Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education meeting highlights 3-31-2021

MARCH 31, 2021 special meeting

• Policy review
• Reopening in-person classes

Present were Board President James Posch; members Dan Heintz, Jodi Sourini, and Beverly Wright; Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby; and Treasurer Scott Gainer. Board Member Malia Lewis was absent. The meeting was short, only 28 minutes.

Policy review

Dr. Paul Lombardo, assistant superintendent, presented the second reading of the policy 2266 "Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities.” Mr. Heintz asked how third party venders were informed of board policies? Dr. Lombardo and Ms. Kirby said there was a need to make a special effort to help people understand this policy. Policies are posted on the website.

Reopening in-person classes

Superintendent Kirby presented the reopening update for the fourth quarter and the five-day-per-week option. Students can choose between fully in-person, fully remote, and hybrid models. Those choosing the fully in-person model include 73.2 percent of K-5 families, 53.4 percent of 6-8 families, and 35.6 percent of Heights High School families.

The district will receive rapid COVID testing kits for family and staff, which will be accessible for anyone who wants one. The operations team has been working with principals to ensure three feet of separation for classrooms and six feet for lunchrooms. Use of cleaning supplies comply with board of health guidance for safe use in classrooms. Masking continues to be emphasized. Food service has resumed in the schools and pickup is provided for remote and hybrid learners.

Ms. Sourini requested clarification of how students returning from hybrid and remote learning were to be acclimated to the new procedures of in-person instruction.

Mr. Posch asked about furniture needs for spacing and guidance for students hesitant to return to full in-person. Ms. Kirby said that counselors and social workers were reaching out to families.

LWV Observer, Rosemarie Fairman.

Documents for all board meetings can be accessed from the Board of Education webpage: www.chuh.org/BoardofEducation.aspx. Go to “BoardDocs” in the left frame menu; on Board Docs go to “MEETINGS” in the top menu; click on “Agenda.” 

Board meetings are livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/CHUHSchools) and recorded for later viewing.