertise in employee conduct, student behavior and special education.
After the OCR and board approve the conduct guide for the 2018-19 school year, copies will be made available to students in print, online, and in the central office at each school.
LWV Observer: Adele Cohn.
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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 of Greater Cleveland. This disclaimer must accompany any redistribution of these reports.