The Cleveland City Schools Board of Education approved three facilities motions in a single meeting: a full replacement of the cooling tower at Ross Elementary, installation of a marquee sign at Candies Creek Cherokee Elementary using easement funds, and the contingent purchase of a nearby 1.84-acre property at 920 Mouse Creek Road.

Board members said quick action was needed on the cooling tower because lead times for ordering a replacement are long and the existing unit is deteriorated. Facilities director Hal Taylor told the board the district was "looking at 400,000 to have a cooling tower replaced and installed." Board members voted to approve the purchase and installation so work can proceed during the off season.

The Candies Creek sign project will use funds the district received from selling an easement for road construction; staff estimated the sign and associated electrical work at "around $8,000." The approved sign will be internally lit; electrical work will be performed in-house as much as possible.

On a separate motion the board approved pursuing purchase of 920 Mouse Creek Road, contiguous to Yates Primary and the district annex. Superintendent Dr. Elliott described the plan as a strategic acquisition to preserve nearby land for future district needs and said the board's approval is contingent on city-council approval and satisfactory inspections. "The amount that we are talking about is $475,000," Elliott said. Staff told the board the lot measures approximately 1.84 acres and that the main building is likely "somewhere around 3,000 square feet" (an estimate to be confirmed during inspection).

Votes and movers: The Ross cooling tower motion was made by Renee Diamond and seconded by Carolyn Ingram. The Candies Creek sign motion was seconded by Peggy Pesterfield and carried. The property purchase motion was moved by Matthew Coleman and seconded by Jody Riggins. For each motion the board clerk recorded unanimous approval of those present.

Next steps: Facilities staff will begin procurement and scheduling for the cooling tower replacement and work with district electricians on sign installation. The property acquisition will proceed only if inspections are satisfactory and the Cleveland City Council approves the transaction; staff said they will invite board members to participate in inspections.