Community member urges accountability as school board members terms expire amidst lawsuits

The Cleveland Heights City Council meeting held on May 5, 2025, addressed several pressing community concerns, particularly regarding the local school board and ongoing leadership issues within the city.

The meeting began with a public comment from a resident who highlighted significant allegations against three current school board members—Heinz, Sereni, and Lewis—whose terms are set to expire. The resident pointed out that these board members were implicated in lawsuits filed by nearly a dozen current or former students, alleging mismanagement, mistreatment, and retaliation by school administrators during their tenure. The speaker urged community members to consider running for the school board, emphasizing the need for accountability and better leadership in the district.

Additionally, the resident called for increased public engagement in school board meetings and encouraged voters to reconsider their support for the incumbents in the upcoming November ballot. The speaker also referenced a recent presentation by the Cleveland Crisis Center, which reminded attendees of the importance of ongoing awareness and action regarding student safety and assault allegations.

The discussion then shifted to city leadership, with a pointed remark directed at a council member, Saryn, calling for their resignation due to perceived dysfunction and negative media coverage surrounding city hall.

Following this, David Shegley, a long-time resident and union member, addressed the council regarding a resolution under consideration, thanking them for their attention to the matter.

Overall, the meeting underscored significant concerns about school governance and city leadership, with calls for greater community involvement and accountability. The council's next steps will likely involve addressing these issues as they prepare for upcoming elections and ongoing community discussions.